There is no better time than the holidays to have some fun in the kitchen. Why just lay out some cheese and crackers when you can make this fun, decorative and festive Cheese board shaped like a Christmas tree?
I wanted to share a fun holiday idea with you before I take a short break for THE holiday season.
This is more of a creative concept than a strict recipe, but it’s such a festive and enjoyable project. I had a blast putting it together! My Fall Charcuterie Board inspired this Christmas tree version. If you haven’t seen that, you have to check it out!
After having so much fun with my Fall charcuterie board, I was torn between making a holiday wreath or a Christmas tree. Ultimately, I thought a tree would be a bit more fun and unique.
There is no real recipe here, but you will find the ingredients and amounts listed below for a cheese board that will feed approximately 6-8 people as an appetizer.
A tree shaped cutting board certainly isn’t necessary to make this, it can be done on a flat cutting board, a large rectangular platter or a holiday themed platter. But in the event you fall madly in love with it and must have it, you can find one on Amazon or Home Goods. I found one at Target.
Simply follow the illustration below and within 15 minutes you will have yourself a very festive, cheery way to serve your guests.
OTHER EASY HOLIDAY APPETIZERS:
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: These are a breeze to make, and when you prep the dipping sauce ahead, you’re pretty much set.
- Turkey and Brie Cranberry Bites: I love how these sit perfectly on round crackers—plus, you can totally make them ahead.
- Spinach Pull Apart Cheese Bread: I usually prep this the night before, then pop it in the oven the morning of. It’s a warm, cheesy hit every time.
- Roasted Garlic Shrimp: Baking really brings out the flavor in these shrimp, way better than boiling.
CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE BOARD
Like this recipe? Pin it to your APPETIZER board!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest
Print
Christmas Tree Cheese & Olive Board
Description
Learn how to make a beautiful cheese, olive and nut board in the shape of a Christmas tree – so festive for the holidays!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. White Cheddar Cheese, cubed
- 8 oz. Yellow Cheddar Cheese, cubed
- 8 oz. Prosciutto or Salami (or a mix of the two!)
- 8 oz. Olives (Black or Green)
- 8 oz. Grapes (Red or Green)
- ¼ Cup Almonds
- Cherry Tomatoes or Cranberries (optional for garnish)
- 5 Sprigs Rosemary (optional for garnish)
EQUIPMENT (Optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Cube the white and yellow cheddar cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the prosciutto and salami if necessary.
- Wash and dry the grapes thoroughly.
Start with the Olives:
- Begin at the middle-bottom of the Christmas tree-shaped board, placing a row of olives.
Layer the Prosciutto:
- Directly above the olives, add a layer of prosciutto. Fold or roll the slices to add texture and volume, keeping the shape of the tree.
Add the Yellow Cheddar:
- Next up, create a layer of yellow cheddar cubes. Make sure the layer is even and extends slightly narrower than the prosciutto layer.
Layer the White Cheddar:
- Next, add a layer of white cheddar cubes above the yellow cheddar.
Finish with Grapes at the Top:
- Place a cluster of grapes at the very top of the tree, just above the olives. This will create a festive and colorful “tree topper.”
Fill the Bottom Layer:
- Use the sliced salami to fill in the bottom layer of the tree. Arrange the salami slices neatly to create a solid base.
Create the Stem:
- Form the trunk of the tree by placing a small row of almonds at the bottom of the board.
Final Touches:
- Scatter cherry tomatoes or cranberries throughout the tree as “ornaments” for a pop of color.
- Add sprigs of rosemary around the board for a festive, holiday feel.
I know this really isn’t a ‘recipe’ but I am very visual and this helps me tremendously.