I recently put together a unique twist on a classic favorite using sharp cheddar, brie, and smoked gouda paired with seedless grapes, dried cranberries, and mixed nuts. This cheese board is one of the best Christmas appetizers I have ever created and is sure to ignite holiday conversation.

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I’ve always been on the hunt for that one appetizer that not only impresses at a party but also tastes amazing. My Christmas Tree Cheese Board is one recipe that ticks all the boxes for holiday snacks and festive gatherings.

Picture this: sharp cheddar cut into perfect triangles, alongside wedges of brie and cubes of smoked gouda, all set atop a display of assorted crackers. I even tossed in some seedless grapes, a handful of dried cranberries, and mixed nuts to add extra flavor and texture.

The final touch? Fresh rosemary sprigs scattered throughout, giving the board a look that’s totally festive.

I remember the first time I made this board, it really brought a fun vibe to our holiday party. It’s a simple, easy approach to creating a Christmas-themed appetizer that’s bound to invite compliments all around.

Enjoy tweaking it to your taste while celebrating the season!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to put together and it looks really cool on my table. I love how the cheese and crackers are arranged like a christmas tree, it makes my holiday party feel extra festive. The mix of flavors is amazing too – the salty and creamy cheeses with the sweetness from the grapes and cranberries is just spot on. Plus, it’s fun to actually assemble everything; even though my arrangement might not be perfect every time, it always gets compliments from my friends. Lastly, I appreciate that it lets me experiment a bit with my presentation and make a board that’s unique each time I try it.

Ingredients

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Sharp cheddar: Packed with protein and calcium, its bold tang really brightens the board.
Brie: Soft and creamy, offers healthy fats and protein, perfect for smooth indulgence.
Assorted crackers: Their carbs add a satisfying crunch that balance the rich cheeses.
Seedless grapes: Sweet, juicy little bites packing vitamins that freshen up every morsel.
Dried cranberries: They offer a tart-sweet punch and add important fiber to the mix.
Mixed nuts: Brimming with healthy fats and protein, they lend a crunchy, nutty twist.
Fresh rosemary: Provides a vibrant herby aroma that enlivens your festive cheese board.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into triangles

8 oz brie cheese, sliced into wedges

8 oz smoked gouda, cubed up

1 box assorted crackers

1 cup seedless grapes

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup mixed nuts

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

How to Make this

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1. First off, get your board ready and set out all your ingredients so you dont scramble later on

2. Lay down the assorted crackers on your board in a triangle shape to form the base of your christmas tree

3. Arrange the sharp cheddar triangles neatly along the bottom edge, making sure they follow the tree shape

4. Next, place the brie wedges on one side of the triangle, then do the same on the opposite side; theyll give your tree a nice fullness

5. Scatter the smoked gouda cubes evenly across the board inside the tree outline for extra flavor and texture

6. Evenly fill in any gaps with a few more crackers, making sure the tree shape stays clear

7. Dot the top and around the tree with the seedless grapes to act like festive ornaments

8. Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the board to add a pop of color amid the cheese and crackers

9. Toss in the mixed nuts around the base of the tree to give it a crunchy finish

10. Finally, add a few fresh rosemary sprigs to garnish the board and give the whole presentation a festive, holiday vibe Enjoy your easy holiday appetizer!

Equipment Needed

1. A large serving board or cheese board for arranging your snacks
2. A chef’s knife to slice or trim any cheeses if needed
3. A cheese knife for neatly cutting the brie wedges and cheddar triangles
4. Measuring cups to portion out the grapes, cranberries and mixed nuts
5. Optional small bowls to hold individual ingredients if you prefer extra organization before arranging on the board

FAQ

Q: How do I arrange the cheeses to create the tree shape?

A: First, place the cheddar triangles in a tree pattern at the base, then use the brie and smoked gouda to fill in the space in a way that resembles a christmas tree. Just have fun with it!

Q: Can I use different types of cheeses?

A: Yeah, you definitely can swap or add some cheeses that you like better. Just remember to keep a good variety in taste and texture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can assemble the board a few hours early and cover it with plastic wrap. Just take it out a bit before serving so everything gets fresh and tasty.

Q: What if I dont have enough crackers?

A: If youre short on crackers, you can add sliced baguette or even some pretzels to keep that crunch factor high.

Q: Is this recipe only for Christmas?

A: Not at all, this easy board is great for any holiday or party. The festive look works really well for all kinds of celebrations.

Christmas Tree Cheese Board {easy Holiday Appetizer} Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of 8 oz sharp cheddar, try using an aged Colby or even pepper jack cheese for a little extra kick
If you’re not a fan of brie, camembert is a great substitute that still gives a creamy texture
For the smoked gouda, you could use smoked mozzarella or even a mild provolone to keep things interesting
If you cant find assorted crackers, sliced baguette or toasted pita chips works just as well

Pro Tips

1. Try chilling the cheeses for a few minutes before slicing them so they’re easier to work with and hold their shape better on the board
2. Make sure your board is big enough to spread everything out and give you room to creatively fill gaps without things looking too cramped
3. When placing the nuts and dried cranberries, don’t be afraid to adjust and move things around until it looks balanced and inviting
4. If you want extra flavor, lightly toast the mixed nuts before adding them to give a warm, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cheeses

Christmas Tree Cheese Board {easy Holiday Appetizer} Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

300

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large serving board or cheese board for arranging your snacks
2. A chef’s knife to slice or trim any cheeses if needed
3. A cheese knife for neatly cutting the brie wedges and cheddar triangles
4. Measuring cups to portion out the grapes, cranberries and mixed nuts
5. Optional small bowls to hold individual ingredients if you prefer extra organization before arranging on the board

Ingredients

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into triangles
8 oz brie cheese, sliced into wedges
8 oz smoked gouda, cubed up
1 box assorted crackers
1 cup seedless grapes
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup mixed nuts
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions

First off, get your board ready and set out all your ingredients so you dont scramble later on
Lay down the assorted crackers on your board in a triangle shape to form the base of your christmas tree
Arrange the sharp cheddar triangles neatly along the bottom edge, making sure they follow the tree shape
Next, place the brie wedges on one side of the triangle, then do the same on the opposite side; theyll give your tree a nice fullness
Scatter the smoked gouda cubes evenly across the board inside the tree outline for extra flavor and texture
Evenly fill in any gaps with a few more crackers, making sure the tree shape stays clear
Dot the top and around the tree with the seedless grapes to act like festive ornaments
Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the board to add a pop of color amid the cheese and crackers
Toss in the mixed nuts around the base of the tree to give it a crunchy finish
Finally, add a few fresh rosemary sprigs to garnish the board and give the whole presentation a festive, holiday vibe Enjoy your easy holiday appetizer!

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.