Over 85 Festive Holiday Charcuterie Board

Ideas for Parties

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in some delicious charcuterie boards? These versatile platters have become a staple at holiday parties, offering a delightful array of flavors, textures, and colors. Whether you’re an experienced host or a first-timer, we’ve done a round up on over 85 creative charcuterie board ideas from our blogger friends to help you spread some holiday cheer at your gatherings.

Check out this video on how easy it is to assemble a charcuterie board with an assortment of meats, cheeses, condiments and crackers!

What exactly is Charcuterie?

Charcuterie refers to a display or assortment of cured, smoked, and prepared meats, often accompanied by various cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments. It’s a culinary art that involves the preparation, curing, and presentation of various meat products, typically pork, although it can also include other meats such as beef, poultry, and game.

However, over the last few years, MANY VERSIONS of charcuterie have evolved! From desserts to breakfast to seafood and more, there are so many wonderful ways to START A PARTY!

Why everyone loves Charcuterie boards:

Variety: Charcuterie boards offer a diverse assortment of flavors, textures, and ingredients, allowing individuals to enjoy a wide range of tastes in one setting. The combination of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments caters to different preferences.

Visual Appeal: Charcuterie boards are visually striking, often arranged with artistry and care. The aesthetic presentation enhances the overall dining experience and makes them perfect for social gatherings and sharing on social media. Check out how visually stunning this Christmas Charcuterie Board from Jamielyn from I Heart Naptime.

Customization: Charcuterie boards are highly customizable, making them adaptable to various dietary restrictions and personal preferences. You can select ingredients that suit your taste, whether it’s traditional, vegan, gluten-free, or any other dietary style.

Social Interaction: Sharing a charcuterie board encourages interaction and conversation, as people gather around the board to sample and discuss the various components. It promotes a sense of community and togetherness.

Versatility: Charcuterie boards are suitable for different occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events. They can be scaled up or down to accommodate the number of guests and the level of formality.

Balance of Flavors: A well-constructed charcuterie board typically offers a balance of salty, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a harmonious tasting experience that many find irresistible.a

Exploration: Charcuterie boards allow individuals to explore new and unique ingredients, expanding their culinary horizons and providing an opportunity to appreciate different tastes and textures.

Make it Simple:

A charcuterie board can be for any time of the day or any occasion. Even a casual lunch. Just grab some cured meats, cheeses, an apple and grapes. Add some mustard, nuts and crackers. It is just that simple!

 

This Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board tutorial will teach you how to make the perfect easy charcuterie cheese and meat board, vegetarian charcuterie board or even a sweets charcuterie board. Also, included are keto, low carb, dairy free, meatless and gluten free options!

 

Traditional Charcuterie Boards:

The Classic Charcuterie Board:  Gather up some small bowls and a large cutting board. Combine different types of meats such as salami & proscuiotto, then add a variety of cheeses, condiments, jams and crackers for a hearty and satisfying charcuterie board. Empty spaces can be filled with green olives or cherry tomatoes for a festive touch.

Ingredients for our WINE & CHEESE PAIRING Charcuterie Board:

• Three choices of Italian meats: We used a 3 pack of Italian meats. You can find these at Costco or Trader Joe’s.
• Two choices of favorite nuts: We used almonds and pistachios on this one, but use pecans or walnuts if you like!
• Four Cheeses: We did a pimento cheese, bleu cheese, herbed chevre, and a mild buttery white cheese.
• Three brined items: We used baby pickles, capers and green olives
• Two fruits: We used orange slices and strawberries
• Two or Three varieties of crackers: We used a thin flat crisp cracker and melba toasts
• Jam: We used a spicy strawberry, found at Whole Foods.

Easy and delectable holiday charcuterie board for your family entertainment from Julia’s Recipes. Delicious pairing of cured meat, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, spreads with your favourite wine and crunchy baguette.

Best types of cheese for a charcuterie board:

Selecting cheeses for a charcuterie board involves a balance of flavors, textures, and types. Here are three key cheeses that offer a variety of tastes and textures:

1. Soft Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert offer a creamy, mild flavor. They have a velvety texture and pair well with fruits, nuts, and honey. Their softness complements the firmer textures of meats and crunchy elements on the board.

2. Hard Cheese: Hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Manchego provide a sharp, savory taste. They often have a firm texture and a rich, nutty flavor. They can be sliced or crumbled and pair wonderfully with cured meats and fruits.

3. Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort):Blue cheeses contribute a distinct tangy, pungent flavor with characteristic blue veins. They offer a creamy yet crumbly texture, adding depth and complexity to the board. Pair them with honey, nuts, or sweeter elements for a delightful contrast.

