We’ve gathered an assortment of cheeses and meats to create this stunning Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board, and we’re giving you all the tips to make your own. We used fresh fruit, nuts, assorted crackers, and store-bought jams. No need to cook anything or spend a lot of time on this Christmas charcuterie collection. It’s easy, and you can put it together in about 15 minutes!
When things get hectic during the holidays, I love being able to throw something together quickly that looks like you spent an hour on it. This Christmas wreath charcuterie board fits that perfectly. If you keep some cheeses and meats in the refrigerator, you can put this together in just a few minutes when unexpected company arrives.
We also enjoy charcuterie when we want a light dinner, and it’s so easy to mix up what you’re serving. Just use what you have!
Testing results for the Christmas Wreath Charcuterie
- We like a mix of cheeses for this presentation, along with items that add color, such as cherry tomatoes or stuffed peppers.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
Ingredient notes
Here are a few things to know about the ingredients in this recipe.
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
Cheeses: Although I abhor blue cheese, I included it here because I have several friends who love it. Other cheeses that work well (and that I like) are Brie, cheddar, herbed soft cheese like Boursin, and maroilles or Manchego.
Antipasto meats: I used dry-cured ham, smoky chorizo, and salami. You could add prosciutto, pepperoni, or any cured or cooked meat. I sometimes add a little thinly sliced pork tenderloin.
Selection of crackers, different sizes, shapes and colors.
Spreads and jams: I like fig jam, cranberry preserves or chutney, and some spicy mustard.
Fruit: Use assorted fresh seasonal fruit, such as grapes, figs, and pomegranates.
Fillers and garnish: Add some nuts and fresh herbs for variety.
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Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board
Equipment
Ingredients
- Selection of 5 cheeses: we used Brie, bleu cheese, cheddar, Boursin, and maroilles.
- Selection of antipasto meats: we used dry-cured ham, smoky chorizo, and salami.
- Selection of crackers, different sizes, shapes and colors.
- 2 Spreads and jams: We used fig and cranberry.
- Fruit: grapes, figs, pomegranates, red currants.
- Other: olives, artichokes, pickles, stuffed mini bell peppers, assorted nuts.
- Garnish: fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Instructions
- Start by arranging the cheeses around the edge of the board, leaving space in between. Next, place the meats on the board leaving space between. Add the crackers in piles on the board.
- If the spreads are in larger jars transfer them into smaller serving bowls then add a spoon and place them on the board.
- Now it’s time to fill in the gaps: add the grapes, figs, pomegranates and red currants. Fill any remaining gaps with the olives, artichokes, pickles, and mini peppers. Scatter the nuts around the board.
- Lastly, cut small bunches of fresh herbs and poke them underneath items around the edge of the board.
- If you have any leftover produce that won’t fit on the board without spoiling the wreath shape, add them to small bowls and display them on your serving table around the outside edge of the board.
Notes
- To replicate a wreath shape choose a large round board – ours was 21 inches in diameter, but a smaller board will also work well.
- The secret to a stress-free holiday season is to have your fridge stocked with long-lasting cheeses and a variety of antipasto and deli ingredients. You can quickly arrange a beautiful board at a moment’s notice!
- In terms of which cheeses to have on hand, we think a good rule of thumb is a brie or camembert, a crowd-pleasing cheddar, a soft cheese, an unusual strong cheese (like the maroilles) and if you like it, a bleu cheese. You are bound to have something that appeals to everyone.
- When thinking about how to present your board, a wreath shape is undoubtedly impactful, but a Christmas Charcuterie can look just as beautiful arranged on a large rectangular board. You could also consider covering your serving space with plastic wrap and arranging the charcuterie directly onto it – no board needed!
- When selecting ingredients, look for long-lasting items such as antipasti meats and deli items like olives and artichokes that will keep well in the refrigerator. These food items can be useful throughout the entire holiday season.
- Use colorful seasonal fruits to make your board look extra special. A board with a variety of foods, with different textures, sizes, and colors, will always look appealing.
- The fresh herbs add a lovely touch, and even though they are unlikely to be eaten, they make any charcuterie look really festive. To prolong the life of fresh-cut herbs, place them in a glass of water and refrigerate.
Nutrition
Questions and tips
Storage
You can have all the ingredients ready for your board and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly process even quicker.
For a good charcuterie board, choose a variety of cheeses and meats. You should have a mix of soft and hard cheeses, and cured meats with different flavors – prosciutto vs. pepperoni or spicy salami.
Use a variety of crackers or sourdough bread slices, along with jams or chutneys, and a little spicy mustard.
There really is no wrong way to create a stunning charcuterie board. Choose what you like and fill in based on seasonality.
