DIY Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board – A Festive & Delicious Holiday Centerpiece

The holiday season is about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and of course—enjoying beautiful and delicious food. One of my favorite ways to bring festive cheer to the table is with a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. It’s not just a snack; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that blends creativity with flavor.

This version is extra fun because instead of a traditional meat-and-cheese platter, it uses fresh spinach leaves arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, decorated with colorful cheese cutouts, dried fruit, nuts, and savory bites. Pretzel sticks make the perfect trunk, while wrapped chocolates serve as little “presents” under the tree. The result is a healthy yet indulgent grazing board that both kids and adults will love.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a DIY Christmas tree charcuterie board step by step, give you pro tips on ingredient selection, and share fun variations you can try. Let’s get into the festive spirit!

Why a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board?

• Festive & Eye-Catching – It instantly becomes the centerpiece of your holiday spread.
• Interactive – Guests love picking their favorite “ornaments” off the tree.
• Customizable – Perfect for different diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc.).
• Kid-Friendly – With fun cookie-cutter shapes, even picky eaters will want to grab a piece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into building your Christmas tree board:

• Fresh spinach leaves – The base greenery to shape your tree.
• Cheese slices – Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss. Use small cookie cutters to make festive shapes like stars, gingerbread men, snowflakes, and holly leaves.
• Pretzel sticks – To create the tree trunk.
• Dried cranberries – Adds sweetness and a pop of red color.
• Pecan halves – Rustic, nutty, and perfect as edible “ornaments.”
• Almond slices – Work like little twinkling lights around the edges.
• Salami pieces – Adds savory richness. Cut into small squares or rolled bites.
• Turkey slices – Lean healthy protein option.
• Wrapped mini chocolates – Place under the tree as little gifts.

Optional extras:

• Candied orange peel or dried apricots for extra pops of color.
• Rosemary sprigs tucked in for a pine-like effect.
• Baby mozzarella balls (“snowballs”) for extra whimsy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Board

Pick a large wooden cutting board, serving tray, or even a rectangular baking sheet. Oval or tree-shaped boards work beautifully for this design.

Step 2: Build the Tree Shape

Layer fresh spinach leaves starting from the bottom, overlapping slightly to form the triangular silhouette of a Christmas tree. Keep adding leaves upward until the entire shape is filled.

Step 3: Add the Tree Stump

Place pretzel sticks vertically at the bottom center. Cluster them together to form the “trunk.”

Step 4: Decorate with Cheese Ornaments

Using tiny cookie cutters, cut shapes out of cheese slices. Arrange them across the spinach tree like ornaments. Don’t forget to cut out one large star for the very top!

Step 5: Sprinkle in Nuts & Fruit

Scatter pecan halves, dried cranberries, and almond slices across the tree for extra “decorations.” They give both color and crunch.

Step 6: Add Savory Bites

Cut salami into small squares or roll it into mini cylinders. Place them strategically across the board for a rich flavor balance.

Step 7: Place Presents Under the Tree

Place individually wrapped small square chocolates and arrange them at the bottom as holiday “gifts.” This little detail adds so much charm.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Tuck in a few sprigs of rosemary if desired, to give a 3-D pop and aromatic scent.

Tips for Success

• Use firm cheese – Softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese won’t cut cleanly with cookie cutters. Stick with cheddar, Colby, provolone, or mozzarella slices.
• Layer for fullness – Don’t be shy with the spinach. More leaves give the tree a lush, full look.
• Balance colors – Alternate cheese, meat, and fruit so no one section looks too heavy.
• Make ahead – You can prep the cheese cutouts and salami pieces a day ahead. Assemble the tree right before serving so the spinach stays fresh.
• Add variety – Swap in breadsticks or crackers around the board for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer Table: Place in the center of your holiday buffet. Guests can grab bites before dinner.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with red blends, Pinot Noir, or even sparkling wine.
• Kid-Friendly Party: Add extra cheese cutouts in fun shapes to keep it whimsical.
• Holiday Movie Night: Pair with hot cocoa and cookies for a savory-sweet snacking spread.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Tree Board

• Replace salami with roasted chickpeas or marinated olives.
• Add roasted red peppers for festive red accents.

Sweet Tree Dessert Board

• Use spinach as a base, but add cookie cutter-cut fruit (melon, pineapple, apple slices).
• Decorate with yogurt-covered pretzels, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
• Replace nuts with holiday sprinkles.

Keto-Friendly Tree

• Skip dried fruit (since it’s high in sugar) and focus on meats, cheeses, and nuts.
• Add cucumber slices or pickles as low-carb ornaments.

Breakfast Christmas Tree Board

• Use baby spinach, cheese, and ham.
• Add hard-boiled egg slices for ornaments.
• Serve with bagels or croissants on the side.

Fun for the Kids: DIY Ornament Decorating

Want to make it even more interactive? Let kids “decorate” the tree themselves:

• Place cheese cutouts, nuts, and fruit in small bowls.
• Set out the spinach base tree.
• Let them choose and place their own ornaments.

This is a fantastic way to involve children in holiday meal prep, and it keeps them entertained while the adults cook.

Making It Instagram-Worthy

If you’re planning to share your creation on social media (and you absolutely should!), here are a few styling tips:

• Use a wooden board for a rustic backdrop.
• Place a festive napkin or table runner under the board.
• Snap photos from above to capture the full tree shape.
• Add twinkle lights or candles around the table for extra holiday glow.

Storage & Leftovers

• Spinach base – Best eaten fresh; if storing, cover tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 1 day. Make a quick salad the next day to avoid wasting food.
• Cheese & meats – Store separately in airtight containers.
• Nuts & fruit – Will keep for several days in small zip bags.

Serve With These Holiday Party Foods

• M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe – Easy and Sweet Holiday Treat
• Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Green Punch – A Fun and Festive Holiday Drink!
• Easy Grinch Fudge (No-Bake!) – The Perfect Christmas Sweet Treat

Final Thoughts

The Christmas season is filled with traditions, but adding something new and festive like this DIY Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board can become a holiday favorite in your home. It’s festive, fun, and surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner, a cozy family movie night, or a cookie swap with friends, this edible Christmas tree is guaranteed to impress.

With a balance of healthy greens, indulgent cheeses, crunchy nuts, and sweet chocolates, it has something for everyone. And the best part? You can customize it endlessly to fit your family’s tastes and traditions.

So grab your spinach, cookie cutters, and a handful of holiday cheer—then get ready to build the most delicious Christmas tree your guests have ever seen!

See More Holiday Hosting Recipes

• M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe
• Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Green Punch
• Easy Grinch Fudge