Yuletide Cheese Celebration

The Ultimate Christmas Cheese Board: Your Guide to a Festive Holiday Charcuterie

Elevate your holiday entertaining with the ultimate Christmas Cheese Board! This comprehensive guide teaches you not only how to craft a stunning holiday charcuterie board for any size gathering but also how to customize it with your favorite seasonal delights, ensuring a truly memorable spread.

Assembled christmas cheese board on slate plate

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About This Christmas Cheese (Charcuterie) Board

While often simply called a “cheese board,” this holiday spread truly blossoms into a full-fledged charcuterie experience. Originally conceived with a focus on cheeses, my passion for crafting impressive charcuterie boards inspired me to transform it. By incorporating an array of cured meats and delightful additional extras, this board becomes a magnificent centerpiece, designed to captivate and satisfy guests at any festive gathering.

The holiday season, with its spirit of joy and togetherness, is the perfect time to bring out a beautifully arranged cheese and charcuterie board. It effortlessly serves as the focal point for countless occasions, whether you’re hosting an elegant Christmas party or simply enjoying a cozy Christmas Day as children play with new toys under the twinkling lights of the tree. Beyond its visual appeal, a well-curated board simplifies holiday entertaining, offering a diverse array of flavors and textures that cater to all tastes without the need for complex cooking.

One of the most appealing aspects of a Christmas charcuterie board is its incredible versatility. While I’ll provide a wealth of suggestions and tried-and-true combinations below, the true magic lies in making it your own. Feel free to adapt my recommendations, swapping in your favorite cheeses, meats, fruits, and accompaniments. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements that will keep your guests coming back for more, sparking conversation and delight with every bite.

Note: This recipe and post is an updated version of the original published on December 13, 2016, with enhanced content and additional tips for your best holiday board yet.

Drizzling honey on a charcuterie platter

What Goes on a Christmas Charcuterie Board?

A Christmas cheese board is more than just an appetizer; it’s a culinary celebration that encapsulates the rich, cozy, and vibrant flavors of the holiday season. This festive board stands out as a truly unique and interactive addition to any holiday gathering, offering an incredible variety of flavors and textures that delight every palate. It’s a wonderful way to showcase the best of seasonal ingredients and feed a crowd effortlessly, freeing you from the stress of preparing complicated individual dishes.

To create a truly spectacular Christmas charcuterie board, you’ll want to include a diverse selection of components. Think about building layers of taste and visual interest. Here’s a general overview of the categories to include:

  • Cheeses: A mix of hard, soft, common, and “funky” cheeses.
  • Meats: A selection of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and soppressata.
  • Crackers & Breads: Various textures and flavors, from crisp crackers to artisan breadsticks.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits that bring color, sweetness, and a touch of tartness.
  • Nuts: Crunchy elements that add healthy fats and a satisfying bite.
  • Spreads & Dips: Jams, honey, and compotes to complement cheeses and meats.
  • Pickled Vegetables: A tangy contrast to rich flavors.
  • Sweet Treats: A hint of chocolate or candy for a true holiday feel.
  • Garnishes: Fresh herbs and decorative elements for that extra festive touch.

This approach allows you to build a board that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with exciting combinations. If you prefer to make your holiday charcuterie board vegetarian, simply omit any meats and expand on the cheese, fruit, nut, and vegetable selections. The possibilities are endless, making it a perfect canvas for your festive creativity.

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Types of Cheese for a Christmas Cheese Board

The foundation of any great cheese board is, of course, the cheese itself! For a balanced and exciting Christmas cheese board, aim for a variety that offers different textures, flavors, and milk types. Here’s a breakdown of the categories to consider:

Hard Cheese. For a robust and firm option, choose a hard cheese that brings a savory depth. While I often lean towards Parmigiano Reggiano for its salty, nutty notes and crumbly texture, any high-quality aged hard cheese will be fantastic. Think mature cheddar, aged gouda, or even a dry Monterey Jack. These cheeses are excellent for slicing or breaking into irregular, rustic chunks, providing a satisfying chew and concentrated flavor. Their intensity pairs beautifully with sweeter fruits and bold meats.

