Christmas Tree Charcuterie

Ingredients

• 85 g (3 oz)Land O Lakes® medium Cheddar cheese chunk, sliced 6 mm thick, divided
• 7 (52.5 ml [3½ tablespoons])Land O Lakes® butter balls, rolled in 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or salt
• 113 g (4 oz; 237 ml [1 cup])Land O Lakes® extra-sharp Cheddar and Habanero Jack cheese cubes
• 57 g (2 oz)Land O Lakes® Co-Jack® cheese chunk, sliced 6 mm thick
• 57 g (2 oz)Land O Lakes® creamy Italian blend cheese cracker cuts
• 113 g (4 oz)green and red grapes
• 120 ml (½ cup; 85 g [3 oz])green olives
• 85 g (3 oz)prosciutto
• 85 g (3 oz)Genoa salami
• 120 ml (½ cup; 71 g [2½ oz])mixed nuts
• 60 ml (¼ cup; 57 g [2 oz])dried apricots
• 3 or 4cornichons
• as desiredfresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the star

   Cut 2 slices of Cheddar diagonally and arrange them at the top of the board to form a star.

2. 2

   Prepare butter balls

   Alternatively, roll the butter balls in 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar or salt before placing them at the top of the board as the star.

3. 3

   Arrange the tree

   Arrange all the remaining ingredients in a triangular tree shape, then garnish with rosemary sprigs.

What is a Christmas tree charcuterie board?

Charcuterie boards bring together cured meats and accompaniments, a style of serving associated with French charcuterie. This festive version arranges cheeses, salami, prosciutto, fruit, nuts and pickles in the shape of a Christmas tree.

The mix of savoury, sweet and tangy flavours makes it a colourful centrepiece for holiday entertaining. A Cheddar star or sugared-or-salted butter balls finish the tree.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 340 calories, 16g protein, 10g carbs, 27g fat.

The cheeses, butter balls, prosciutto, salami and nuts contribute most of the fat and protein; grapes and dried apricots provide much of the carbohydrate. Serve a moderate portion with fresh vegetables or salad for a more balanced plate.

Choose a stable board

Board shape: A large rectangular board or serving platter gives you room to build a broad triangle. Leave a little space around the edges so the arrangement is easy to serve from.

Starting point: Place the star at the top first, then arrange the other ingredients below it. This gives the tree a clear top and helps guide its shape.

Build the arrangement

Cheese slices: Use two diagonal-cut Cheddar slices for the star, or make the butter-ball version instead. Keep the remaining ingredients grouped in loose rows to form the tree.

Small additions: Scatter grapes, olives, nuts and apricots between the cheeses and meats. Tuck in the cornichons and rosemary as you go, rather than leaving them all for the end.

Balance the flavours

Savoury and rich: The cheeses and cured meats bring saltiness and richness, while the olives and cornichons add a sharper, briny contrast.

Sweet and fresh: Grapes and dried apricots offer a sweet counterpoint. Mixed nuts add crunch to the softer cheeses and fruit.

Keep the tree easy to serve

Spacing: Avoid packing every piece tightly together; small gaps make it easier for guests to pick up individual items. A few overlapping slices can help the outline read as a tree without hiding the other ingredients.

Rosemary: Use sprigs as a garnish between the food. Keep them easy to distinguish from the edible items when serving.

Serve it at its best

Timing: Assemble the board shortly before serving so the fruit and cured meats look fresh. If preparing ahead, keep the ingredients chilled and add the rosemary near serving time.

Pairings: Serve with crackers or sliced bread if you want a more substantial spread. The board also works alongside a simple salad or other holiday appetisers.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a board large enough to leave a little space around the tree.
• Cut the Cheddar slices diagonally before arranging them as the star.
• Group ingredients in loose rows to make the triangular outline clear.
• Add rosemary sprigs between the ingredients for a festive finish.
• Keep chilled ingredients refrigerated until shortly before serving.

Variations

• Use a different star: Cut another firm cheese into two diagonal slices for the tree top.
• Change the fruit: Swap in other fresh fruit that is easy to pick up and arrange.
• Choose other nuts: Use a different mix of nuts if preferred.
• Add crackers: Arrange crackers alongside the tree for an easy accompaniment.
• Adjust the olives: Use another variety of pitted olives for a different briny flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Unclear tree shape: Start with the star and build the rest into a broad triangle.
• Crowded arrangement: Leave small gaps so guests can pick up pieces easily.
• Hidden fruit: Distribute grapes and apricots through the board rather than covering them with other ingredients.
• Overdoing the garnish: Use rosemary sparingly so it accents rather than obscures the food.
• Assembling too early: Keep the board chilled and garnish close to serving time to preserve its fresh appearance.

How to store

Cover leftovers and refrigerate promptly; for best quality, eat within 2 days. Serve chilled or let the board stand briefly at room temperature before eating, and avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions