Festive Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board

This is not your average Cheese Board. After all, anyone can cut some cheese, put it on a board, and call it dinner. Not today. After nearly three years of stay-at-home holidays, we’ve returned to the test kitchen again to share this delightful little feast with you. We’re all opening our homes again and having fun with food. It’s always best to first feast the eyes with an artful presentation, and this wreath will please all the senses. Impress your guests with a new and creative Christmas charcuterie board that serves as a delicious appetizer.

How to make this Cheese Board

Step One: Shop

Take a trip to your local market and pick up a few of your favorite cheeses. We selected smoked gouda, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar, but you can use your favorites. Learn more about pairing cheese and honey. 

Next, visit the produce department and grab a bunch of radishes and a few different bunches of herbs.

Now visit the gourmet specialty aisle and pick up some stuffed olives and marinated peppers. Don't forget to gather ingredients for antipasto skewers, which are perfect for holiday entertaining and can be made ahead of time.

Our rich and wonderful Spring Honey will complete this project nicely.

Radish rose in hand on cutting board 

Ingredients for a Holiday Charcuterie Board

When creating a holiday charcuterie board, the ingredients are just as important as the pairing and the presentation. Here are some popular ingredients to include:

• Meats: Salami, prosciutto, ham, pepperoni, and chorizo add a savory touch.

• Cheeses: Brie, cheddar, gouda, manchego, and parmesan offer a range of flavors and textures.

• Fruits: Grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and berries provide a sweet contrast.

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch. Try making this spicy nut mix recipe for some added heat.

• Crackers and Bread: Wheat thins, water crackers, and baguette slices are perfect for pairing.

• Spreads and Dips: Hummus, tapenade, and balsamic glaze enhance the flavors.

• Garnishes: Magnolia leaves, rosemary sprigs, thyme and other herbs, and edible flowers add a festive touch.

These ingredients make for perfect holiday appetizers that are both delicious and visually appealing.

Remember, the key to a great holiday charcuterie board is to offer a variety of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients! The more diverse your selection, the more delightful your charcuterie wreath will be.

Choosing the Perfect Cheese

When it comes to selecting the perfect cheese for your charcuterie wreath, variety is key. Popular choices include Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, Manchego, Provolone, and Pepper Jack. These cheeses offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will complement the other ingredients on your board. For a visually appealing and tasty charcuterie wreath, consider combining both soft and hard cheeses. To add a festive touch, you might opt for a cheese with a seasonal flavor, such as cranberry or orange-infused varieties. This not only enhances the taste but also ties in beautifully with the holiday theme and our favorite holiday honey varietals orange blossom and cranberry.

Meats for the Wreath

We always encourage you to play with our recipes, and meats pair perfectly with this charcuterie wreath, adding both protein and rich flavors to the dish. Popular choices include prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, and ham. Using a variety of meats will add texture and interest to your wreath, making it more appealing to your guests. For a festive twist, consider incorporating meats with seasonal flavors, such as orange and honey-glazed ham. And don’t forget the ever-popular salami roses! These not only taste delicious but also add a visually stunning element to your charcuterie wreath, making it a true centerpiece for your holiday gathering.

Fresh Fruits and Garnishes

Fresh fruits and garnishes are essential for adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your charcuterie wreath. Popular fruits to include are grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and various berries. Using a variety of fruits will add both texture and visual interest to your wreath. For a festive touch, consider incorporating rosemary sprigs or other fresh herbs, which add a fragrant and seasonal flavor. Edible flowers or pomegranate seeds can also be sprinkled throughout the wreath for added visual appeal and a touch of elegance.

Nuts, Crackers, and Sweets

Nuts, crackers, and sweets are the perfect additions to your charcuterie wreath, providing texture and variety. Popular nuts to include are almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. A selection of crackers, such as wheat thins or water crackers, will add a satisfying crunch. For a sweet touch, consider adding chocolate-covered pretzels and figs. To enhance the festive theme, you can also include seasonal sweets like candy canes or holly-shaped cookies. These elements not only add flavor but also make your charcuterie wreath more visually appealing and fun.

Step Two: Make Flower Radish

To make a flower radish, start by cutting the top off the radish. Next, cut "V's" around the top.

Step Three: Cut the cheese

Cut cranberry cheese - to keep up with the cranberry theme, try pairing it with our Cranberry Honey - into cubes. Cut smoked gouda into wedges.