Common Cheese. This category offers familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors that serve as an anchor for your board. Opt for a creamy Havarti, a mild yet flavorful Swiss, or a classic cheddar (white or yellow, sharp or mild). A smoked gouda adds a wonderful dimension of flavor and is a fantastic choice for the holiday season. These cheeses are often softer than hard cheeses but firm enough to slice easily, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone. They provide a comforting, versatile base for pairing with almost any other ingredient on the board.

Soft Cheese. To introduce a luxurious, creamy element, a soft cheese is indispensable. Brie is a quintessential choice; its buttery texture and mild, earthy flavor are incredibly appealing, especially when served at room temperature. A whole wheel of Brie makes for an elegant presentation and is easy for guests to cut into. For an extra festive touch, you can adorn it with vibrant pomegranate arils and a slice of dried orange. Alternatively, a fresh goat cheese (chèvre) offers a delightful tanginess and a crumbly-yet-creamy texture. For this particular board, I love to feature a rich, earthy Humboldt Fog goat cheese, essentially doubling up on the soft cheese category for maximum indulgence. Fresh mozzarella, either in small balls (bocconcini) or a larger log, is another excellent soft cheese option that brings a delicate, milky flavor.

Funky Cheese. Every truly memorable charcuterie board needs a “funky” element to intrigue the palate and add an adventurous note. Blue cheeses, with their distinctive pungent aroma and bold, salty flavor, are perfect for this. Stilton, a classic English blue, offers a milder, creamier entry point to the blue cheese family, making it an excellent choice for a holiday board. Other options include a tangy Roquefort, a creamy Gorgonzola, or a milder Danish blue. If blue cheese isn’t your preference, consider a ripe Camembert, which shares some characteristics with Brie but often has a more pronounced, earthy mushroom flavor. These cheeses provide a fascinating contrast and are often the most talked-about items on the board, pairing wonderfully with honey, fig jam, and crusty bread.

Christmas cheese board platter

Here’s What You’ll Need for Your Festive Board

The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in its flexibility. While I’ll suggest a robust list of ingredients for a truly festive Christmas spread, remember that this is your canvas to personalize. Feel free to substitute with your favorites or what’s readily available!

Cheeses. Aim for a minimum of three distinct types of cheese to provide variety in flavor and texture. For a larger or more elaborate board, you can easily expand this to five or even six different cheeses. Consider a balanced selection: one hard, one soft, one semi-hard (common), and one “funky” cheese for maximum appeal. Examples include aged cheddar, creamy Brie, tangy goat cheese, and a hint of blue cheese.

Meats. Variety is absolutely key when it comes to cured meats. Select a few different types to offer diverse flavors and textures. Prosciutto, with its delicate, salty ribbons, is a classic. Salami, whether a spicy Calabrese or a mild Genoa, adds a satisfying chew and rich flavor. Soppressata brings a wonderful coarse texture and robust taste. Don’t hesitate to explore pre-packaged charcuterie assortments from your local specialty store; they often provide a convenient, pre-sliced selection. For an added layer of crunch and indulgence, I highly recommend including some crispy prosciutto.

Crackers & Breads. Offer a diverse range of vessels for your cheeses and meats. A variety cracker box is a great starting point, providing different shapes, sizes, and flavors. For a fun and unique element, I often include pretzel sticks (Trader Joe’s has excellent ones!) – they were a huge hit on this board, perfect for wrapping with prosciutto and dipping into fig jam. Crunchy breadsticks, artisan flatbreads, or even thinly sliced, toasted baguette pieces also work wonderfully to complement the various toppings.

Seasonal Fruit. Embrace the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of winter fruits. Clementines, cranberries (best used dried or roasted, as raw can be quite tart), juicy grapefruit segments, kiwi slices, tiny kumquats, sweet mandarins, vibrant oranges, crisp pears, unique persimmons, glistening pomegranate arils, tangerines, and the subtle floral notes of quince are all in season and ideal for a Christmas board. These fruits add essential sweetness, tang, and beautiful visual appeal.

Extras. This is where your board truly shines with personal touches!