These three types of cheese offer a range of flavors and textures that complement various accompaniments on the charcuterie board, providing a well-rounded cheese selection for your spread.

Best types of meats for a charcuterie board:

A traditional charcuterie board typically features a selection of cured meats that offer a variety of flavors and textures. Here are some popular types of meats commonly included in a charcuterie board:

1. Prosciutto: This Italian dry-cured ham is thinly sliced and has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. It pairs well with various cheeses, fruits, and nuts.

2. Salami:There are various types of salami, such as Genoa, Soppressata, or Chorizo. Salami is a flavorful, dry-cured sausage with a slightly spicy taste. It’s often sliced and can be mild or more robust in flavor.

3. Capicola:This Italian cold cut made from pork shoulder or neck is seasoned, cured, and aged, resulting in a tender, slightly spicy flavor.

4. Coppa: Similar to Capicola, this is a dry-cured, thinly sliced pork shoulder that’s flavorful and often a bit peppery.

5. Pepperoni: A popular spicy Italian-American variety of salami, often featuring a bold and slightly spicy flavor, ideal for adding a kick to the board.

6. Chorizo: This Spanish or Mexican sausage offers a smoky, spicy flavor, adding a different dimension to the board.

Including a mix of these meats provides a diverse range of flavors and textures, complementing the cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments typically found on a charcuterie board. Adjust the selection based on personal preferences and the overall theme of your board.

Round and Round we GO!

Round charcuterie boards are a popular choice for their elegant and versatile design, allowing for the harmonious arrangement of cheeses, meats, and other accompaniments. Their symmetrical shape enhances the visual appeal of the spread and makes them a perfect centerpiece for any social gathering.

This Thanksgiving themed charcuterie board from Jessica at Homebody Eats is full of fall flavors like pomegranates, bleu cheese, fig jam, and more! If you’re in search of an appetizer everyone will love, whip this up in just 20 minutes!

We are totally obsessed with this Christmas Olive and Cheese Wreath from Yvette at Muy Bueno! Add some champagne or glasses of wine, and you are set for entertaining!

When it comes to holiday entertaining, you can’t go wrong with a Dana, from Killing Thyme’s charcuterie board. It’s the ultimate snack offering, not to mention that its exquisite appearance makes for one heck of a centerpiece! This setup is sure to have something for everyone–smokey cheese, salty cured meats, fruits, sweet chutneys—and the best part? You can get creative in deciding what to include. I often get asked how I put these alluring snack boards together and really, there’s no hidden secret or talent here.

 

Game Day Charcuterie Board Ideas:

A Chili Charcuterie Board transforms a humble bowl of chili into a fun and customizable meal. Try a chili charcuterie board at your next chili party! Check out this game day board from Jen at Thyme for the Table.

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Get ready to gobble up some holiday fun with this adorable turkey charcuterie board idea for a Christmas or Thanksgiving appetizer! Janice from Salads 4 Lunch inspires us with such creativity with this board!

Halloween Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Italian Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Laura, from Krazy Kitchen Mom suggests buying meats and cheeses from the deli. This way you have the exact amount you need, with no leftovers. So smart. Check out her Antipasto Salad Platter charcuterie board featuring tortellini, Italian bread sticks and meats and cheeses. Yum!

This Antipasto Platter from Kari and Tyler from Get Inspried Everyday is the ultimate ‘no cook’ appetizer or even a meal. It’s all about assembling together a number of tasty ingredients and then it’s all snacking.

Build the ULTIMATE Antipasto Platter! Dannii at Hungy Healthy Happy shows how to build this board using cheese, meat, pickles, crackers, vegetables and fruit. This Antipasto board has everything!

We are loving this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board from Homemade Heather! This Christmas tree charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer for the holidays. Not only is it delicious but it’s also easy to make this festive charcuterie board!

This Candy Cane Caprese is a delicious appetizer board idea or snack during the festive holidays! Enjoy this recipe made with fresh mozzarella, ripened tomatoes, bright basil, and sweet balsamic glaze on your Christmas Eve menu filled with all types of other party food ideas. Delicious with crackers, toasted baguette slices, bread, and more! 

Fruit & Cheese Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Are you looking for a cute Christmas appetizer to make your gathering feel more festive? This quick and easy “recipe” for this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is adorable enough to take center stage at any holiday party and can easily be adapted to fit your dietary needs and preferences. We love that it is made with fruit and cheese, and looks so festive.

Christmast Tree Charcuterie Board from Kim at Two Kids and a Coupon is an eye catching charcuterie board made in the shape of a tree! From the green olive ornaments to the rosemary garland, we are obsessed!

Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board from Diana at The Little Sunny Kitchen is the perfect thing to bring to the holiday party! It’s packed with all the typical charcuterie fixings, including cheese, olives, and a salami rose. Even better, we’re arranging the board to look like a holiday wreath.

 

Grazing Meze Platters for a Crowd:

If you’re hosting a larger group, consider creating several grazing boards to ensure everyone can enjoy your charcuterie spread. Variety is key, to ensure you have something for everyone. Below are two boards from Dannii at Hungy Healthy Happy. What we love about these are the variety of flavors and protein choices!

First: The ULTIMATE Grazing Platter that is so easy to put together, making it perfect for when you are entertaining. A variety of cheese, meats, crackers, fruit and deli items all loaded up on a board – sweet and savoury, there is something for everyone.

Next Up: Check out this Delicious Greek Meze platter that is filled with fresh pita bread, chicken skewers, cheese, dips fries and vegetables. It’s a real crowd pleaser and perfect for entertaining. Quick and easy to make, but it looks super impressive.

Relish & Veggie  Charcuterie Board Ideas:

A Relish Tray is different from a Crudite Platter, a Charcuterie Plate, or a Cheese Board because it contains produce or vegetables that have been brined, pickled, or marinated. Check out this modern twist on an old-fashioned relish tray from Take Two Tapas and see if it doesn’t become your new favorite finger food for a crowd!

Breakfast and Brunch Holiday Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Craft a breakfast board with the simplicity of whole, fluffy pancakes, and fresh, vibrant fruit, beautifully arranged to awaken your taste buds. Add a touch of savory delight with crispy hashbrowns, completing a visually appealing and delectable morning feast that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Check out this Pancake Charcuterie Board with sheet pan pancakes and air fried bacon and hashbrowns! Charlotte from All you need is Brunch created this board as a show-stopping brunch centerpiece!

For a vegan option, make this Easy Breakfast Charcuterie Board (Vegan) from Victoria at Wow it’s Veggie?! A variety of fruits with pancakes, syrup and plant-based butter and syrup is perfect to enjoy at any brunch!

You’ll love how easy a charcuterie platter is for entertaining and feeding a large group. The best part is that you can put this Breakfast Charcuterie Board with Bacon together in advance, relax, snack on bacon, and drink mimosas! Eliza from BENSA (BACON LOVERS SOCIETY)  really brings something for everyone with this board!!

Kid Friendly Holiday Charcuterie Board Idea:

When it’s time to entertain, this kid friendly cheese board (that adults will love to eat too) is the perfect easy cheesy snack spread! Check out this Kid Friendly Board from Jenn from Peas and Crayons!

Dessert Holiday Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Nisha, from Rainbow Plant Life has put together this incredible dessert board featuring chocolate treats and berries. What could be more perfect for date night, or the perfect dessert board for your next party!!

Learn How to Make a Hot Chocolate Bar Charcuterie Board with rich hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and customizable toppings and treats! Hot cocoa boards are a fun and festive way to serve hot chocolate for brunch, movie nights, and special occasions. Kat and Alec from Heirloom Pantry suggest to create a theme for your hot cocoa charcuterie board, like a holiday or flavor. For example, make a pink, red, and white board for Valentine’s Day, or a green and red board for Christmas.

Gluten-Free Holiday Charcuterie board ideas:

A meat and cheese board is a trendy way to serve cheese and crackers that’ll have your guests raving. Get all the charcuterie board ideas you need from Sharon at What the Fork to make the most epic appetizer!  

Easy Gluten Free Summer Cheese Board from rom Kari and Tyler from Get Inspried Everyday is filled with grilled veggies, meats, cheeses and fruit.

 

Seafood & Plant Based Charcuterie Boards:

 

Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian & Seafood Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Skewers & “Jar”-Cuterie Cups!

Have you heard of a jarcuterie? If not, it’s a fun and trendy twist on the traditional charcuterie board that is full of meat, cheese, fruit, and so much more. They are essentially little individual charcuterie cups. Check out these charcutrie cups from Molly at Living Normal. We are obsessed!

With these over 50 holiday charcuterie board ideas, you have everything you need to create the perfect holiday appetizer. From traditional charcuterie boards to creative Christmas-themed platters, there’s a charcuterie tray for every occasion and every taste. Don’t be a reluctant entertainer; embrace the fun part of holiday party planning, and watch your guests delight in your delicious and beautifully arranged charcuterie boards. Cheers to the Christmas season, and happy charcuterie crafting!

Check out our Perfect Appetizer and Cocktail Pairings Post