I crafted my Christmas Dinner Board Ideas with treats like pretzel rods, cheddar, brie, and smoked gouda paired with fresh grapes, strawberries, and crisp veggies. Each detail brings festive brightness to the table with rosemary accents and vibrant flavors, inviting everyone to share in the seasonal fun. This is festive.

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I always get excited about trying something new for the holidays, and this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board really caught my eye. I decided to mix and match a few of my favorites like pretzel rods, sliced cheddar, and brie cut into wedges with cubes of smoked gouda to create a board that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

I even tossed in some red grapes halved just right and a handful of sliced strawberries to give a burst of color, along with crunchy baby carrots and strips of red bell pepper. To top it off, I artfully placed a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the board for that extra festive feel.

If you love the idea of a Cheese Board Christmas Tree or a Christmas Tree Snack Platter, then trust me, this charcuterie board is perfect for adding a unique twist to your holiday spread.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s fun to get creative with all the different items. I like how I can arrange the pretzel rods to form a sort of christmas tree even if it looks a bit messy sometimes its kinda cool in its own way.

I also enjoy the mix of flavors and textures; the salty cheddar and smoky gouda going with the sweet fruits like strawberries and grapes just makes every bite interesting and satisfying.

Another reason is that making this board makes me feel festive and relaxed during the holidays. Even when i mess up a bit or the board doesn’t look perfect, it still brings a chill vibe and makes me smile.

Lastly, i appreciate how easy it is to put together. Its a quick way to have a special snack ready when friends or family drop by and i dont need to stress too much about everything looking perfect.

Ingredients

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Pretzel Rods: Crunchy, carb-rich staples that balance creamy cheeses and fresh fruits.
Cheddar Cheese: High in protein and calcium, offering a sharp, tangy bite.
Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy delight that adds a mild, buttery flavor to the mix.
Smoked Gouda: Cubed pieces that add a rich, smoky flavor and extra protein.
Red Grapes: Naturally sweet and filled with antioxidants to boost freshness.
Baby Carrots: Crisp, vitamin-rich snacks that contribute fiber and colorful crunch.
Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, sweet berries providing a burst of tart flavor and vitamins.
Red Bell Pepper: Crisp, tangy slices rich in vitamin C that brighten every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 bag pretzel rods (about 10 to 12 ounces)

4 ounces sliced cheddar cheese

4 ounces brie cheese, cut into wedges

4 ounces smoked gouda, cubed

1 cup red grapes, washed and halved

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 apple, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup baby carrots

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

6 fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make this

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1. First, wash the grapes and cherry tomatoes and then slice the apple and strawberries while cutting the red bell pepper into strips.

2. Lay out your large serving board or platter, making sure it’s clean and ready to show off your ingredients.

3. Arrange the pretzel rods on the board to form a rough triangle shape, like a christmas tree.

4. Lay the cheddar cheese slices around one side of the tree and put the brie wedges on the other side so they look balanced even if it’s a bit messy.

5. Scatter the smoked gouda cubes throughout the board to add some variety in both color and texture.

6. Place the red grapes, sliced strawberries, and apple slices all over the pretzel tree so they look like little ornaments.

7. Add the cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and red bell pepper strips in any gaps to give your tree some extra pops of color.

8. Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs in here and there, using them like garlands to finish off the christmas look.

9. Step back and adjust the placements if some items seem too close together or if you think another spot could use a pop of color.

10. Finally, serve right away and enjoy your festive, slightly imperfect christmas tree charcuterie board!

Equipment Needed

1. Colander – To rinse the grapes and cherry tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Cutting board – For safely slicing the apple, strawberries, and red bell pepper into strips.
3. Chef’s knife – Essential for all the chopping and slicing that this recipe needs.
4. Measuring cup – To accurately portion out each cup of produce.
5. Large serving board or platter – This is used to arrange and display the entire charcuterie board.

FAQ

Q: Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?

A: Yup, you can totally chop and slice everything in advance, but its best to do a quick assembly right before serving so that the fruits and veggies stay fresh.

Q: Can I swap out some of the cheeses or fruits?

A: Sure thing! If you dont have cheddar or smoked gouda, feel free to use any cheese you like. The same goes for the fruits, you can change 'em up based on what you have on hand.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Just cover the board lightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Note that the pretzel rods might get a bit soft if they sit out too long in a moist environment.

Q: Do the pretzel rods have to form a Christmas tree shape?

A: Not at all. They add a fun, festive look, but if you wanna use another arrangement thats cool too. The idea is to keep it fun and tasty.

Q: Should I serve the cheeses at room temperature?

A: Yeah, its a good idea to let the cheeses sit out for about 15 minutes before serving so they taste their best.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant get pretzel rods, try using breadsticks instead for a similar crunch
If you’re out of cheddar, Colby jack cheese is a good substitute and still gives you a nice sharp flavor
You can swap smoked gouda for regular gouda if you want a milder taste
Alternate red grapes with green grapes or even dried cranberries if fresh ones arent available
If baby carrots are hard to come by, try sliced cucumbers to add a refreshing crisp

Pro Tips

1. Try prepping all your fruits and veggies right before you set up the board so they dont get mushy or lose their bright colors.
2. Dont be afraid to mix textures and sizes, but be careful to leave enough space between the cheeses and fruits so each flavor really pops on its own.
3. Let your cheeses sit out at room temperature for a bit before serving; cold cheese can taste a bit bland and nobody wants that.
4. If you feel fancy, drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze on a few pieces but dont overdo it because sometimes simple is best.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

250

kcal

Equipment: 1. Colander – To rinse the grapes and cherry tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Cutting board – For safely slicing the apple, strawberries, and red bell pepper into strips.
3. Chef’s knife – Essential for all the chopping and slicing that this recipe needs.
4. Measuring cup – To accurately portion out each cup of produce.
5. Large serving board or platter – This is used to arrange and display the entire charcuterie board.

Ingredients

1 bag pretzel rods (about 10 to 12 ounces)
4 ounces sliced cheddar cheese
4 ounces brie cheese, cut into wedges
4 ounces smoked gouda, cubed
1 cup red grapes, washed and halved
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup baby carrots
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
6 fresh rosemary sprigs

Directions

First, wash the grapes and cherry tomatoes and then slice the apple and strawberries while cutting the red bell pepper into strips.
Lay out your large serving board or platter, making sure it's clean and ready to show off your ingredients.
Arrange the pretzel rods on the board to form a rough triangle shape, like a christmas tree.
Lay the cheddar cheese slices around one side of the tree and put the brie wedges on the other side so they look balanced even if it’s a bit messy.
Scatter the smoked gouda cubes throughout the board to add some variety in both color and texture.
Place the red grapes, sliced strawberries, and apple slices all over the pretzel tree so they look like little ornaments.
Add the cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and red bell pepper strips in any gaps to give your tree some extra pops of color.
Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs in here and there, using them like garlands to finish off the christmas look.
Step back and adjust the placements if some items seem too close together or if you think another spot could use a pop of color.
Finally, serve right away and enjoy your festive, slightly imperfect christmas tree charcuterie board!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.