Here’s my version of an edible Tannenbaum (yes, I have been waiting all year to use that word!) with all your favorite cheese board fixins. It’s a great spread to serve as a simple appetizer because it has both sweet and savory items—plus it’s such a festive showpiece! 

For other holiday ideas, check out my Winter Recipes and Christmas Boards, including my Charcuterie Chalet , Oh Christmas Brie, and Charcuterie Wreath.

What’s On The Christmas Board? 

Cheese

• Cheddar, cubed
• Colby jack, cubed
• Havarti, cubed
• Provolone slices

Meat

• Salami
• Calabrese salami  

Produce

• Castelvetrano olives
• Blackberries,
• Raspberries 

Carbs

• Pretzel Sticks
• Chocolate Shortbread Star Cookies (I used the ones from Trader Joe’s)

Garnish

• Rosemary sprigs

How Do You Build a Charcuterie Tree?

This board is one of my easiest and most approachable boards. Simply gather up cubed cheese, salami & some colorful accoutrements and line them up to create a tree shape. Add in some festive touches with cheese cut outs and garnish and you have yourself an impressive holiday appetizer.

Feel free to copy this one exactly or sub in some of your favorite ingredients to create the this festive appetizer.

Here’s my process:

• First, cut shapes out of the provolone slices using snowflake and star cookie cutters.
• Next, prep your salami by making salami folds and piling 3-4 pieces on a decorative toothpick (these pretty toothpicks from Simply Baked are my favorites). You could also consider adding a row of salami rosettes (tutorial in this post) for a fun touch.
• Build your tree starting from the bottom with a row of cheese, then continue up the tree making sure each layer is slightly less wide than the last to ensure the triangle tree shape.
• If you want to leave out briney items like olives, you can always just put a ramekin of those off to the side (or in a star ramekin on the top!) if you prefer.
• Create a tree trunk using pretzels at the bottom of the tree.
• Garnish with rosemary sprigs to evoke the tree branch feeling, then finish with star-shaped cookies and provolone cut-outs to mimic ornaments.

How To Make a Charcuterie Tree

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Buy My Charcuterie TREE Map Board

Want to make this festive board even easier to whip up? Grab your very own CharcuTREE Map Board (available on Amazon)! So many of you made your own Charcuterie Tree Boards with this post that I added this design to my collection for easy holiday entertaining. 

Alternative Ingredients to Try

Since this board is all about the color and shape, there are so many directions you can take it. If you feel overwhelmed by choices, I suggest sticking to a smaller color palette or flavor palette while you figure out the ingredients you want to include. 

I always advocate that you use seasonal produce (it just tastes better!) and the ingredients that you and your crew love the most. If no one likes olives, don’t use olives! As always, make it your own. 

• Cubed apple slices turned so that the outside color is showing. You can make sure to cut them in a way that they’ll sit flat and not wobble.  Remember to use this apple trick so they don’t brown.
• Sugared cranberries would be such a delight on the top of this tree. 
• Edamame for some fresh green color. 
• Grapes of any color would be super fun. 
• Flavored, colored Oreos turned on their side if you want to add more sweets to the mix. Just make sure they are crowded in by other ingredients so that they don’t roll away. 
• Cherry tomatoes for a fun pop of red (or yellow!). 

What Size of Board Did You Use?

This board is 14inx20in. Find similar wood boards in the SHOP THIS POST below. Remember to always check dimensions before you buy as some of these differ slightly.

Show Me Your Boards

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious ho-ho-holiday treats. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads 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 board recipe, please rate and review.