Name: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Small brie cheese; 1 cup Cheddar cheese (cubed); 1 cup Colby cheese (cubed); 1 cup Fresh mozzarella balls; 16 Salami slices; 16 Cooked sausage slices; 1 cup Red and green grapes; ½ cup Cherry tomatoes; ½ cup Fresh cranberries (optional); ½ cup Green olives; ½ cup Almonds; 1 box Crackers; 5-6 sprigs Fresh rosemary

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This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is rows of cheese, salami, grapes, olives and cherry tomatoes shaped into a tree, with a brie star filled with cranberry sauce on top. It takes about 20 minutes to put together and it’ll have everyone gathering around at your holiday party.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table

You don’t need any special skills, just a big board and a plan for the rows. Swap in whatever cheese and meat you like. Put out my Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs alongside it and you’ve got a full Christmas party spread.

Why you’ll love this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

It’s the centerpiece: Shaped like a Christmas tree with a brie star on top, it doubles as a decoration on your holiday table.
Ready in 20 minutes: No cooking, just cubing cheese and building rows.
Easy to change up: Use your favorite cheeses, fruits and meats, or whatever you already have in the fridge.
Great for parties: Everyone can graze, and there’s something for every taste on one board.

Overhead view of Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

The Christmas Gift Behind This Charcuterie Board

This board started with a Christmas gift. My husband works at Truelio, a loyalty and rewards partner agency here in Atlanta, and one year they surprised him with a gorgeous charcuterie board for Christmas. Around the holidays we love having wine and cheese nights at home, so I knew exactly what to do with it. There’s no better way to break in a new board than turning it into a Christmas tree.

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Brie cheese: Creamy and mild. Cutting a star into the rind and filling it with cranberry sauce makes the tree topper.
Cranberry sauce: Sweet and tart, with a pop of red. Use store-bought or my Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce.
Cheddar and Colby cheese: Cubed for rows of sharp and buttery cheese.
Mozzarella balls: Soft and mild to balance the richer cheeses.
Salami and sausage: The classic charcuterie meats. Fold the salami so it sits in a neat row.
Red and green grapes: Juicy, sweet and in Christmas colors.
Cherry tomatoes: They look like little ornaments.
Green olives: Salty and briny next to the cheese.
Crackers: Club crackers make the bottom row and give everyone something to pile toppings on.
Almonds: The tree trunk, plus a little crunch.
Fresh cranberries (optional): Scatter them over the rows as ornaments.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: They look like pine branches and smell like Christmas.

How to make Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Cut a star shape into the top of the brie rind with a small cookie cutter or knife and fill it with cranberry sauce.
Place the brie at the top of a long board and start building rows underneath: cheddar cubes, red grapes, Colby cubes, then sausage slices, making each row a little wider than the last.

Four step photos showing a brie wheel with a cranberry sauce star, the first rows of cheese, grapes and sausage on a wooden board, the full tree with salami, tomatoes, crackers and an almond trunk, and the finished Christmas tree charcuterie board with rosemary and cranberries by Tessie's Table.

Keep going with mozzarella balls and olives, folded salami, more Colby, cherry tomatoes and a row of crackers, then add a small pile of almonds at the bottom for the trunk.
Tuck rosemary sprigs along both sides for the branches and scatter fresh cranberries over the rows as ornaments.

Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas and Variations

All Cheese Tree: If you’re hosting cheese enthusiasts, skip the meats and make this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board a full-on cheese board. Add slices of creamy gouda, tangy blue cheese, and buttery Monterey Jack for variety. You can also include flavored cheeses, like herb-crusted goat cheese or smoked cheddar, to really impress.
Fruit-Focused Tree: For a sweeter twist, pile on dried apricots, figs, and pomegranate seeds to complement the cheeses. Grapes and fresh apple slices are also fantastic additions. Bonus: the bright colors of the fruit really pop, making your tree look extra festive.
Herb-Infused Tree: If you love earthy, aromatic flavors, mix in fresh thyme and parsley sprigs alongside the rosemary. These not only enhance the tree’s appearance but also add an extra layer of fragrance. You could even sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or sea salt over the herbs for a gourmet touch.
Nut-Free Tree: No almonds? No problem. Swap them out with extra crackers, pretzels, or even breadsticks for a satisfying crunch. You can also use veggie chips or popcorn for a creative, nut-free option that still adds texture.
Vegetarian Tree: Skip the meats and bring in some plant-based flair. Marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and cucumber slices make fantastic vegetarian alternatives. You can even add spiced chickpeas or grilled zucchini for a unique twist.

