If you are looking to impress your guests with something festive, stunning, and incredibly delicious, this Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe is your new holiday go-to. Overflowing with a vibrant array of meats, cheeses, fruits, and sweet treats, it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary centerpiece. It’s perfectly balanced with savory, creamy, tangy, fresh, and sweet flavors that come together in a way that feels like a party on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively holiday bash, this board brings warmth, variety, and joy to the table without any cooking required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each item has a purpose, adding unique texture or flavor, while collectively creating a visually festive and delicious spread everyone will adore.
- 8 oz Salami (rolled): Offers a smoky, slightly spicy kick that’s perfect for nibbling.
- 8 oz Pepperoni (rolled): Adds bold flavor and a classic touch everyone recognizes.
- 8 oz Prosciutto (rolled): Silky and delicate, it melts in your mouth with a subtle sweetness.
- 8 oz Dry Coppa (rolled): Brings a rustic, hearty flavor that balances the softer cheeses.
- 6 Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella: Creamy cheese wrapped in salty prosciutto – a dream combo.
- 6 Soppressata wrapped mozzarella: A spicy twist on the classic mozzarella pairing for a flavor punch.
- 1 Salami Rosette: Creates an eye-catching centerpiece with elegance and style.
- 8 oz Brie (small round): Soft, buttery, and mild, it invites guests to spread and savor.
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese (chunks): Sharp and crumbly, adding a familiar, rich bite.
- 6 slices Colby Jack Cheese (slices squared): Offers marbled color and a mild, creamy taste.
- ½ cup Pepper Jack cheese (chunks): Brings a touch of heat with creamy texture.
- ½ cup Fontina Cheese (chunks): Smooth and nutty, perfect for a mellow cheese selection.
- Blue Cheese (wedge): Adds pungent creaminess that cheese lovers cherish.
- Parmesan Cheese (wedge): Hard and flavorful, ideal for small grated bites or chunks.
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella (pearls): Tender and milky, these little pearls bring freshness.
- 5 Mini Babybell cheese (semi-soft): Kid-friendly, fun, and easy to add variety.
- 5 oz Boursin herbed cheese: Lusciously creamy with aromatic herbs for a gourmet touch.
- 7-8 Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, their bright red hue pops beautifully on the board.
- ½ cup Grapes: Refreshingly sweet, balancing the savory elements.
- ¼ cup Pomegranate: Little jewels of tartness that sparkle with festivity.
- ½ cup Blueberries: Mild and juicy, adding color and antioxidants.
- ½ cup Blackberries: Slightly tart with a lovely texture contrast.
- ½ cup Baby Tomatoes: Fresh and vibrant, great for color and bite.
- ½ cup Green Olives: Briny and bright for an extra punch of flavor.
- ½ cup Kalamata Olives: Dark, rich, and slightly smoky, perfect for complexity.
- ½ cup Black Olives: Mild yet savory for added Mediterranean flair.
- ¼ cup Red Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy glaze that’s fantastic with cheese.
- ¼ cup Cranberry Jam: A tart, festive spread doubling as a sweet accent.
- Wheat Ritz Crackers: Crunchy and buttery base for all your toppings.
- Christmas Tree Jelly Candy: Fun decorative candy that guests will love.
- Christmas Jordan Almonds: Sweet and nutty, a delightful crunchy treat.
- Christmas Jelly Rings Candy: Bright, chewy sweets adding pure holiday joy.
- Hershey Kisses: Classic chocolates that add a little warmth and comfort.
- Chocolate Pretzels: Sweet and salty for that addictive contrast.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced and crunchy, infusing holiday spirit.
How to Make Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by unwrapping all your meats and cheeses, arranging each type separately on a large cutting board or platter. Roll the salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and dry coppa into neat little bundles to create lovely height and interest. Wrap the mozzarella pearls carefully with prosciutto or soppressata for a surprising bite. Slice your cheeses if needed, keeping them in bite-sized pieces to encourage easy grabbing during your celebration.
Step 2: Arrange Meats and Cheeses
On your serving board, create clusters of each meat and cheese, mixing textures and colors thoughtfully. Use the salami rosette as a stunning centerpiece—it’s like an edible flower that instantly elevates the board. Place wedges of blue cheese and parmesan strategically, as their strong flavors pair best with milder cheeses and sweet bites nearby.
Step 3: Add Fruits, Olives, and Jams
Scatter fresh berries, grapes, baby tomatoes, and pomegranate seeds between the meats and cheeses, adding pops of holiday red, green, and deep jewel tones. Arrange the three varieties of olives in small bowls or in neat piles, separating their briny flavors for a neat presentation. Dollop the red pepper jelly and cranberry jam in small decorative dishes or ramekins; they’re perfect for guests to spread on crackers or cheese slices.
Step 4: Finish with Crackers and Sweet Treats
Place crackers around the edge of your board or in a separate basket to keep their crunch. Finally, make your board extra festive by tucking in Christmas-themed candies and chocolates like jelly rings, Jordan almonds, Hershey Kisses, chocolate pretzels, and gingerbread cookies. These sweet touches add fun and whimsy, ensuring your Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe is both stunning and indulgent.
How to Serve Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs can be tucked in for a burst of green and aroma that screams festive. A few edible gold or silver star sprinkles add sparkle and charm. These finishing touches make each bite feel thoughtful and special, elevating your board from delicious to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
While the board provides plenty of variety, pairing it with light side dishes like a crisp winter salad or warm, crusty bread can complement the experience perfectly. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted nuts keeps things fresh and balanced alongside the richness of the charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a large wooden board or slate platter for rustic appeal, or opt for a mirrored tray to reflect the festive lights and colors. Layer different heights with small bowls or mini stands for olives, jams, and fruits to add dimension. You can also set up a “build your own bite” station nearby, encouraging guests to get creative with their combinations, turning the board into a playful centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover charcuterie components (a lucky problem!), store each element separately to maintain freshness. Wrap meats tightly in plastic wrap or keep in airtight containers and refrigerate. Cheeses last longer if kept cool and wrapped in parchment paper, allowing them to breathe slightly.
