I might not be attending a ton of holiday parties this year, but I plan to elevate my holiday experience at home! Starting with a holiday charcuterie board!
One way I’m upping my holiday game at home this year is by focusing on food and wine. I have some Zoom holiday gatherings lined up this year, and I’m planning on busting out this festive cheese and charcuterie board while I celebrate with loved ones virtually. It’s fun to craft, and it will impress your friends as well!
You can also save this post and recreate this board when we’re all able to gather together for the holidays in the future safely.
The Perfect Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Board: The Ingredients
For cheese boards, I always like to pick at least one firm and one soft cheese for the board to accommodate all guests (and when I say “guests,” this year, I mean just myself and Tom!) However, you’re welcome to sub out any of the cheese or charcuterie on this board to accommodate you and your guests’ preferences!
- 3 Kinds of Cheese (on our board: Le Cremieux, Grayson, and Kunik cheeses)
- 2 Kinds of Charcuterie (on our board: Proscuitto and Dark Rum Salami)
- Crackers (we opted for a few different kinds of crackers and crisps for the board)
- Fruit
- Rosemary and cranberries to garnish
The Perfect Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Assembly Step 1
When I assemble my cheese board, I like to start by placing the cheeses first. They should be the focal point of the board. Afterward, I’ll add in my meat and crackers. Pretty simple! We alternated between these festive crisps by 34 Degrees and the salami for a bit more of a festive look. We also rolled the prosciutto for a more elevated presentation.
Full disclaimer: you’re probably going to need to add a side plate of extra bread, but it’s 100% worth it when you craft a board that’s this stunning!
The Perfect Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Assembly Step 2
Next up, you’re going to want to add your fruits to the board. The peak season for clementines is October-January, so I would definitely recommend adding those to any board this time of year. It is also peak season for pears as well, and we managed to find some adorable mini pears that look absolutely darling on this board! Grapes are always a classic and welcome addition to a cheese board as well — the saltiness of the cheese and the grape’s sweetness is a fantastic pairing.
The Perfect Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Board: The Final Touches
To really make this board festive and over the top, garnish with rosemary and cranberries. I always like to have rosemary and cranberries on hand for any holiday celebrations, whether to use them in a garnish or as ingredients for my favorite seasonal cocktails. Whole Foods also has a great selection of greens in their floral department that would make for a great garnish as well.
Need more holiday entertaining tips? Click here!
Photos by Tom McGovern
Have you ever made a holiday charcuterie board? Let me know in a comment below!
This is really helpful! I’m doing a board for my family Christmas this year. Never would have thought of clementines!