  • Spreads: Include an assortment of jams, compotes, and honey. Fig jam, apricot preserves, or a festive cranberry jam are excellent choices. Don’t forget a drizzle of sweet honey, or even better, a homemade hot honey for a delightful kick.
  • Crunchy Elements: Nuts are a must! Offer both savory and slightly sweet options. Marcona almonds (buttery and addictive), pistachios, classic almonds, cashews, and pecans provide wonderful texture and flavor contrasts.
  • Pickled Delights: Small gherkins (cornichons) or other pickled vegetables add a much-needed tangy, briny element that cuts through the richness of the cheeses and meats. Think pickled onions or even marinated artichoke hearts.
  • Sweet Indulgences: For a delightful break from savory items, tuck in a few sweet treats. Slices of a chocolate orange add a nostalgic holiday touch, or a scattering of dark chocolate squares. You could even add a candy cane or two for a whimsical, festive touch.
  • Olives: A bowl of mixed olives provides a briny, salty counterpoint to the richer items.

Essential Tools for Your Festive Board

You don’t need a fancy, custom-made charcuterie board that only sees the light of day once a year. A large, sturdy cutting board serves as an excellent, versatile base for your festive spread! I personally love this practical solution because it always looks chic and means you won’t need to find extra storage for specialized serving ware. Any large, clean cutting board – wood, slate, or even marble – will work beautifully.

To efficiently prep all your delicious elements, you’ll need a sharp chef’s knife and a reliable cutting board for slicing, dicing, and arranging. Small serving spoons or spreaders for jams and dips, and possibly a few cheese knives, will also be helpful for your guests.

ingredients for a christmas cheese board
Holiday charcuterie platter building process

How to Assemble Your Christmas Charcuterie Board

Crafting a beautiful charcuterie board is an art, but it’s a simple one! Following a few key steps will help you create a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate spread. Think of building it in layers, starting with the largest items and filling in around them.

1. Start with Bowls

Begin by placing your largest items first: small bowls or ramekins. These are perfect for holding jams, honey, olives, pomegranate seeds, nuts, or any smaller, looser items. Strategically space them out across your board to create anchors and ensure an even distribution of varied elements. This initial placement helps you work around these key features, preventing everything from clumping together and ensuring visual balance.

2. Arrange the Meats

Next, it’s time for the different types of cured meats. You can arrange meats simply in neat rows of slices, but getting creative with presentation truly elevates the board. Try folding pieces in half and fanning them out (like the salami in the photos), creating elegant rosettes from thinly sliced salami, or gently bundling prosciutto into rustic piles. The goal is to make them easy for guests to grab while also adding texture and visual appeal to the board.

3. Place the Cheeses

Before adding your cheeses, prepare them for easy serving. Slice harder cheeses into manageable wedges or cubes, crumble softer varieties like blue cheese, or leave wheels of Brie whole, perhaps with a small knife inserted. I find that pre-slicing harder cheeses like gouda and parmesan makes it much simpler for guests to help themselves. Arrange the cheeses around the bowls and meats, ensuring a good spread across the board. Don’t forget to include small cheese knives or spreaders for each cheese type.

Slate plate with holiday cheese and meats process photo
Assembled christmas cheese board on slate plate

4. Incorporate Fresh Fruit

Now, use your seasonal fruits to start filling in the larger open areas of the board. Thinly sliced pears, fanned-out orange segments, and vibrant pomegranate seeds add bursts of color, freshness, and a natural sweetness. Arranging fruits in appealing rows or clusters not only looks beautiful but also makes them easy for guests to pair with cheeses and crackers.

5. Fill with Extras

With the main components in place, it’s time to add your “extras.” These include nuts, dried fruit, cornichons, and any sweet elements like chocolate. Scatter nuts in empty spaces, tuck dried apricots or figs into nooks, and arrange cornichons in small piles. These smaller items are perfect for filling gaps and adding delightful textural contrasts and flavor bursts throughout the board.

6. Add Finishing Touches

At this stage, your board should be looking abundant and inviting. If you still spot any small gaps or empty corners, this is where fresh herbs, dried citrus slices, or even decorative cinnamon sticks come in handy. Sprigs of fresh rosemary or sage not only look beautiful and festive but also add a wonderful aromatic touch. These final decorative flourishes truly complete your magnificent Christmas charcuterie board, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Holiday party appetizer

Expert Tips and Creative Ideas for Your Holiday Board

Making a show-stopping Christmas charcuterie board can be simple and enjoyable with a few strategic tips and creative ideas:

Prep Ahead Where You Can. The key to stress-free entertaining is doing as much as possible in advance. Many elements of your board can be prepared hours, or even a day, before your gathering. Slice harder cheeses, make a batch of flavorful marinated mozzarella balls, or whip up a delicious cranberry jam. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to assemble, simply take them out and arrange! Just be mindful of fruits that brown quickly, like pears or apples; slice those right before serving.

