Viral Recipe: Create Your Own Charcuterie Tree for the Christmas
Charcuterie boards have been the centerpiece of gatherings for years, but this holiday season, why not take it to the next level with a Charcuterie Tree? This festive twist on traditional charcuterie combines an assortment of meats, cheeses, olives, and other goodies, all shaped into a holiday tree that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress, read on to create your very own Charcuterie Tree.
What You’ll Need
Meats
The meats are the base of any great charcuterie. For a tree that looks as delicious as it tastes, go for a variety of cured sausage-style meats. Think sausage rounds, pepperoni sticks, and other bite-sized cured favorites. Choosing 2-4 different types lets you vary the colors and flavors, creating a dynamic look and taste. For my tree, I shopped at a local Eastern European grocery store and scored some amazing, high-quality meats.
Cheeses
Next up: cheese! Choose cheeses that can hold up on a toothpick, so nothing too soft. You want a good variety of color and texture, so I went with:
- White cheese: A mild option like white cheddar or Gouda.
- Orange cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice color contrast.
- Interesting cheese: A Marble Jack or cumin seed Gouda adds visual flair.
You could add tiny mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for extra flavor variety without taking away from the main display.
Olives & Pickles
Nothing rounds out a charcuterie board—or tree—like olives and pickles. Pitted Kalamata olives, large black olives, and stuffed green olives bring in rich flavors and a pop of color. Other pickled items like cocktail onions or cornichons are a great addition, too.
Extras for Garnish
For a festive touch, sprinkle a few sprigs of rosemary among the tree “branches” for a lush green effect, and add fresh cranberries for a pop of red. You can also add mini cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes as decorations. These little extras create a seasonal vibe and add even more snacking options.
The Setup
- Styrofoam Cone
Use a Styrofoam cone as the base for your charcuterie tree. Go for a taller one if you’re serving a crowd, but an 18-inch cone is usually perfect. Be sure to wrap it completely in plastic wrap to keep the food safe from the foam. - Toothpicks
A charcuterie tree requires a lot of toothpicks—plan on at least 200! You’ll want to stick each ingredient onto a toothpick, then press it into the cone. - Serving Board
Your tree needs a solid base. Choose a wood breadboard or a festive serving platter that’s big enough to hold the tree, with extra room around the edges for crackers or other extras.
Putting it All Together
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Slice up the meats, cheeses, and any other items you’re adding to the tree. Cut cheese into small cubes or triangles, and slice meats into rounds or small pieces. Make sure everything is bite-sized and ready to go.
Step 2: Wrap the Cone
Cover the Styrofoam cone entirely in plastic wrap. For extra security, you can use Press N’ Seal wrap since it clings well to itself. Set the cone on your serving board, and if you want, dab a bit of cream cheese on the bottom to keep it steady.
Step 3: Assemble the Tree
Start from the bottom and work your way up. Choose one ingredient to create a “spiral” up the tree—this creates a uniform, visually pleasing effect. Alternate rows of meats, cheeses, and olives to create a nice mix of colors and flavors. Tuck sprigs of rosemary between ingredients for a holiday tree effect, and be sure to cover any gaps.
Step 4: Add the Star
Top your Charcuterie Tree with a “star”! Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut a thick slice of cheese or meat into a star shape, and secure it at the top with a toothpick.
Final Touches
For extra flavor, add ramekins of mustard or small bowls of nuts, crackers, or veggies around the base. You can even place a small bowl of toothpicks nearby for guests to use as they take items from the tree.
Tips for the Perfect Charcuterie Tree
- Keep things fresh: Wrap the tree and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything safe and tasty.
- Plan for variety: Balance the bold and mild flavors, and try to use ingredients that complement each other.
- Serve safely: Have a bowl for used toothpicks nearby and maybe some small cheese knives if you have softer cheeses on the board.
This Charcuterie Tree is perfect for family gatherings, friends’ nights, or any event where you want to add a bit of fun. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it also lets everyone enjoy their favorite snack items in a holiday-inspired way. So gather your ingredients, get creative, and build your own delicious Charcuterie Tree.
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