Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board to Embrace the Holiday Spirit

If you've been here a while, you know by know that I am BIG on hosting through small plates. Getting people around a room, gathered around boards, mezze platters and small cold and warm appetizers is my favorite thing to do in the whole wild world. And of course, the best time to do this is around the holidays. 

Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm filled with nostalgia as I think about my favorite holiday traditions. One that always brings my family to the table is creating a festive Christmas wreath charcuterie board. It's such a fun and delicious way to kick off the season's celebrations.

A Christmas wreath charcuterie board is a circular arrangement of meats, cheeses, fruits, and other tasty nibbles that resembles a holiday wreath. I love how it combines the beauty of seasonal decor with the joy of good food. The mix of flavors and textures is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in with family.

As I arrange the board, I'm reminded of past Christmases and the warmth of gathering around the table. The rich cheeses, bright fruits, and festive garnishes create a visual feast that's almost too pretty to eat. But once everyone digs in, it quickly becomes the star of the party. It's a simple yet impressive way to spread holiday cheer through food.

I recommend using a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers to create a festive Christmas wreath charcuterie board. For cheeses, I like to include a mix of hard and soft varieties. Cubed aged Gouda, sliced Cabernet-infused cheese, and a whole Brie wheel offer nice contrasts.

To add some holiday flair, I incorporate dried cranberries and a goat cheese with cranberries. Fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate arils bring color and sweetness.

For the savory elements, I suggest an assortment of crackers and cured meats. A drizzle of honey adds a touch of golden sweetness. To complete the wreath look, I use sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme as garnish.

The key is balancing flavors and textures while sticking to a red and green color scheme. I aim for about 7 ounces each of the main components to create a well-proportioned Christmas charcuterie wreath. This combination of ingredients creates a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

To make a Christmas charcuterie board, I need a few key items. A round board is essential. It forms the base for my festive creation and helps me achieve that classic wreath shape.

I also use a cookie cutter. This handy tool lets me cut cheese and meats into fun holiday shapes. Stars, trees, or snowflakes add a merry touch to my board.

Long toothpicks or small skewers are useful too. I use these to make little stacks of meat, cheese, and fruit. They make it easy for guests to grab a bite.

A sharp knife is a must-have. It helps me slice cheeses and meats neatly. Clean cuts make my board look more appealing and professional.

Lastly, I like to have some small bowls on hand. These hold dips, nuts, or olives. They add variety to my board and fill in any empty spaces.

With these simple tools, I can easily put together a stunning Christmas wreath charcuterie board that's sure to impress my guests this christmas season.

Prepare the Bree and Other Cheeses

I start by placing a small Brie wheel on a 16-inch platter, making sure to leave the middle empty to delineate with rosemary sprigs. Around the center, I arrange other cheeses in a circular pattern to form the base of my Christmas wreath charcuterie board.

Next, I use a cookie cutter to remove the center of the Brie. I fill this gap with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. The removed Brie circle doesn't go to waste - slice it into wedges and place them along the board.

Fill out the Board

To add variety, scatter crackers, fruits, and dried cranberries around the cheeses. A small bowl of honey finds its place on the board, offering a sweet complement to the savory elements.

For a final flourish, sprinkle pomegranate arils across the board. Thyme and rosemary sprigs not only add a pop of green but also evoke the scent of a real Christmas wreath. Arrange the rosemary sprigs in the middle of the board to make the center of the wreath.

Throughout the process of making this christmas appetizer, pay attention to color balance, ensuring an even distribution that maintains the circular shape. Before serving, let the board sit at room temperature to enhance the flavors of the cheeses.

I recommend storing leftover items from your Christmas wreath charcuterie board properly to keep them fresh. For cheeses, I wrap them tightly in wax paper or parchment, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for about 5-7 days this way.

Meats should be stored in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags in the fridge. Most cured meats will last 3-5 days when refrigerated. For fruits and vegetables, I place them in separate containers to prevent moisture transfer. Most will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing is an option for some items. Hard cheeses can be frozen for up to 6 months, though the texture may change slightly. I grate them before freezing for easier use later. Cured meats can also be frozen for 1-2 months. I don't recommend freezing fresh fruits or vegetables, as their texture will be affected.

For any crackers or nuts, I store them in airtight containers at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for several weeks this way. By following these storage tips, I can enjoy the leftovers from my Christmas wreath charcuterie board for days to come.

When creating a Christmas wreath charcuterie board, I like to include a selection of complementary dishes for a well-rounded spread. Small bowls of olives and nuts enhance the board with salty and crunchy elements, adding depth to every bite.

For savory starters, consider the Antipasto Christmas Tree or the Fall Charcuterie Board, both perfect for holiday gatherings. The Perfect Healthy Halloween Charcuterie Board offers creative presentation and balanced flavors.

Include dips like My Baked Brie Cheese Dip and Baked Feta with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts. These warm, creamy spreads pair beautifully with crusty bread or crackers placed alongside the board.

For a sweet finish, serve White Chocolate Bark with Cranberry and Pistachio, Christmas Date Cookies, and Christmas Rosemary Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Coulis. These treats bring festive sweetness and seasonal cheer.

For drinks, the Toasted Almond Mocktail and Peppermint Candy Cane Mocktail offer flavorful, alcohol-free options. Serve in festive glassware for a complete holiday experience.

Place the Christmas wreath charcuterie board at the center of the table, surrounded by small plates, napkins, cheese knives, and serving tongs. This inviting setup encourages guests to mix, match, and savor every element of the festive spread.