Utilize Dried Fruit for Flavor and Texture Variety. Dried fruits are an excellent addition to any charcuterie board, especially during the colder months when some fresh fruits are out of season. They provide concentrated sweetness, a chewy texture, and a beautiful visual contrast. Consider incorporating dried cranberries, apricots, figs, dates, or even dried orange slices. They pair wonderfully with nuts, cheeses, and meats, offering a different dimension to your festive spread.

Aim for Simplicity and Balance. While it’s tempting to include every gourmet item you can find, remember that simple is often best. Focus on a well-balanced selection of flavors and textures rather than sheer quantity. You don’t need every type of meat or cheese available. A curated selection that offers contrasting profiles – something salty, something sweet, something creamy, something crunchy, something tangy – will be far more appreciated than an overwhelming array. Don’t feel pressured to go over the top; a thoughtfully composed board, even with fewer items, makes a big impact.

More easy board ideas to try: Fall Charcuterie Board| Tailgating Snack Board | BBQ Charcuterie Board | Fruit Charcuterie Board | Italian Charcuterie Board | Easy Charcuterie Board

Brie, honey, cranberry jam, and crackers on a platter

What Fruits Can You Put on This Board?

You might be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of vibrant and delicious winter fruits that can adorn your festive Christmas charcuterie board! Embracing seasonal produce not only ensures peak flavor but also adds natural beauty and festive colors to your spread. For this particular board, I focused on a delightful quartet of pears, persimmons, oranges, and glistening pomegranate arils. These four choices offer a fantastic mix of sweetness, texture, and visual appeal, providing plenty of variety for your guests.

However, the winter fruit season offers even more wonderful options if you’re looking to expand your selection. Here’s an extended list of fruits that are typically in season during winter and would be excellent additions:

  • Clementines: Small, sweet, and easy to peel, adding bright citrus notes.
  • Cranberries: While raw cranberries can be quite tart, dried cranberries offer a chewy sweetness, and roasted cranberries provide a burst of festive flavor.
  • Grapefruit: Pink or red grapefruit segments add a beautiful color and a refreshing tangy-sweet contrast.
  • Kiwi: Sliced kiwi offers a vibrant green color and a unique, slightly tropical tartness.
  • Kumquats: These tiny, edible-skin citrus fruits can be sliced or served whole for a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
  • Mandarins: Similar to clementines, they’re sweet, juicy, and easy to incorporate.
  • Tangerines: Another sweet and zesty citrus option.
  • Quince: Though often cooked, thinly sliced raw quince can offer a delicate, aromatic, and slightly astringent note that pairs well with rich cheeses.

When selecting your fruits, prioritize ripeness and visual appeal. A good mix of colors, from the deep reds of pomegranate to the bright oranges of citrus and the subtle greens of kiwi, will make your board truly pop!

How Long Can Your Charcuterie Board Sit Out?

To ensure both optimal flavor and food safety, it’s crucial to observe some guidelines for how long your Christmas cheese board can sit out. A key tip for serving any charcuterie board, especially one featuring an array of meats and cheeses, is to present it at room temperature. This allows the cheeses to soften slightly, bringing out their full flavor profiles, and the meats to become more aromatic and pliable. So, take your board out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before your guests arrive, allowing everything to come to temperature.

However, once your board is out and ready for grazing, there’s a strict time limit to keep in mind. Due to the perishable nature of many ingredients, particularly meats and some cheeses, the board should not linger at room temperature for more than 2 hours in total. This two-hour rule is a general food safety guideline to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, especially when temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). If your event extends beyond this timeframe, or if the ambient temperature is particularly warm, it’s best to package up any remaining meats and cheeses separately. Store them promptly in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe for later enjoyment.

How to Decorate a Holiday Charcuterie Board?

Decorating your holiday charcuterie board is all about embracing the festive spirit and adding those special touches that make it truly sparkle. I love to incorporate seasonal elements that reflect the time of year, no matter what month it is. For a Christmas board, this means focusing on natural, aromatic, and visually appealing winter-themed decorations.

