Description
This festive Christmas Charcuterie Board is a visually stunning and delicious assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and festive treats. Perfect for holiday entertaining, it combines fresh mozzarella and tomato slices arranged in a candy-cane shape, complemented by a variety of flavorful accompaniments like salami, olives, dried fruit, and Christmas-themed sweets for a beautifully balanced and easy-to-assemble appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Components
- 3 fresh tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 2 fresh mozzarella balls (8 ounces each), sliced
- ½ English cucumber, sliced
- Fresh herbs (like basil leaves, oregano, or rosemary)
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Cheese and Meat
- 4 ounces cheese cubes (cheddar, Manchego, or other)
- 4 ounces salami or other cured meats
Condiments and Extras
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic reduction
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Crunchy & Sweet Accompaniments
- 8 ounces crackers and bruschetta toasts
- 2 ounces small pretzel sticks
- ½ cup green olives
- ½ cup dried fruit (apricots, figs, or other)
- ⅓ cup mixed nuts
- ¼ cup chocolate Christmas candy
Instructions
- Arrange Tomatoes and Mozzarella: On a large cutting board or slate board, neatly place the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella rounds in an alternating pattern forming a candy-cane shape, ensuring a festive visual centerpiece for the board.
- Add Seasoning and Drizzle: Drizzle the tomato and mozzarella arrangement evenly with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction, then sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance flavors and add a touch of texture.
- Place Fresh Herbs: Tuck fresh basil leaves and other chosen herbs around the candy-cane arrangement to add vibrant color and a fresh aromatic element to the board.
- Arrange Cheese, Meats, and Crackers: Place the cheese cubes, salami slices, crackers, bruschetta toasts, and small pretzel sticks in clusters on the board, balancing their placement around the centerpiece for visual appeal and easy access.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Use olives, dried fruit, cucumber slices, mixed nuts, additional fresh herbs, and pomegranate seeds to fill in all remaining gaps on the board, making it look abundant, festive, and colorful.
- Final Touch and Serve: Add the chocolate Christmas candies in a small cluster, giving a sweet festive touch. Serve the charcuterie board immediately to ensure freshness and best taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and presentation.
- Balsamic reduction can be store-bought or homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until syrupy.
- Feel free to customize the cheese, meat, and fruit selections based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
- Arrange ingredients just before serving to keep crackers and toasts crisp.
- For an added festive flair, incorporate seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or cranberries.
- This board can be scaled up easily for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of board
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