Up close of the layers of a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board .

Serving Suggestions

With Honey: Drizzle honey over the brie for a sweet and sticky finish that pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce. You could also set out a small dish of honey alongside the board so guests can add it to their favorite bites.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, cuts through the richness of the cheeses, while a bold red, like Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the meats and cranberries. If wine isn’t your thing, a sparkling cider or mocktail works just as well!
Bread on the Side: Add some sliced baguette or ciabatta alongside the crackers for variety. Toasted bread adds a lovely crunch and holds up well with heavier toppings like brie and cranberry sauce. You could try my Rustic Bread too.
Dip Option: A small bowl of hummus, garlic aioli, or herb butter placed near the tree is a great addition. These dips work well with veggies, meats, or crackers and give guests even more ways to enjoy the board.
Snack Platter: Pair this charcuterie board with a smaller dessert board featuring Coconut Fudge, Chocolate Baileys Truffles, Spiced Peanuts and dried fruits. It’s a sweet and savory combo that keeps everyone snacking all night.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board?

If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep crackers separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I freeze Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board?

Most of the components (except the crackers) can be frozen separately and reused for another board. Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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A side view of Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board .

Tips & Tricks

Use a Large Board: A big board makes all the difference when creating a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. It gives you plenty of room to arrange the layers and ensures the design looks balanced. If your board feels too small, try placing parchment paper underneath to extend the space visually while keeping things neat.
Pre-Cut Ingredients: Save yourself time by cutting cheeses into cubes and slicing meats ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. This way, you’re not scrambling to prep while your guests are arriving.
Work from the Top Down: Start with the brie at the top to create your “tree topper” and work your way down, layer by layer. This keeps the tree shape organized and prevents you from accidentally running out of space at the bottom.
Stick to Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary is a standout here because of its pine-like look and fragrant aroma. If you don’t have rosemary, use fresh thyme or parsley. Avoid dried herbs. They won’t look as festive or smell as lovely.
Balance the Colors: Alternate reds, greens, and whites in each row to keep the tree looking vibrant and festive. Too much of one color can make it look unbalanced, so spread the ingredients out evenly across the layers.

More Christmas Appetizers

Looking for More Christmas Ideas?

My Monthly Meal Plan for December 2026 has easy dinners for the whole month, so you can save your energy for the parties.

FAQ

How long can a charcuterie board sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature. Build it close to serving time, keep the cut cheese and meat in the fridge until you’re ready, and put any leftovers away once the party winds down.
Can I use a different cheese for the star?
Absolutely! Camembert works beautifully as a substitute because it’s also creamy and soft. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a soft goat cheese shaped into a star or a mini wheel of gouda with the same cutout.
What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
Fig jam or apricot preserves are excellent options. They’re both sweet with a touch of tartness that pairs well with brie. You could even try red pepper jelly if you want a spicy-sweet twist.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prep the ingredients (cutting cheeses, slicing meats, etc.) a day ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the board no more than an hour before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Can I make this tree smaller?
Of course! Simply reduce the amount of each ingredient and make fewer rows. This is a great option for more intimate gatherings or when you’re short on space.
What other crackers can I use?
Water crackers, whole-grain crackers, or breadsticks all work well. If you want something heartier, try slices of Rustic Bread or crostini for a rustic touch. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to handle the toppings.
Can I make it nut-free?
Definitely. Swap the almonds for extra crackers, pretzels, or even popcorn for a creative crunch. You could also add veggie sticks or sliced cucumbers for a fresh alternative.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work well for color, and pomegranate seeds are a fun substitute that also adds a juicy pop. Grapes or cherry tomatoes can also fill in as edible decorations.
Can I add chocolate or sweets?
Yes! Adding chocolates like Red Velvet Truffles or small Homemade Chocolates at the base of the tree can create a sweet “gift” effect. It’s a playful addition, especially if you want to mix savory and sweet elements.

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