17 Holiday Charcuterie Boards That Are Actually Easy to Make (No Fuss Required)
Make a gorgeous holiday charcuterie board with no stress. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties. Check out these 17 beautiful holiday meat and cheese boards!
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Looking for a festive but stress-free way to wow your guests this holiday season? This easy holiday charcuterie board is the ultimate solution. Whether you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, a beautiful meat and cheese board is always a hit. The best part? It takes very little effort and zero cooking.
What You’ll Love About These Holiday Charcuterie Boards:
What is a Holiday Charcuterie Board?
A holiday charcuterie board is a festive spin on the classic meat and cheese board. Think of it as your go-to appetizer tray that looks beautiful and feels seasonal without requiring any actual cooking. You simply layer a variety of cheeses, meats, fresh fruit, nuts, spreads, and festive extras onto a wooden board or platter. It’s one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd and keep everyone happy before the main meal. No surprise, they’re a hit at any holiday gathering.
What to Buy for a Holiday Themed Charcuterie Board
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Hosting on a Time Crunch? Here’s Your Game Plan
Got 15 minutes? That’s all you need. If you need a visual guide, head over to my 15-Minute Charcuterie Board. It breaks down exactly how to place everything so it looks good without overthinking it.
This board is my go-to when I need something fast and still want to feel like I tried. It’s also a great way to feed a crowd without needing to turn on the oven.
Holiday Break Playdate snacks? Done. Book club bites? Covered. Last-minute guests? Handled.
Recipes That Work Well On Meat and Cheese Boards
Made these earlier in the week? Pour extra dips into small bowls or use treats to fill in blank spaces!
How to Build a Holiday Charcuterie
Start by choosing a large wooden cutting board, serving tray, or even a sheet pan. There’s no wrong way to style your board, but here’s an easy approach:
- Place the Cheese: Start with the brie in the center. Chill it first, then use a small star or Christmas tree cookie cutter to remove the center and fill with jam. Add other cheeses spaced apart.
- Add the Meats: Roll or fold deli meats and salami. Form salami roses by layering in a glass or muffin tin. Scatter them around the board for balance.
- Fill in Fruits, Veggies, and Nuts: Use small bowls for olives and pickles. Sprinkle in handfuls of pomegranate seeds and nuts for texture.
- Add Sweet Touches: Think sugared cranberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or holiday cookies. These break up the savory bites and feel extra festive.
Finish with Crackers and Herbs: Fan out crackers to frame your board. Tuck in rosemary or thyme sprigs to fill any gaps.
Holiday-Specific Swaps and Additions
Give your board some seasonal flair based on the celebration:
Thanksgiving: Add dried apples, pumpkin seeds, or spiced nuts. Use warm-toned cheeses like orange cheddar. For a full fall-themed version, check out my Fall Charcuterie Board.
Christmas: Go for red and green pops with cherry tomatoes, green olives, and sugared cranberries. Use cookie cutters for cheese or jam-filled shapes. For even more ideas, don’t miss my Christmas Charcuterie Board.
New Year’s Eve: Add sparkle with gold-tinted foil-wrapped chocolates, white chocolate dipped Oreos, or festive cocktail picks.
My Favorite Charcuterie Supplies
Keep these on hand and use them as you need too! Small spoons, bowls, and cutting boards can be used for everyday living AND for serving charcuteries.
Our Favorite free
Christmas Printables
Holiday Entertaining FAQs
Can I build my holiday charcuterie board the day before? Mostly! Prep the cheeses, meats, and produce. Keep them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, assemble your board. Just add crackers and cookies right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Do I need fancy cheeses? Not at all! Choose cheeses your family loves. Even cheddar and cream cheese with pepper jelly on top can feel festive!
How long can a charcuterie board sit out? About two hours max. After that, refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
If you’re looking for an easy, festive, and make-ahead appetizer, these holiday charcuterie boards below are your answer. They are flexible, family-friendly, and a total win for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration in between. With a few smart shortcuts and a little styling, you’ll have something beautiful on the table—without breaking a sweat.
You’ve got enough going on this season. Let these meat, cheese, and dessert boards be the easy win you deserve.
17 Easy Beautiful Holiday Charcuterie Boards
How to Make a Festive Christmas Charcuterie Board
This easy Christmas charcuterie board is a beautiful way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make a Fall Charcuterie Board (Easy Tips & Tricks)
Create the perfect fall charcuterie board in minutes—loaded with seasonal flavors, creamy cheeses, and pantry-friendly treats.
Charcuterie Wreath
This charcuterie wreath is an easy appetizer that comes together in less than 30 minutes and requires no cooking.
Christmas Meat & Cheese Board
This Christmas Tree Charcuterie board is the perfect gathering-friendly snack to bring to all your holiday get togethers.
Charcuterie Tree
A festive charcuterie tree is the perfect Christmas appetizer for your holiday party! It’s fun to build and makes a gorgeous centerpiece on the table.
Easy Holiday Butter Board Recipe
This holiday butter board is perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving! Here we top decadent swirls of butter with cranberry sauce, pecans, orange zest, and rosemary for a festive flavor profile that’s perfect as a holiday appetizer or brunch.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
The Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is a festive cheese board perfect for a holiday party. It is so easy to make this assortment of snacks for the best Christmas charcuterie.
How to Make a Festive Christmas Charcuterie Board
I am excited to share all of my tips and tricks for creating a Festive Christmas Charcuterie Board that is perfect for any holiday party.
Easy Christmas Dessert Board
This Christmas dessert board is a festive array of delectable cookies, sweet candies, and chocolates presented on a charcuterie board that will impress guests at any holiday party all season long!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Transform your go-to charcuterie lineup into a festive masterpiece with this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board! Loaded with a variety of meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and salty olives arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Charcuterie Christmas Tree
This charcuterie Christmas tree is the best appetizer for the Festive season. It’s filled with all your favorite snacks and is perfect for Christmas parties, Friendsmas, or any festive gathering.
Christmas Charcuterie Boards
This Christmas Charcuterie Board is the perfect thing to bring to the holiday party! It’s packed with all the typical charcuterie fixings, including cheese, olives, and a salami rose. Even better, we’re arranging the board to look like a holiday wreath. It’s almost too pretty to eat!
Festive Holiday Charcuterie Board
This festive Christmas charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer idea for holiday parties and family gatherings. Easily customize your board with your favorite meats, cheeses, and crackers!
Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas for Your Holiday Party
This festive wreath of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and scrummy edibles is a most a delicious way to knock your party out of the park!
Christmas Charcuterie Board
Bring the festive with Christmas trees, candy canes, reindeer, gingerbread men, snowmen and Santa Claus sweet candy and dessert treats!
Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie wreath is the perfect easy appetizer for any holiday party or Christmas gathering.
Candy Cane Charcuterie Board
This candy cane charcuterie board is filled with sweet and savory treats and arranged to look like the classic Christmas candy. Perfect for holiday snacking!
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