A Christmas tree charcuterie board is the ultimate holiday appetizer! It’s festive, fun, and delicious—what more could you ask for? With layers of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, savory meats, and colorful fruits, this board is an edible decoration that’ll have everyone gathering around. Perfect for parties, it’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

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

This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is designed for holiday gatherings and brings together a variety of flavors and textures in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or even a light snack, depending on how you assemble it. Plus, it’s completely customizable! You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge, making it as fancy or as casual as you like.

Why you’ll love this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

It’s a Showstopper:
This board doesn’t just taste great—it looks incredible! Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’ll be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Easy to Assemble:
No complicated techniques here! With simple layering and a bit of creativity, you can have this ready in no time.
Customizable:
Use your favorite cheeses, fruits, or meats to make it your own. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adapt.

Overhead view of Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

A Gift That Sparked a Festive Idea

When my husband’s employer, Trueilo, surprised him with a gorgeous charcuterie board for Christmas, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Around the holidays, we love having wine and cheese nights—it’s my favorite tradition! So, this board gave me the perfect excuse to create something festive and fun. And honestly, there’s no better way to break in a new board than by turning it into a Christmas tree masterpiece!

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Brie Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that makes the perfect topper. Cutting the star shape and filling it with cranberry sauce gives it a festive touch.
Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tart, it adds a pop of flavor and color to the brie. Store-bought or try my homemade recipe if you have the time.
Cheddar and Colby Cheese: Cubed and ready to layer, these add sharpness and a buttery contrast.
Mozzarella Balls: Soft, fresh, and mild, these are great for balancing the richer cheeses.
Salami and Sausage: Savory and satisfying, these meats bring the classic charcuterie board flavors.
Red and Green Grapes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful—they add a fresh element and tie into the Christmas theme.
Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of color and freshness that also look like ornaments.
Green Olives: A salty, briny addition that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
Almonds: For a little crunch and a nutty contrast to the other ingredients.
Club Crackers: The “tree trunk” and a perfect vehicle for all the toppings.
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Aromatic and decorative, these mimic tree branches beautifully.

How to make Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

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

A star shaped cut out of the brie cheese and filled with cranberry sauce.

Cut a star shape out of the brie rind and fill it with cranberry sauce. Place it at the top of your rectangular board.

All the rows of food completed to make the shape of a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board .

Arrange layers of cheese, meats, and other ingredients in rows below the brie to form a triangular tree shape.

Decorated Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board with springs of rosemary.

Start small near the brie and widen the rows as you move downward, using the crackers at the bottom for the tree trunk.

Fully decorated Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board with springs of rosemary and cranberries.

Add garnishes like rosemary sprigs, almonds, and fresh cranberries to fill in the gaps and decorate the tree.

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 recipe for 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 Pepperminr Cupcakes , nuts, and dried fruits. It’s a sweet and savory combo that’ll keep everyone snacking happily through the 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.

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FAQ

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 skip the rosemary?
Yes! Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs work just as well and still give that “tree branch” look. You could even use kale leaves for a completely different texture and visual effect.
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 truffles or small wrapped candies 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.