Holiday Cheese Board

Step Four: Create the charcuterie wreath

Using fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil to create a charcuterie board wreath during the Christmas season. This festive charcuterie board is perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your guests with its visual appeal. Make sure you form the wreath on the outer edge of the board. A christmas charcuterie wreath can be a vibrant and festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings, using colorful ingredients like fruits to enhance visual appeal and taste. Artfully place cheeses, veggies, and olives on top of the herbs to create a christmas wreath charcuterie. The christmas wreath charcuterie board combines various meats, cheeses, and fresh greenery arranged in the shape of a wreath, making it a simple yet eye-catching presentation for festive occasions.

Holiday Cheese Board overhead

Have you picked your favorite charcuterie board yet? Our friends over at Words With Boards have the perfect board you can personalize with any message, saying, or name you can dream up.

Queen bee cutting board with honeycomb, honey lollipops, tea, cheese, cookies and charcuterie vibe

Need some Cheese Board inspiration? Check out this beautiful wreath of cheeses, olives, veggies, and honey, this year we opted for a meat-free festive appetizer everyone can enjoy.

Ever wonder what Charcuterie means? It is a term that dates way back to 15th-century France, and it translates to pork butcher’s shop, Middle French charcuterie, from chaircutier pork butcher, from chair cuite cooked meat. Still, today the activity is about gathering your favorite meats, cheeses, veggies, nuts, and honey in a beautiful and appetizing array.

Holiday Cheese Board closeup

Presentation and Platters

The presentation of your holiday charcuterie board is just as important as the ingredients. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful and festive display:

• Use a Circular Platter or Board: Create a wreath shape to capture the holiday spirit.

• Arrange in Patterns: Consider a spiral or tree shape to make your board visually appealing.

• Garnish with Rosemary Sprigs and Edible Flowers: These add color and texture, enhancing the festive look.

• Theme or Color Scheme: Tie the board together with a cohesive theme or color palette.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Leave some space between ingredients to create a visually appealing display.

A well-presented charcuterie board can be the highlight of any holiday party, serving as both a delicious appetizer and a stunning centerpiece.

Some popular platter options for a holiday charcuterie board include:

• Wooden Cheese Boards: Classic and rustic.

• Marble Charcuterie Boards: Elegant and sophisticated.

• Wreath-Shaped Boards: Perfect for the holiday theme.

• Cake Stands: Add height and dimension to your display.

By thoughtfully arranging your ingredients and choosing the right platter, you can create a stunning holiday charcuterie board that will impress your guests.

Tips for a Successful Holiday Charcuterie Board

Here are some tips for creating a successful holiday charcuterie board:

• Plan Ahead: Make sure to have all of the ingredients and supplies you need before you start assembling the board.

• Keep It Simple: Don’t feel like you need to include every ingredient under the sun - stick to a few favorites and keep the board simple.

• Consider Your Guests: If you have guests with dietary restrictions, make sure to include options that they can enjoy.

• Have Fun: The most important thing is to have fun and be creative with your charcuterie board!

Some other tips to keep in mind:

• Label Ingredients: Especially if you have guests with food allergies, labeling can be very helpful.

• Set Up Different Stations: Consider a cheese and charcuterie bar or a dessert bar to cater to different tastes.

• Plenty of Drinks: Don’t forget to have plenty of drinks on hand, such as mulled wine and sparkling cider.

By following these tips and using your creativity, you can create a beautiful and delicious holiday charcuterie board that your guests will love. Happy holidays!

Making Ahead and Storing

One of the best things about a charcuterie wreath is that it can be made ahead of time, making holiday entertaining a breeze. To prepare in advance, assemble your wreath and cover it tightly with Saran Wrap, then refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the wreath from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. If you have leftovers, combine the ingredients in a Tupperware container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. This way, you can enjoy your delicious charcuterie wreath even after the party is over.

Variations and Additions

One of the joys of creating a charcuterie wreath is the ability to customize it to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. For a festive twist, consider adding ingredients like cranberry relish or orange marmalade. If you have vegetarian guests, you can skip the meat replacing it with pickled vegetables and add extra cheese and fruit. For a healthier option, focus on fresh fruits and veggies and skip the sweets. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and add unique and delicious items to your wreath. This flexibility ensures that your charcuterie wreath will be a hit with all your guests, no matter their preferences.

If you decide to make this Christmas or any variation we’ve suggested– or your take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram? We love seeing your photos!

A blessed, happy and healthy holiday season to you and yours from the Bee Inspired team!