Here are some of my favorite ways to adorn a holiday charcuterie board:

  • Fresh Herbs: Hearty, fragrant herbs like rosemary and sage are ideal. Tuck small sprigs of rosemary into gaps on the board; their pine-like scent and deep green color instantly evoke a festive evergreen feel. Sage leaves also add a beautiful, subtle texture and a lovely aroma.
  • Dried Citrus Slices: These are a game-changer for holiday decor. Dried wheels of oranges, lemons, and limes add a rustic yet elegant touch. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns fill empty spaces beautifully and provide a wonderful natural aesthetic. Plus, if you pick up a bag of dried citrus, you can use some for your board and save the rest to garnish festive holiday cocktails or warm drinks.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: A few strategically placed cinnamon sticks add a lovely warm aroma and a touch of natural beauty. Their rustic appearance fits perfectly with a cozy holiday theme.
  • Star Anise Pods: These aromatic spices offer a unique star shape and a beautiful, dark contrast against lighter cheeses and fruits. Use them sparingly as decorative accents.
  • Small Cookie Cutters: For an extra whimsical touch, use mini holiday-themed cookie cutters (like stars or trees) to cut shapes out of some of your firmer cheeses.
  • Edible Flowers (if available): If you can find safe, edible winter flowers, they can add a delicate touch of elegance.

The goal is to enhance the existing beauty of your delicious ingredients, making the board a visual feast that complements the joyful atmosphere of your holiday celebration.

How Much Should I Plan on Per Person?

One of the most common questions when assembling a charcuterie board is how much to prepare. Getting the portions right ensures everyone enjoys the spread without excessive waste or, worse, running out of food! This particular recipe, as outlined, is designed to serve approximately 4 to 6 people comfortably, with 4 being a satisfying meal and 6 to 8 as an appetizer.

However, portion sizes depend significantly on whether your Christmas cheese board is serving as a light appetizer or the main event. Here’s a general guideline to help you plan:

  • As a Pre-Dinner Appetizer: If your charcuterie board is meant to be a delightful nibble before a larger meal, plan for around 3 ounces of combined meat and cheese per person. This amount provides a taste of everything without being too filling. For example, if you have 10 guests, you’d aim for about 30 ounces (or just under 2 lbs) of total meat and cheese.
  • As the Main Course: If your cheese extravaganza is the star of the show and meant to be a full meal, you’ll want to increase the portions significantly. Aim for approximately 6 ounces of combined meat and cheese per person. For 10 guests, this would mean around 60 ounces (or 3.75 lbs) of meat and cheese. This ensures there’s enough substance for everyone to feel satisfied.

It’s important to remember that these amounts focus solely on the meat and cheese. They don’t factor in the abundance of fruits, nuts, crackers, jams, and other tasty additions. For these extras, simply let your intuition and the size of your board guide you. You’ll want enough to fill in all the beautiful spaces and provide a rich array of accompanying flavors and textures. For a more precise breakdown of ingredients based on your guest count, refer to the detailed ingredients and instructions provided in the recipe card below.

Need more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipe page!

Drizzling honey on a charcuterie platter

What to Serve with a Christmas Charcuterie Board

The beauty of a well-executed Christmas charcuterie board is its self-sufficiency. When you’ve curated a diverse selection of cheeses, meats, crackers, seasonal fruits, and other delightful snacks, there’s truly no need to prepare additional appetizers. The sheer variety offers a complete culinary experience, making it a perfect solution for effortless holiday entertaining. For those who, like me, adore the concept of grazing, this board can easily transform into a fulfilling lunch or a relaxed dinner, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy at their own pace.

However, if you wish to add a little something extra to make the season even merrier, consider pairing your magnificent board with festive beverages. A thoughtfully chosen drink can elevate the entire experience:

  • Festive Cocktails: Nothing says “holiday cheer” like a beautiful batch cocktail. My Christmas sangria is a crowd-pleasing favorite on the site, boasting seasonal flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for serving a larger group. Another excellent choice is a festive batch of Christmas punch, which can often be made in alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions to suit all guests. For a classic, Spanish-inspired touch, consider a rich red sangria.
  • Seasonal Margaritas & Mules: If you love to take full advantage of the fruits of the season, whip up a tart and beautiful pomegranate margarita or a vibrant Christmas margarita. For a refreshing, zesty option, a cranberry orange Moscow Mule brings a delightful spice and effervescence.
  • Wine Pairings: Consider a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne, which beautifully complements the salty and savory elements of the board.

