Christmas is the best time of year to make a charcuterie board when friends and family gather around to eat and talk.
There are so many holiday charcuterie board ideas for the holidays, but one of my favorite boards for the holidays is to make a Christmas Charcuterie Wreath. You can make a charcuterie wreath with any ingredients you would normally use for a charcuterie board or choose holiday themed ingredients to add some extra festivities to season.
We made this board as the appetizer before a family gathering in early December and it was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Looking for other ideas? Check out our Favorite Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas, or see our Christmas Caprese Wreath.
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What is a Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
A Christmas charcuterie wreath is a festive and creative way to present a variety of savory snacks and appetizers during the holiday season. It takes the concept of a traditional charcuterie board, which typically includes a selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads, and transforms it into a visually appealing wreath-shaped arrangement.
To create a Christmas charcuterie wreath, arrange an assortment of holiday-themed ingredients in a circular or wreath-like pattern on a large platter or board. Additionally, the wreath may be adorned with rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or other decorative elements to enhance its festive appearance. I find that adding some greens really makes this wreath.
This culinary creation not only serves as a delightful centerpiece for holiday gatherings but also allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. The Christmas charcuterie wreath is a visually striking and appetizing addition to seasonal celebrations, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of creativity to their holiday entertaining.
What to Put in Your Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
You can use any ingredients you like to make an edible Christmas wreath. For this board we decided to use seasonal ingredients with lots of reds and greens. Here is a list of the ingredients we used:
- Salami: Thinly sliced salami adds a savory and robust flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the cheeses and fruits.
- Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar cheese complements the rich and creamy textures of other cheeses, contributing a classic element to the charcuterie board.
- Goat Cheese with Cranberry: This sweet and tangy goat cheese with cranberry not only introduces a festive touch but also offers a unique flavor profile that pairs well with various accompaniments.
- Brie: The creamy and mild nature of Brie adds a luxurious and velvety texture, creating a harmonious balance with the other cheeses and accoutrements.
- Grapes: Sweet and juicy grapes act as palate cleansers, refreshing the taste buds between bites of cured meats and cheeses.
- Kiwi: Sliced kiwi brings a refreshing and slightly tart flavor, providing a bright and tropical note to the charcuterie board.
- Raspberries: Raspberries contribute a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal while offering a delightful fruity element.
- Blueberries: These tiny, sweet berries add a pop of color and a burst of freshness, complementing the various textures on the board.
- Strawberries: Sliced strawberries offer a juicy and sweet component, creating a delicious contrast to the savory and salty elements on the charcuterie board.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness and a crunchy texture, elevating the overall sensory experience of the charcuterie board.
- Chocolate Peppermints: A few strategically placed chocolate peppermints provide a delightful and indulgent treat, adding a touch of holiday sweetness to the savory selection.
- Crackers (2-3 different types): Assorted crackers, ranging from plain to seeded or whole grain, serve as the perfect vessel for layering on cheeses, meats, and fruits, adding a crispy and neutral base to the diverse flavors of the charcuterie board.
- A few springs of greenery for the inside of the wreath: tree branches or rosemary works well. Strawberry jam for the brie.
How to Assemble Your Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
To assemble your wreath, start by cutting all the ingredients into bite sized pieces.
Next lay out the greenery in a small circle in the center of your board. We used a larger sized board but a medium board will also work.
Make the brie by cutting a shape out of the center of the brie and adding some jam or jelly to the center.
Start by placing the anchor ingredients on the board. Make a meat road or two and cut your kiwi into decorate shapes. Lay the rest of the ingredients around the wreath and pile your berries in and around the crackers and cheese. Finish your board by adding pomegranate seeds around the entire wreath.
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath Recipe
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
Equipment
- Medium or large round charcuterie board
- Supplies for cutting cheese and fruit
Ingredients
- Cheddar Cheese
- Goat Cheese with Cranberry
- Brie Cheese
- Salami (or other cured meat)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Raspberries
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Chocolate Peppermints
- Crackers 2-3 different types
- Greens for decoration (christmas tree greens or rosemary)
Instructions
- To assemble your wreath, start by cutting all the ingredients into bite sized pieces.
- Next lay out the greenery in a small circle in the center of your board. We used a larger sized board but a medium board will also work.
- Make the brie by cutting a shape out of the center of the brie and adding some jam or jelly to the center.
- Start by placing the anchor ingredients on the board. Make a meat road or two and cut your kiwi into decorate shapes. Lay the rest of the ingredients around the wreath and pile your berries in and around the crackers and cheese. Finish your board by adding pomegranate seeds around the entire wreath.
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