Christmas Charcuterie Tree Centerpiece
The cutest addition to any holiday table!!
Serves… whoever wanders into the kitchen.
This is the most joyful holiday centerpiece you can make. It looks impressive but is truly so easy. All you need is a cone-shaped base, some plastic wrap, toothpicks, and all your favorite charcuterie bites. Build it like you’re decorating a Christmas tree, and let it be as full, colorful, and cozy as you want it to be.
Ingredients
Use any combination of the following:
Cubes of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack)
Salami slices
Prosciutto or ham ribbons
Cherry tomatoes
Olives (green and kalamata)
Blackberries or grapes
Mini peppers or pepperoncini
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the “tree branches”)
For the base:
1 styrofoam cone
Plastic wrap
Toothpicks
Instructions
1. Prep the cone
Wrap the styrofoam cone completely in plastic wrap. This keeps it food-safe, prevents crumbs from sticking, and makes cleanup easy.
2. Add your toppings
Using toothpicks, press your cheese cubes, salami, folded prosciutto, olives, cherry tomatoes, and berries onto the tree. Choose lots of colors and textures so the tree looks full and bright. There is no wrong way to do this! Just be sure to fill all the spaces in!
3. Add the “branches”
Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs in between your toppings.They make the whole thing look like a real holiday tree and smell amazing.
4. Fill in the gaps
Spin the tree slowly and fill any open spaces with extra cheese, olives, or folded meats. The fuller the tree, the better it looks.
5. Serve
Place your charcuterie tree on a wooden board or cake stand and let everyone pluck off what they want.It’s the ultimate holiday party snack. You can add another board on the side with crackers, jams, etc.
Tips
Use firmer cheeses so they don’t slide off the toothpicks.
Fold salami into little cones or petals to make the tree look floral and layered.
Build it a few hours ahead and refrigerate.
Add a star on top made from a cheese slice if you want to be extra cute.
A Recipe by Madeline May
Christmas Charcuterie Tree
A festive, three-dimensional charcuterie tree layered with cheese, cured meats, olives, fruit, and fresh rosemary for an easy showstopping holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
Charcuterie Toppings
For the Base
Optional for Serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cone Wrap the styrofoam cone completely in plastic wrap. This creates a barrier between the food and the foam, keeps crumbs from sticking, and makes cleanup easier.
- Add the toppings Use toothpicks to attach the cheese cubes, salami, folded prosciutto or ham, olives, cherry tomatoes, berries, and peppers to the cone. Alternate colors, shapes, and textures as you work so the tree looks bright and full.
- Add the branches Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the toppings to create the look of evergreen branches and add a fresh holiday aroma.
- Fill in the gaps Slowly rotate the tree and fill any open spaces with extra cheese, olives, berries, or folded meats. Continue until the cone is completely covered.
- Finish and serve Place the finished charcuterie tree on a wooden board or cake stand. Add a cheese star to the top, if desired, and serve with crackers, jams, mustard, or additional charcuterie items on the side.
Storage
Cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 1 day. For the freshest appearance, add the rosemary shortly before serving.
Make Ahead
Assemble the tree a few hours before your gathering, cover it carefully, and refrigerate. Set it out shortly before guests arrive.
A Note from Madeline May
Use firm cheeses so they stay securely on the toothpicks. Fold salami into cones or petals for extra texture, and keep filling gaps until no plastic wrap is visible.
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