Antipasto Christmas Tree Recipe

I'm going to come out and say it: Christmas in my house is not a big deal. As a Jew who is married to an atheist, we've only really started making a thing of Christmas after our children were born. 

Most years in my house, the star of our Christmas meal is a generously laden charcuterie board. You may be surprised to hear that given enough sweet and salty elements, my kids love a good fall charcuterie board or halloween charcuterie board just as much as the adults!

But one thing that excites them even more than a board is a 3D Christmas charcuterie board. One year, while preparing for Christmas, I stumbled upon a show-stopping holiday appetizer idea that's as delicious as it is visually stunning.

The antipasto cheese ball christmas tree is a festive twist on the classic charcuterie board, perfect for impressing guests at your next holiday gathering. This edible Christmas tree is made by arranging various antipasto ingredients on a cone-shaped base, creating a colorful and tasty centerpiece. I used cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, roasted red bell peppers, and sundried tomatoes to build the tree. Fresh rosemary sprigs tucked between the layers add a pine-like appearance and aroma.

Wrap the whole thing in twinkly Christmas lights, and you've got yourself the perfect 3D Antipasto platter in the shape of a Christmas tree.

I won't lie, this appetizer does take some time to make. First, you need to pit your olives, pierce all your antipasti with skewers, arrange them across your cone in a nice design, and then fill the whole with rosemary branches. It took me about 1 hour to assemble, but the result was truly eye-catching.

To create an antipasto Christmas tree, I'll need a few key items. The foundation of my edible tree is a styrofoam cone. This provides the shape and structure for my festive appetizer.

You'll want a big wooden cutting board or an extra large round serving plate atop which you can place your tree. 

I'll wrap the cone in plastic wrap before adding any food. This keeps everything clean and makes it easier to remove items later if needed.

Toothpicks are essential for this project. I'll use them to secure all the tasty ingredients to the cone. They act like little hooks, holding everything in place.

Preparation

Place a piece of non-stick plastic wrap on your work surface. Wrap the styrofoam cone with this sheet of plastic and set it on a serving platter.

At the base of the cone, insert a toothpick halfway onto the plastic wrap and add a cherry tomato. Finish the entire row.

Continue adding toothpicks with mozzarella balls, Castelvetrano olives, mixed olives, marinated roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes, alternating them as you go around and down the tree. You'll find this creates a festive Christmas tree shape.

As you create the next layer, place the items so they fill in the spaces between the ingredients below. The outside is where it gets really decorative!

Keep adding layers until the cone is fully covered, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients. Use a spatula to gently press ingredients if needed to help them hold their shape.

Tuck small rosemary sprigs into the gaps and between the layers of antipasti to resemble pine needles. Do the same with fresh basil as decoration.

Lightly brush the tree with olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil from the jar for a slight sheen.

For the top of the tree, use a cookie cutter to cut out a star shape from a piece of cheese or a yellow bell pepper.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes, chives, and seasonings over the tree to finish, if desired.

Optional: Arrange sliced salami and other cold meats around the base of the tree on the platter.

Serve the antipasto tree immediately or refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy at your holiday party.

Serve it on a platter with crackers for a complete appetizer spread.

Visit an olive bar for a variety of olives and antipasto items to decorate your tree.

Add almonds or other nuts for extra texture.

Include a small bowl of sun-dried tomato oil on the side for dipping.

I recommend eating the Antipasto Christmas Tree fresh on the day it's made for the best taste and texture. The ingredients are at their peak when just assembled.

If I need to store leftovers, I carefully remove the toppings from the foam cone. I place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most items will keep for 2-3 days when chilled.

I don't freeze the assembled tree or individual components. Freezing can alter the texture of cheeses and vegetables. Thawed olives and tomatoes often become mushy.

For advance prep, I can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. I wash and dry tomatoes, cut cheese into cubes, and drain jarred items. I store these prepped items separately in the fridge for 1-2 days before assembly.

On serving day, I simply put the tree together with my prepped ingredients. This saves time while ensuring everything is fresh.

I recommend serving the antipasto Christmas tree with a variety of complementary dishes to create a festive spread. A selection of crusty breads and crackers pairs well with the savory ingredients on the tree.

For a refreshing drink, try the Peppermint Candy Cane Mocktail, which adds a festive and minty touch. The Toasted Almond Mocktail offers a cozy, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with savory appetizers.

For a warm starter, consider this Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts. Its creamy and savory-sweet combination complements the antipasto tree's bold flavors.

To add sweetness to the spread, serve Christmas Rosemary Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Coulis and Christmas Date Cookies. These festive treats balance the savory dishes with their delicate and seasonal flavors.

For a light and flavorful appetizer, try Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta, which provides a tart and creamy bite. The White Chocolate Bark adds a sweet, elegant touch to the dessert selection.

If you're looking for indulgent desserts, consider the Boozy Sticky Date Pudding and the Slow Cooker Gingerbread Fudge. These rich, seasonal desserts provide a satisfying finale to your festive spread.

Arrange the antipasto tree as the centerpiece, with these dishes displayed around it for an inviting and visually stunning appetizer station.