New Year’s Charcuterie Ball Drop
Dec 25, 2024
New Year's Eve Cheese Boards Charcuterie Boards Holiday Recipes Winter Recipes
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Table of Contents
New Year’s themed charcuterie is of course my favorite way to ring in the new year, and this year I’m celebrating with my version of a charcuterie ball drop! It’s especially great if you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party because all the goodies are already on individual toothpicks. Plus, it’s cute and super easy to customize. Happy New Year!
For more New Year’s entertaining ideas, try my New Year’s Charcuterie Board, Champagne Cocktails, Prosecco Grapes, New Year’s Dessert Board, and Greg’s Candied Nuts.
How To Make a Charcuterie for New Year’s Eve
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Italian Dry Salame
- 6 ounces Italian Dry Salame log, sliced
- 6 ounces Calabrese Salame log, sliced
- 6 ounces mild cheddar, cubed
- 6 ounces Monterey Jack, cubed
- 3 ounces white cheddar, sliced
- 8 ounces castelvetrano olives
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
- Star-shaped crackers
Equipment
- Large wooden cheese board
- 1 (3.8 x 7.8-inch) styrofoam half sphere
- Aluminum foil
- Toothpicks
Charcuterie Ball Instructions
- Cover the styrofoam half sphere completely with aluminum foil, wrapping the excess around the edges. (Be sure the styrofoam is completely covered before continuing to avoid any styrofoam “crumbs” getting in your food!). Secure the foiled half sphere to the center of your board using tape. (If you’re worried about tape residue on your board, use the back!)
- Fold the Italian Dry Salame in fourths. Skewer each folded salame, olive, tomato, cubed cheddar, and cubed Monterey Jack onto separate toothpicks. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Stick the skewers into the covered half sphere using a single ingredient for each row, creating diagonal rows, alternating the ingredient rows in a repeating pattern. Be sure to separate similar colors!
- Lay out a “2” and a “0” with sliced Italian Dry Salame in the top two corners of the board. Lay out a “2” and a “5” with the sliced Calabrese Salame in the bottom corners.
- Cut shapes out of the cheddar slices using star cookie cutters and place them above and below the charcuterie ball. Line the sides of the board with star crackers and enjoy!
Charcuterie Ball Drop Inspiration
This viral charcuterie ball is what inspired me! My version is a little more approachable, but if you’re feeling ambitious here’s the original:
VIDEO: New Year’s Charcuterie Ball Drop
New Year’s Charcuterie Substitutions
This charcuterie ball is already gluten free! Swap in your favorite gluten free crackers and you’re good to go. (Try MadeGood Sea Salt Star Puffed Crackers!)
For dairy-free cheese, try:
New Year’s Eve Drink Pairings
Of course the classic NYE beverage is Champagne or sparkling wine, which happen to pair beautifully with this charcuterie ball!
You can also try pairing:
- Lager or Pale Ale
- Sauvignon Blanc or Beaujolais (check out my Wine Pairings 101 for more info!)
- Champagne Cocktails
- Midnight Fizz
- Rosemary Mezcal Fizz
- Pomegranate Holiday Cocktail
Check out my other drink recipes for more inspired imbibing!
Show Me Your New Year’s Themed Charcuterie
I hope this round-up inspires you to create a New Year’s cheese ball. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the festive snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
New Year’s Charcuterie Ball
Equipment
- Large wooden cheese board
- 1 (3.8 x 7.8-inch) styrofoam half sphere see link in the post
- Aluminum foil
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 6 oz Italian Dry Salame
- 6 oz Italian Dry Salame log sliced
- 6 oz Calabrese Salame log sliced
- 6 oz mild cheddar cubed
- 6 oz Monterey Jack cubed
- 3 oz white cheddar sliced
- 8 oz Castelvetrano olives
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes
- Star-shaped crackers
Instructions
- Cover the styrofoam half sphere completely with aluminum foil, wrapping the excess around the edges. (Be sure the styrofoam is completely covered before continuing to avoid any styrofoam “crumbs” getting in your food!).
- Secure the foiled half sphere to the center of your board using tape. (If you’re worried about tape residue on your board, use the back!)
- Fold the Italian Dry Salame in fourths. Skewer each folded salame, olive, tomato, cubed cheddar, and cubed Monterey Jack onto separate toothpicks. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Stick the skewers into the covered half sphere using a single ingredient for each row, creating diagonal rows, alternating the ingredient rows in a repeating pattern. Be sure to separate similar colors!
- Lay out a “2” and a “0” with sliced Italian Dry Salame in the top two corners of the board. Lay out a “2” and a “5” with the sliced Calabrese Salame in the bottom corners.
- Cut shapes out of the cheddar slices using star cookie cutters and place them above and below the charcuterie ball. Line the sides of the board with star crackers and enjoy!
