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This festive Christmas Charcuterie Board makes a stunning appetizer and always gathers friends and family around the table. With an easy-to-assemble wreath design featuring cheeses, meats, olives, tomatoes, and herbs all arranged on skewers for grab-and-go ease, it brings a joyful wow-factor to any holiday spread. Toasty mini garlic toasts add an irresistible crunch and aroma, while fresh herbs and a mix of colors transform simple ingredients into true celebration fare.
I started making this board to kick off Christmas with my kids and now it is our ritual for every holiday gathering because it gets everyone snacking and chatting together straight away.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for garlic toasts and a golden finish on breads choose a bottle with a peppery aroma if possible
- Thyme rosemary and oregano: whether fresh or dried for aromatic depth in your garlic toast
- Garlic salt or garlic powder and salt: for seasoning with savory punch
- Bread: whole wheat or white any good bakery loaf will do softer slices toast best
- Herbs and greenery for the wreath base: fresh rosemary or basil work beautifully and look festive
- Cheddar cheese cubes, Monterey Jack cubes, mozzarella pearls: for creamy and sharp contrast choose firm blocks that slice cleanly
- Prosciutto and cubed salami: for salt and richness ask for slices at the deli counter or cube your own
- Cherry tomatoes, black and green olives, pepperoncini: for bright color and tang choose ripe and firm tomatoes glossy olives
- Long picks or skewers: keep everything secure and make serving simple wood or reusable metal both work
- Optional shaped cookie cutters: for star or tree shaped mini toasts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Mini Garlic Toasts:
- Whisk olive oil with thyme rosemary oregano and garlic salt to create an herb oil. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from slices of bread dip each piece in the herbed oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake at three hundred seventy five degrees for ten minutes flipping halfway to ensure crispness and a golden color.
- Thread the Skewers:
- Stack a variety of cheese meats olives tomatoes peppers and herbs on each skewer alternating colors and textures. If you like consistency assemble each skewer with the same sequence or mix things up for more color and surprise.
- Create the Wreath Base:
- Arrange your fresh greenery or herb sprigs on your serving board in a large circle overlapping to form a wreath shape. Make sure the base is full and covers the edges of your tray for a plush look.
- Arrange the Skewers:
- Nestle your filled skewers all around the wreath in a circular pattern pointing the picks outward. Fill any gaps for a lush full effect. Let some skewers overlap for a natural look.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Tuck mini garlic toasts along the wreath and sprinkle extra herbs on top for brightness. Serve with small bowls of dips or nuts nearby if desired.
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Cheese selection is my favorite part. My daughter always helps me pick out the best cheddar and mozzarella at the market and we laugh about who can cube the most without snacking. Our board has become the center of our holiday celebration every year.
Storage Tips
If making ahead keep the completed board covered with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day. For storing leftovers remove the skewers and store each ingredient separately in airtight containers for up to five days. Always inspect ingredients before serving again and discard anything that looks or smells off.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in any favorite cheeses such as brie or havarti and use turkey ham or even grilled chicken if you want lighter meats. Try artichoke hearts or pickled veggies for vegetarian friends. Gluten free crackers stand in easily for bread stars.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your charcuterie board with a sparkling punch or a light white wine. Arrange extra nuts fruits dips or even little chocolates around the platter to turn this from an appetizer into a full party spread.
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Cultural and Holiday Tradition
Boards like this draw inspiration from classic Italian antipasti but the wreath twist brings Christmas cheer. In our family these boards spark the start of every celebration reminding us of cozy gatherings and the pleasure of sharing food together.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Which cheeses work best for a holiday charcuterie board?
Choose a mix of firm and semi-soft cheeses—cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella pearls, Havarti, brie, and Swiss are great options. Avoid very soft cheeses, as they may not hold up well when skewered. Variety in color and texture makes the board more appealing.
- → What types of meats pair well in this arrangement?
Classic choices include prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, ham, and even sliced turkey. For extra variety, try adding cubed grilled chicken or different cured sausages. Arrange them in layers or as single pieces on skewers for easy serving.
- → How can I make the mini garlic toasts?
Whisk together olive oil with fresh or dried herbs and garlic salt. Cut bread into festive shapes using cookie cutters, dip in the seasoned oil, and bake until crisp—usually around ten minutes. These make the perfect crunchy garnish for your board.
- → Can I customize the vegetable and olive selection?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, bell peppers, grapes, and pickled items all work well. Mix and match colors and flavors to suit your guests’ preferences.
- → How far ahead can I prepare the board?
The board can be fully assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until serving. For maximum freshness, add any delicate herbs and garnishes just before presenting to guests.
- → Any tips for a visually striking presentation?
Use a round platter or wooden board, lay down fresh sprigs of herbs for greenery, and arrange the skewers in a circular wreath pattern. Vary ingredients along each skewer for a colorful, inviting effect, and finish with small garnishes for holiday flair.