16 Charcuterie Board Ideas for the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect time to create a charcuterie board!

There’s something special about gathering around a charcuterie board, where friends and family can linger, chat, and savor a variety of delicious finger foods. Whether you’re planning a Christmas-themed board or simply looking for festive ideas to serve throughout the holiday season, we have plenty of inspiration to suit every occasion.

Check out the links below for recipes to our favorite holiday boards!

You may also like or top Christmas Charcuterie Boards.

Top Tips for Making Holiday Charcuterie Boards

Creating a holiday charcuterie board is a delightful way to impress your guests with a visually appealing and delicious assortment of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Here are some top tips to help you craft the perfect holiday charcuterie board:

1. Variety is Key: Offer a diverse selection of meats and cheeses. Include different types of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, paired with a range of cheeses—think soft brie, semi-soft Gouda, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese.
2. Cheese Selection: Create a balanced mix of textures and flavors. For the holiday season, try a creamy brie, a nutty Gruyère, a rich goat cheese, and a festive cranberry-studded cheddar to add a seasonal touch.
3. Accompaniments: Complement your meats and cheeses with a variety of accompaniments. Use an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, and sliced baguette. Seasonal spreads like cranberry chutney, honey, or fig jam add an extra burst of flavor.
4. Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate seasonal fruits like grapes, fresh figs, and pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. Add a mix of nuts, such as roasted almonds or candied pecans, for a crunchy contrast.
5. Pickles and Olives: Add a briny, tangy element with a selection of pickles and olives. Try cornichons, pickled onions, or a medley of green and black olives to elevate the board’s flavor profile.
6. Visual Appeal: Arrange your items in a visually pleasing way. Use festive colors like reds and greens to capture the holiday spirit. Play with textures and shapes to make your board inviting and Instagram-worthy.
7. Temperature Considerations: Serve soft cheeses at room temperature to bring out their creaminess, while keeping cured meats slightly chilled for the best texture.
8. Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. These not only add a burst of festive fragrance but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.
9. Personalization: Tailor your board to suit your guests’ preferences. If someone loves a specific cheese or meat, include it to make the experience even more special.
10. Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of your guests’ dietary needs. Include gluten-free crackers, vegetarian options, and dairy-free cheeses to ensure everyone can enjoy the spread.
11. Labeling: Add small labels or festive tags to help guests identify different items, especially if you have unique or seasonal selections. This adds a charming, personalized touch to your board.
12. Wine Pairing: Elevate your charcuterie experience by pairing it with holiday wines. A rich red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the variety of flavors on the board.

Best Holiday Charcuterie Boards

Caprese Wreath Charcuterie Board

Crafting a caprese wreath adds a playful touch to your holiday charcuterie board. Create toothpick stacks featuring mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olives, arranging them in a circular shape to fashion a wreath. Complete the centerpiece with a meat flower or a delectable dipping sauce, resulting in a perfect dish for your festive holiday gathering.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to create a festive charcuterie board, and one of the most delightful options is a board shaped like a Christmas tree. Infuse the holiday spirit by selecting a variety of meats, cheeses, and red and green foods to assemble this enjoyable and seasonal platter.

Burrata Snowman Charcuterie Board

Create a festive Burrata Snowman Board to wow your guests this season! This adorable board is inspired by a classic Caprese salad, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella balls, and two burrata balls stacked to form a cute snowman. Decorated with basil leaves, peppercorn eyes, and a tiny carrot nose, it’s finished off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Perfect for a holiday appetizer or a winter gathering!

Caprese Christmas Tree Board

Bring holiday cheer to your table with this vibrant Caprese Christmas Tree Board! Featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes arranged in a charming tree shape, it’s perfect for parties or family gatherings. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavor, it’s a festive treat everyone will love!

Small Italian Charcuterie Board

Crafted from Italian ingredients, this petite and straightforward charcuterie board features pickled delicacies, fresh cheeses, and cured meats. It mirrors the classic elements of a traditional Italian cheese board.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

This cute Christmas tree board is full of green, red and yellow ingredients to make it a show stopper for the holidays. Make this board as big are you want and serve it up at your next Christmas gathering.

Hot Chocolate Board

Bright and festive, this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is packed with colorful ingredients that will steal the spotlight at your holiday party. Scale it up or down for any occasion, and enjoy a tasty, cheerful centerpiece!

Caprese Candy Cane Charcuterie

This fun and colorful churcuterie board is easy to make and delicious. This is the perfect board if you want something to make quickly for your next gathering. Choose fresh and bright ingredients to make this candy cane.

Christmas Butter Board Wreath

Create a stunning holiday appetizer with a Christmas Butter Board Wreath that’s as delicious as it is festive! This unique butter board combines the creamy richness of softened butter with seasonal ingredients that bring a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. I’ve chosen a mix of cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and a hint of orange rind for a burst of color and flavor, while thyme and lavender add an herbal touch to make it feel truly seasonal. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavors, making this buttery wreath a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste, whether you prefer fresh cranberries or cranberry jam. This easy-to-make and visually striking board is sure to impress your guests!

Soft Pretzel Charcuterie Board

We love movie nights during the holiday season, and this board is our favorite movie night charcuterie board. Warm pretzels with an assortment of dips makes a delicious charcuterie board movie night.

Soup and Bread Charcuterie Board

Elevate your dining experience by presenting a soup charcuterie board instead of serving bread and soup separately. Infused with a variety of vegetables and garnishes, this board adds a playful twist to your dinner, making it a delightful and interactive meal.

Christmas Charcuterie Wreath

This stunning charcuterie board is so easy to make and can be made from any ingredients. Choose reds, greens and seasonal ingredients for a showstopping holiday appetizer and centerpeice.

Christmas Charcuterie Cups

These fun and easy to make charcuterie cups are a great way to personalize your charcuterie board ingredients for everyone this holiday season. Put your favorite Christmas board ingredients into a cup, jar or even a wine glass and serve it up at your next gathering.

Santa Charcuterie Board

The holiday season is a cherished time for crafting charcuterie boards. With numerous gatherings to partake in and an array of adorable charcuterie board ideas available, from timeless wreath designs to the whimsical Santa-themed spread, Christmas offers the ideal opportunity to unleash your creativity.

Christmas Fruit Charcuterie Wreath

Put together this enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing fruit charcuterie wreath that works wonders for Christmas or any other season. Feel free to create this board whenever you like, keeping the ingredients crisp and in line with the current season for an extra burst of flavor.

Pancake Taco Charcuterie Board

Indulge in the pancake taco experience, where light and fluffy pancakes meet a burst of fresh fruits, decadent chocolate, and velvety whipped cream. This innovative approach to breakfast classics promises a delightful amalgamation of sweet sensations, tailor-made for sharing and savoring with friends and family.

Looking for more charcuterie board ideas? Check os out on Pinterest.

Try These Charcuterie Boards

A Festive Fall Charcuterie Board for The Best Season of the Year How to Make the Perfect Mothers Day Charcuterie Board How to Make a Skeleton Halloween Charcuterie Board 10 Clever Charcuterie Board Ideas for Halloween