How To Make A Festive Holiday Charcuterie Board

Are you ready for the ultimate holiday appetizer idea? Add lots of colors, flavors, and textures to your holiday table by assembling this family-size Holiday Charcuterie Board! Perfect to snack on while Christmas dinner is being prepared or take it on the go for holiday parties and potlucks.

Over the years, we have been experimenting more and more with different versions of snack boards for pretty much any holiday. Last year we made a Holiday Watermelon Snack Board and one of our favorites is our Christmas Tree Veggie Tray. These platters always look wonderful and are loaded with all of the good stuff. Your guests can pick and choose on what to snack on. I always let the kids help assemble these boards as a fun family activity. Let them pick out a few of their favorite fruits to add to the tray!

This Holiday Charcuterie Board has such an eclectic mix of flavors, but they all pair so well together. Fruit is the star of the board with multi-color grapes, apples, starfruit, dragon fruit, pomegranate, and cranberries. We mixed in some cured meats with the bright red pepperoni and salami as well as a nice hearty chunk of brie.

Prep Tip: Toss the apples in pineapple or apple juice to keep them from browning.

Have you tried fig spread? If not, please pick some up on your next grocery run. You can find it near the jams and jellies or sometimes in the deli section. It tastes delicious with cheeses, fruits and just about anything really. We added a bowl of it here for dipping or spreading.

Our other bowl is a mash up of seeds and nuts with added coconut and cranberries to carry on with the sweet flavors.

Key Ingredients for this Holiday Charcuterie Board

• Apples
• Salami
• Fig Spread
• Brie Cheese
• Crackers
• Pomegranate
• Grapes
• Star Fruit
• Dragon Fruit
• Cranberries
• Dried Fruit
• Nuts

When we create a holiday board, we usually finish up by sprinkling some edible decor all over. And, by decor, we clearly mean pistachios, pecans, rosemary, and pomegranate arils.

If you want to impress your holiday guests with some fruit and veggie trivia, head over to our Produce Tips page to brush up your knowledge.

How to make this Holiday Charcuterie Board

First grab out a large cutting board or this charcuterie board. Then wash and prepare all of the fresh fruits that you are using. Slice the apples, dragon fruit, and star fruit. Then slice up the meats that you are using.

Place the fig jam, cranberries, and the fruit/nut mix into small bowls. Then place onto the serving platter/board.

Then start adding all of the rest of the ingredients onto the board.

Wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with all of your family and friends.

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Commonly Asked Questions About How To Make A Festive Holiday Charcuterie Board

Q: What ingredients are typically on a Holiday Charcuterie Board?

A: A Holiday Charcuterie Board typically includes ingredients like apples, salami, fig spread, brie cheese, crackers, pomegranate, grapes, star fruit, dragon fruit, cranberries, dried fruit, and nuts.

Q: How do you assemble a Holiday Charcuterie Board?

A: To assemble a Holiday Charcuterie Board, arrange all the ingredients on a large cutting board or serving tray. Place the fig jam, cranberries, and fruit/nut mix into small bowls on the board. Fill in the board with the cheeses, crackers, meats, and fruits.

Q: What are some unique fruits to include on a Holiday Charcuterie Board?

A: Some unique fruits to include on a Holiday Charcuterie Board are star fruit, dragon fruit, and pomegranate arils. These add interesting colors, shapes, and flavors to the board.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives for Your Holiday Charcuterie Board

To accommodate guests with different dietary preferences, consider including vegetarian and vegan options on your Holiday Charcuterie Board. Instead of salami and other cured meats, offer plant-based alternatives like seasoned tempeh, marinated tofu, or roasted vegetables. For a vegan cheese option, try nut-based cheeses made from cashews or almonds, or spreads like hummus or olive tapenade. You can also include a variety of fruits, nuts, and crackers that are naturally vegan and vegetarian-friendly. By providing a range of options, you’ll ensure that all your guests can enjoy the festive flavors of your charcuterie board.

Scaling Your Holiday Charcuterie Board for Your Guest List

When creating a Holiday Charcuterie Board, it’s important to consider the number of guests you’ll be serving to ensure you have enough food without overwhelming the board. A general rule of thumb is to provide 2-3 ounces of meat and cheese per person, along with a handful of crackers or bread slices. For fruits and nuts, plan on about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per person, depending on the size of your board and the other ingredients you’re including. If you’re serving a large crowd, consider making multiple boards or using larger platters to accommodate all the ingredients. Remember, it’s better to have a little extra than to run out of food!

Making Your Holiday Charcuterie Board Ahead of Time

One of the benefits of a Holiday Charcuterie Board is that much of it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your own party. When making your board in advance, start by selecting a suitable platter or cutting board and arranging any non-perishable items, such as crackers, nuts, and dried fruits. Wash and slice any fresh fruits and vegetables, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. Meats and cheeses can also be sliced ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply arrange the perishable items on the board and add any final garnishes or decorations. By prepping ahead, you’ll be able to create a stunning and stress-free charcuterie board for your holiday gathering.

Looking for more Holiday inspiration? Check out our 5 Festive Holiday Snack Boards

More recipe to try:

Christmas Snack Platter

Fruit & Veggie Christmas Tree Party Tray

Kiwi Fruit Christmas Tree Platter