Holiday Charcuterie Board (2024)

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Spice up your celebration with my holiday charcuterie board recipe! I will show you How to Make a Holiday Charcuterie Board with beautiful (but super easy) meat roses made from Salame and Pepperoni. Your guests will be blown away by this Charcuterie Wreath!

Christmas Charcuterie Board

Aside from extra time spent with my family, my favorite part of the holiday season is entertaining guests. I love having friends over for the holidays and preparing food for them. There is no greater joy than hosting the people you love!

One of my favorite easy recipes for entertaining is my holiday meat and cheese board. Friends and family can graze while we watch holiday specials and enjoy each others’ time is a tradition I treasure.

This is the perfect charcuterie recipe for sharing, and it’s my all-time favorite holiday charcuterie board. Complete with cheese, nuts, berries, Pepperoni, and Salame, this board is not only tasty but budget-friendly and beautiful.

And don’t worry – I’ll show you how to make meat roses for this board, and how easy it is. They’re super simple to make using a glass, paper towel, and rubber band. That’s all you need!

This was such a fun idea. Thank you for the inspiration. I loved making the roses.

Teresa

Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas

• Green Olives
• Cheeses of your choice
• Mozzarella balls
• Mustard for dipping
• Dried cranberries
• Nuts
• Maraschino cherries
• And, most importantly, the charcuterie board meats, pepperoni, and salame

How to Make Salami Roses

I will show you how to make salami roses – and other meat roses! – following a super simple step-by-step process. You will need a glass that widens near the bottom, such as a tulip glass, for shaping the roses.

1. Set your glass in front of you and start folding individual slices of Galileo® Salame over the rim of the glass.
   
2. Overlap the slices and hold them down tightly so they hug the rim. You will need about 10 to 12 slices.
3. Once layered, flip the glass upside-down and carefully remove the salami rose onto a plate.
   

An extra step is required to make pepperoni roses using a rubber band and paper towel. Since the pepperoni is smaller, this extra step is needed. I love having different-sized flowers on my charcuterie board, and find this extra step is worth it!

How to Make Pepperoni Roses

1. Layer your slices of Galileo® Pepperoni around the rim of a glass the same way you layered the salami.
2. Once layered, take a paper towel and place it over the top. Fold it down the sides and rubber band it to the glass, then place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
   
3. After 15 minutes or so, take the glass out of the refrigerator and remove the rubber band and paper towel. You will be able to carefully remove the meat rose from the glass. Turn it upside down and set it down, and voila! You have a perfect meat rose.
   

Holiday Charcuterie Board Ideas

Charcuterie boards should have a little everything for your guests to enjoy. On my homemade charcuterie board for the holidays, I like to include a mixture of cheeses, dipping sauce options, berries, nuts, olives, and (best of all!) meats. This gives everyone various options to graze from and build their little snack plate.

Although I will share with you my favorite unique charcuterie board ideas, you can vary the ingredients based on your personal preferences and what your guests would enjoy most. Try different cheeses or snacking options, like white cheddar popcorn or candied pecans instead of the nuts listed.

Because this is an Italian charcuterie board recipe, the best flavors to include with it are Italian. You could add Italian peppers if you like – those pair deliciously with the charcuterie board meats.

Christmas Charcuterie Board Tips

1. Variety and Selection of Meats and Cheese: Choose a diverse selection of ingredients, including a mix of flavors, textures, and colors. Include a variety of charcuterie meats, cheeses, accompaniments, and garnishes to provide your guests with a range of tastes and options.
2. Balance: Create a balanced arrangement by evenly distributing the different components across the board. The most common mistake is overcrowding the charcuterie board. Avoid overcrowding any particular area and ensure enough space for guests to access each item easily.
3. Visual Appeal: Pay attention to aesthetics. Arrange the ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Consider using symmetry, alternating colors, and creating visually appealing patterns. The board should look inviting and enticing while also being fun!
4. Focal Point: Choose a focal point or centerpiece for the board, such as a beautifully arranged meat rose or a unique cheese. This can draw attention and add a decorative touch to the display.
5. Garnishes: Use fresh herbs, edible flowers, or other decorative elements, such as charcuterie skewers, to garnish the board. These enhance the presentation and complement the flavors of the charcuterie and make for easy picking.
6. Texture and Flavor Pairings: Pair complementary textures and flavors. For instance, pair creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts, sweet fruits with savory meats, and tangy flavors. These pairings enhance the tasting experience.
7. Accessibility: Ensure that guests can easily access and serve themselves from the charcuterie board. Provide small utensils, cheese knives, toothpicks, or serving tongs for hygiene and convenience. I also love to add some already charcuterie skewered options.
8. Seasonal Elements: Incorporate seasonal or thematic elements into your charcuterie board to match the occasion. This could include using holiday-themed napkins, seasonal fruits, or decorations.
9. Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ingredients for your charcuterie board. Fresh, well-prepared items will elevate the overall experience.
10. Space and Presentation: Use a large wooden board, marble slab, or another suitable serving platter with ample space. I love using a large round decorative platter. Avoid overcrowding to allow guests to appreciate the individual components.
11. Planning: Plan and prepare some elements in advance to save time on the day of the event. For example, you can create meat roses or arrange cheeses a day ahead.
12. Guest Preferences: Consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. If you know some are vegetarians or have specific allergies, ensure there are suitable options available.

For more details, see my guide on How to Make Salami Roses!

Inspiration for the Perfect Holiday Board

• Goat Cheese Log
• Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes
• Green Grapes
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Strawberries
• Red Grapes
• Cheddar Cheese
• Cubed Cheese
• Prosciutto
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Cookie Cutter filled with nuts or raisins
• Candy Canes

How to Store Charcuterie Board Leftovers

1. Separate and store components individually: Keep meats, cheeses, crackers, and other items separate. This prevents cross-contamination and maintains the freshness of each element.
2. Meat: Store leftover cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you have whole pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate at 32-40°F (0-4°C). Use the meats within a few days to a week, depending on their freshness when initially served.
3. Cheese: Cheese should be stored separately from the meats and crackers to prevent flavor transfer. Wrap cheeses tightly in wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Keep cheese in the refrigerator, but note that the ideal storage temperature varies depending on the type of cheese; refer to the specific cheese’s packaging or guidelines.
4. Fruits and other accompaniments: Store fruits and other accompaniments in airtight containers or plastic bags to maintain their freshness. Please keep them in the refrigerator as well.
5. Crackers and bread: Store crackers and bread separately from the meats and cheeses to prevent them from becoming soggy. Seal them in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain their crispness.
6. Condiments and spreads: If you have leftover condiments or spreads (e.g., mustard, chutney, honey), store them in their original containers or transfer them to airtight containers. Please keep them in the refrigerator.
7. Label and date: Always label containers with the date you stored the leftovers. This helps you keep track of their freshness and avoid consuming expired items.
8. Consume promptly: Charcuterie is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume the leftovers within a few days to a week for optimal taste and quality.

Remember that charcuterie components may have different shelf lives, so it’s essential to assess the freshness of each item before consumption. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, mold, or changes in texture or color, discard the affected items. Proper storage and attention to freshness will help you enjoy your leftover charcuterie safely and deliciously.

Holiday Charcuterie Board FAQs

Holiday Recipe Ideas

• Christmas Crack
• Butter Board
• Holiday Chocolate Bark Recipes
• New Year’s Eve Menu Ideas
• Buffet Ideas

See my Best Gifts for Foodies for gift-giving ideas!

Recipe