With such a splendid spread and thoughtful drink pairings, your Christmas charcuterie board is sure to be the highlight of your holiday celebrations, fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere for all.

More Tasty Holiday Favorites

Looking for more delicious recipes to complete your holiday menu? Here are some other festive ideas that pair perfectly with the season:

  • Add a gooey, warm element to your holiday cheese board with easy baked camembert, lavishly topped with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
  • Bite-sized bacon-wrapped dates are an irresistible combination of sweet and savory, always a hit for any holiday gathering!
  • Need a sweet treat? Nothing beats a holiday classic like delicate and buttery snowball cookies!
  • Toast to the season in style with a bright and zesty cranberry margarita.
  • Make Christmas morning even more magical and delicious with this fun and customizable breakfast charcuterie board!
image of marinated mozzarella balls in bowl with other appetizers

Seasonal Tip

When selecting produce for your festive board, prioritize seasonal fruits and vegetables that are perfectly ripe! Refer to our seasonal cooking quick start guide to discover lists for what’s currently in season. Using your favorite in-season ingredients will ensure your Christmas charcuterie board is bursting with the freshest, most delicious flavors!

Finally, if you make this magnificent Christmas charcuterie board, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I absolutely adore hearing about your culinary creations, and I personally make an effort to respond to every single comment and question.

Feel free to drop any questions below as well – I’m always happy to help!

Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I love looking through all your wonderful photos. It genuinely means the world to me!

Assembled christmas cheese board on slate plate

Very Merry Christmas Cheese Board

Craft a beautiful and delicious Christmas cheese and charcuterie board, perfect for any holiday gathering or festive occasion!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Cheeses – 8 oz total (minimum, for 6 servings as appetizer)

  • Brie or Camembert
  • Goat cheese (e.g., Humboldt Fog, plain chèvre)
  • Blue cheese (e.g., Stilton, Gorgonzola)
  • Cheddar or other hard/semi-hard cheese (like Havarti or Gouda, aged preferred)
Meats – 8 oz total (minimum, for 6 servings as appetizer)

  • Salami (e.g., Genoa, Calabrese)
  • Prosciutto
  • Soppressata or other cured sausage
Seasonal Fruits

  • Orange segments or clementines
  • Pears, thinly sliced
  • Persimmon, sliced
  • Pomegranate seeds (arils)
Extras & Accompaniments

  • Marinated mozzarella balls
  • Crispy prosciutto (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • Crackers – a variety of at least three kinds Consider pretzel sticks, artisan crackers, or sliced toasted baguette pieces.
  • Nuts A mix of almonds, pistachios, marcona almonds, cashews, or pecans.
  • Cornichons/pickles
  • Dried fruit (e.g., dried cranberries, apricots, figs)
  • Jam or marmalade Fig, orange, or cranberry jam are fantastic choices.
  • Honey (or hot honey)
For Festive Decoration

  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, or thyme) to fill in gaps and add aroma
  • Dried citrus slices or cinnamon sticks for an extra decorative touch

Instructions

  • 1. Arrange Bowls: Begin by placing larger items like small bowls or ramekins on your serving board. Evenly space them out to create distinct areas for jams, nuts, or olives.
  • 2. Layer Ingredients: Next, add your main components in groups to distribute everything evenly and create visual interest. Start with the cured meats, arranging them artfully (folded, fanned, or rolled). Then, place your prepared cheeses, followed by an assortment of crackers and breads.
  • 3. Fill & Garnish: Finish by incorporating the seasonal produce (fresh and dried fruits) and all your desired extras (nuts, pickles, chocolates). Use fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, and decorative elements like dried citrus slices, to fill in any remaining gaps between items, adding a beautiful, festive touch.
  • 4. Final Touches: Add small serving spoons or spreaders to any jams, compotes, or soft cheeses, ensuring your board is completely guest-ready. Serve immediately and enjoy the compliments!

Video

Category: Appetizer, Snack, Holiday Entertaining