Charcuterie Christmas Tree Platter

This platter is an easy, no-cook appetizer that combines festive presentation with great flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser and adds that special holiday cheer to your gathering!

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Serves: 8-10 people

You will need:

  • Swiss Deli Salami: About 200 grams, sliced thin.
  • Cheddar: Cut into cubes.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: About 5 - 10, used as decorations.
  • Green & Black Graps: About 5 - 10, for added color and flavor.
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: To create a tree-like appearance.
  • Crackers or Breadsticks: For serving on the side.
  • Star-Shaped Cookie Cutter (optional): For cutting a slice of cheese into a star for the top.

Method:

1. Create the Base:
Start with a large rectangular serving board or platter. You can use parchment paper if you want a clean surface or a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation.

2. Arrange the Ingredients:
Prep your salami by making salami folds and piling 3-4 pieces on a decorative toothpick
Build your tree starting from the bottom with a row of cheese, then continue up the tree making sure each layer is slightly less wide than the last to ensure the triangle tree shape.
Continue layering until you reach the top of the "tree."

Garnish with rosemary sprigs to evoke the tree branch feeling, then finish with star-shaped cookies.

3. Add Decorations:
Place cherry tomatoes and olives throughout the layers as decorations, resembling ornaments.
Use fresh rosemary sprigs between the layers to resemble branches, giving the platter a natural, tree-like look.

4.Finishing Touch:
Cut a slice of cheddar cheese into a star using a cookie cutter and place it at the very top of your cheese and salami Christmas tree.
Add crackers or breadsticks around the tree for serving.

5.Presentation:
Serve the platter at room temperature, allowing the cheese to soften slightly for the best texture and flavor.

Tips:
You can customize the platter by adding different colored bell peppers or dried cranberries for extra color.
Mustard, honey, or jam can be served in small bowls next to the platter for guests to enjoy with the cheeses and salami.
This platter is ideal because it doesn’t require any cooking, and it's super easy to assemble, making it perfect for when you have many other holiday preparations to worry about.