This small Christmas charcuterie tree is a fun holiday centerpiece for a cozy gathering. Arrange grapes, olives, cheese and salami on a standing cone so it looks like a mini Christmas tree and serve it with your favorite crackers.
You can keep the ingredients simple and budget friendly or use this as a chance to try a new cheese or cured meat you have not had before.
Shopping list for 3D Christmas charcuterie tree
For the charcuterie mix:
- Grapes – any color.
- Olives – black and green or just one type.
- Salami – any deli salami you like (sopressata, Genoa salami, peppered, …)
- Cheese – mild cheddar or Colby Jack are great options.
- Bell pepper – red, yellow or orange.
- Fresh rosemary – to fill any empty gaps on the tree.
- Crackers of your choice.
For assembling:
- Toothpicks – you will need a lot.
- Foam craft cone (cone-shaped) – there are different sizes. I used a small one about 7 inches (18 centimeters) tall and 3 inches (7 centimeters) in diameter. This size is perfect for a small charcuterie tree for 3 to 4 people.
- Plastic wrap – a must.
- Cream cheese – about a teaspoon, to help the cone stick to the plate. This can be omitted.
Pick the board
Option 1: You do not need anything fancy. A simple round plate that is large enough to hold the tree will do. If it is larger, you can arrange some round crackers around it like I did in my photos.
Option 2: Make it the centerpiece of a large charcuterie board. If you have a rotating wooden board (lazy Susan), use it. Your guests can turn it to reach what they like.
Prep the charcuterie mix
Rinse or drain everything and pat dry with paper kitchen towels. This is important when you serve cheese and salami. You do not want them to turn soggy from the juices of the fruit.
How to assemble the Christmas charcuterie tree
Skewer everything on toothpicks and then stick the toothpicks into the cone.
You can put a little bit of cream cheese onto your serving plate at this stage, but I find it easier to hold the cone in my hand while I work on the bottom part. When the base is done, I place it onto the worktop and finish the rest. Finally, I transfer it onto the serving plate.
Possible variations
- Dill pickles and pearl onions only.
- Various pitted olives – Kalamata, stuffed green olives, mild black olives.
- Italian prosciutto, mozzarella, basil and cherry tomatoes – similar to Caprese salad bites.
My tips
- Avoid using mature cheddar. It will crumble and may break when you try to skewer the cubes onto toothpicks.
- This is a small appetizer for 4 people. It should be served with other snacks or bite-size foods, like bacon wrapped dates or quick dips, to create a nice variety if you do not plan on serving a main meal.
- Make sure to cover the foam craft cone with plastic wrap. This prevents any small foam pieces from sticking to the food.
- Do not leave the tree at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you are serving it over a longer period, return it to the fridge in between.
Recipe Q&A
Yes, you can. For the best food experience, I recommend prepping everything in advance and keeping the items in separate containers. Then, a few hours before serving, assemble the tree and cover it loosely with plastic wrap.
Before: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
After: Remove any leftovers from the toothpicks and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 1 to 2 days for the best texture.
More easy Christmas appetizers
- Snowman Veggie Tray – One of the easiest holiday appetizers you can make.
- Snowman Cheese Board – A fun winter-themed snack board.
- Mini Brie Christmas Trees – Easy to make and crowds love them.
A Christmas charcuterie board is a very impressive holiday appetizer that you can customize to everyone’s liking.
Christmas Charcuterie Tree Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 blocks mild cheddar cheese (7 ounces/240 grams each, see note 1)
- ½ pound seedless grapes (rinsed and patted dry, 225 grams)
- ½ cup pitted black olives (patted dry)
- 1 cup pimento stuffed green olives (patted dry)
- 3 ounces salami (thinly sliced, 85 grams)
- fresh rosemary (a few sprigs)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (or red bell pepper, optional)
Instructions
Prepare all the ingredients:
- Take one block of cheese and slice it through its thickness to make two equal, thinner slabs. Cut a star out of one of them using either a star cookie cutter or a paper star template and a knife. Set the star aside.
- Cut the second block of cheese into bite-size cubes and skewer them on toothpicks. When ready, skewer the grapes, olives and salami on toothpicks as well.
- If using bell pepper, use a very small round cookie cutter to cut out little bauble-like shapes.
Assemble the tree:
- Wrap the foam craft cone completely in plastic wrap so the food does not touch the foam. Insert the toothpicks with food into the cone, starting at the bottom and alternating the ingredients when possible. When working at the bottom, it is easier to hold the cone with one hand and insert the skewers with the other.
- Once the cone feels steady, place it on your worktop and keep adding skewers until you have filled all the spaces. Add the small pepper “baubles” in a few random spots and tuck rosemary pieces into any gaps.
- Finally, insert a toothpick into the top of the tree and place the cheese star on it.
- Spread a little cream cheese in the center of a serving plate and set the charcuterie tree on top to keep it in place. Arrange the crackers around the tree and serve.
Notes
- You will need to cut a star out of the cheese. For this, as well as for the cubes, use mild cheddar to avoid crumbling and breaking when cutting. For the star, use either the same color cheese or a different color. I used orange cheddar. You will end up with a lot of cut-offs when cutting the star. Use them on pizza or pasta.
- Make sure to pat dry the olives and grapes. This prevents the cheese and salami from turning soggy.
- Make ahead: Prep the individual items a day in advance, keep them in separate containers and assemble the tree a few hours before serving.
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