Freezing
While freezing is typically not recommended for fresh cheeses or cured meats on charcuterie boards due to texture changes, some harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can be frozen. Be sure to slice them before freezing for convenience, and thaw gently in the fridge.
Reheating
Most items on your Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to slightly warm harder cheeses or serve bread warm, heat gently in a low oven to preserve texture and flavor without melting or drying out the components.
FAQs
Can I customize the Christmas Charcuterie Board for different dietary preferences?
Absolutely! You can swap out meats for vegetarian options like marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, or grilled vegetables. Cheese selections can also include plant-based varieties. Just ensure you keep a good mix of flavors and textures to keep the board exciting and balanced.
How long can the board sit out at a party?
Generally, it’s best to keep perishable items like meats and cheeses at room temperature no longer than two hours to ensure food safety and freshness. After that, refrigerate leftovers promptly.
What’s the best way to slice cheese for a large board?
For harder cheeses, cut into small cubes or bite-sized chunks. Softer cheeses can be sliced into wedges or spreadable portions. Pre-slicing ensures guests can easily pick up and enjoy without fuss.
Can I prepare the Christmas Charcuterie Board ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all ingredients in advance by slicing and rolling meats and cheeses and washing fruits the day before. Assemble the board a few hours before serving and cover it with plastic wrap carefully to keep it fresh.
What drinks pair well with this Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe?
Versatile boards like this one pair wonderfully with sparkling wine, dry reds like Pinot Noir, crisp white wines, or even craft beers. Non-alcoholic sparkling juices or flavored waters also complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe enough for your holiday gatherings. It’s a spectacular way to bring friends and family together without spending hours in the kitchen, offering something beautiful, tasty, and festive for everyone. Trust me, once you try it, this board will become your favorite holiday tradition—savor every bite and enjoy all the compliments you’re bound to get!
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Christmas Charcuterie Board for 12 People Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Create a festive and visually stunning Christmas Charcuterie Board perfect for holiday gatherings. This board features a delightful assortment of rolled salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and dry coppa, paired with a variety of cheeses including brie, cheddar, blue cheese, and mozzarella. Complemented by fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, pomegranate seeds, and an array of olives, along with festive sweet treats and crackers, this charcuterie board offers a balanced combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Meats
- 8 oz Salami (rolled)
- 8 oz Pepperoni (rolled)
- 8 oz Prosciutto (rolled)
- 8 oz Dry Coppa (rolled)
- 6 Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella
- 6 Soppressata wrapped mozzarella
- 1 Salami Rosette
Cheeses
- 8 oz Brie (small round)
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese (chunks)
- 6 slices Colby Jack Cheese (slices squared)
- ½ cup Pepper Jack cheese (chunks)
- ½ cup Fontina Cheese (chunks)
- Blue Cheese (wedge)
- Parmesan Cheese (wedge)
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella (pearls)
- 5 Mini Babybell cheese (semi-soft)
- 5 oz Boursin herbed cheese
Fruits and Vegetables
- 7–8 Strawberries
- ½ cup Grapes
- ¼ cup Pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup Blueberries
- ½ cup Blackberries
- ½ cup Baby Tomatoes
Olives
- ½ cup Green Olives
- ½ cup Kalamata Olives
- ½ cup Black Olives
Condiments and Jams
- ¼ cup Red Pepper Jelly
- ¼ cup Cranberry Jam
Crackers and Sweets
- Wheat Ritz Crackers
- Christmas Tree Jelly Candy
- Christmas Jordan Almonds
- Christmas Jelly Rings Candy
- Hershey Kisses
- Chocolate Pretzels
- Gingerbread Cookies
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, olives, condiments, crackers, and sweets. Make sure all cheeses are sliced or chunked as required, meats are rolled, and fruits are washed and pitted if necessary.
- Arrange Meats and Cheeses: Begin assembling the charcuterie board by placing the rolled meats such as salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, dry coppa, and rolled mozzarella near one another to create visual appeal. Arrange cheeses like brie, cheddar, Colby Jack slices, pepper jack, fontina chunks, blue cheese wedge, parmesan wedge, fresh mozzarella pearls, mini Babybell cheeses, and Boursin in groups across the board for balance and accessibility.
- Add Fruits, Olives, and Condiments: Fill spaces between meats and cheeses with fresh fruits including strawberries, grapes, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, blackberries, and baby tomatoes. Place green, Kalamata, and black olives in small bowls or sections. Include small bowls or dollops of red pepper jelly and cranberry jam near crackers and cheeses for easy pairing.
- Place Crackers and Sweets: Arrange wheat Ritz crackers around the edges or in designated sections on the board. Add Christmas-themed sweets such as jelly candies shaped like Christmas trees, Jordan almonds, jelly rings candy, Hershey Kisses, chocolate pretzels, and gingerbread cookies in decorative clusters to add a festive touch.
- Final Touches and Serve: Adjust and fill any gaps on the board for an appealing, abundant look. Serve immediately or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Allow board to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Use a large wooden or slate serving board for best presentation.
- Keep cheeses and meats chilled until serving time to maintain freshness.
- Customize the fruits and sweets to your preference depending on season and dietary needs.
- Provide small cheese knives and toothpicks for easy serving.
- This board is best served within 2 hours of assembly to ensure quality and taste.
