Quick answer: To make a Christmas charcuterie board, choose 3 to 4 cheeses (Brie, aged cheddar, Manchego and a blue), 2 to 3 cured meats (prosciutto, salami and soppressata), then add red and green accents like rosemary sprigs, red grapes, pomegranate seeds, cranberries and green olives. Shape it into a wreath or tree for a festive look, and serve it with sparkling wine or Pinot Noir.
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Nothing says holiday party like a board loaded with cheese, cured meat and red and green treats. A Christmas charcuterie board doubles as a centerpiece, it feeds a crowd without much cooking, and it can be built before guests arrive. Here is our shopping list, three festive shapes to try and the wines that make it sparkle.
What Do You Need for a Christmas Charcuterie Board?
Cheeses
- Brie or Camembert: creamy and mild. Cut a star shape out of the top rind with a cookie cutter.
- Aged white cheddar: sharp and easy to cube.
- Manchego: nutty and firm, sliced into triangles.
- Stilton or Gorgonzola: a classic holiday blue, especially with Port.
Meats
- Prosciutto: fold into loose ribbons or roses.
- Genoa salami: fold into quarters or make a salami river.
- Soppressata or chorizo: adds color and a little spice.
Red and Green Accents
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (they look like mini pine branches)
- Red and green grapes, pomegranate seeds and sugared cranberries
- Green Castelvetrano olives and cornichons
- Strawberries, raspberries and kiwi slices
- Pepper jelly, fig jam and honey
Carriers and Crunch
- Baguette slices, rosemary crackers and breadsticks
- Candied pecans, pistachios and Marcona almonds
- Dark chocolate squares and a few gingerbread cookies
How Do You Make a Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board?
- Set a small bowl in the center of a large round board. Fill it with olives or jam.
- Lay rosemary sprigs in a ring around the bowl to form the wreath base.
- Add cheese and meat in clusters around the ring, alternating colors.
- Fill gaps with grapes, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and nuts.
- Finish with a bow made from a strip of red pepper or a ribbon tied on the bowl.
A large round board works best for the wreath shape. For a Christmas tree, use a rectangular board and layer rows of cheese cubes, salami and rosemary in a triangle, topped with a star cut from cheddar.
How Much Charcuterie Do You Need for a Christmas Party?
| Guests | Cheese | Meat |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 12 to 18 oz | 12 oz |
| 12 | 1.5 to 2 lb | 1.5 lb |
| 20 | 2.5 to 3.5 lb | 2.5 lb |
These amounts assume an appetizer board, about 2 to 3 ounces of cheese and 2 ounces of meat per person. If the board is the main meal, double them. Feeding a crowd on a budget? See our Costco charcuterie board under $50.
What Wine Goes With a Christmas Charcuterie Board?
- Champagne or Prosecco: bubbles cut through salty meat and rich cheese, and they feel festive. See our Champagne food pairing guide.
- Pinot Noir: a light red that works with prosciutto, Brie and Manchego.
- Tawny or Ruby Port: the classic match for Stilton and dark chocolate.
- Mulled wine: warm and cozy for a winter party. Try our easy mulled wine recipe.
Shop Prosecco at Wine.com, and see our Christmas wine pairing guide for dinner. Our ultimate charcuterie board guide has even more layout ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes on a Christmas charcuterie board?
A Christmas board usually has 3 to 4 cheeses, 2 to 3 cured meats, crackers and bread, plus red and green accents like rosemary, grapes, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and green olives.
How do you make a charcuterie board look like a wreath?
Place a small bowl in the center of a round board, ring it with rosemary sprigs, then add clusters of cheese, meat and fruit around the ring. Fill gaps with nuts and berries and add a bow for a finishing touch.
How far in advance can I make a Christmas charcuterie board?
Prep and slice ingredients the day before. Assemble the board up to 2 hours ahead, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then let it sit out 30 minutes before serving. Add crackers just before guests arrive.
What wine pairs with a Christmas charcuterie board?
Champagne and Prosecco are the most versatile, Pinot Noir is the best red, and Port is the classic partner for blue cheese and chocolate.
How much charcuterie do I need for 12 people?
For 12 guests as an appetizer, plan on about 1.5 to 2 pounds of cheese and 1.5 pounds of cured meat, plus crackers, bread and fruit.
