Cheeseboard Christmas Tree Idea

If there is something I like at Christmas dinners, it is the appetizer: tequeños with their sauce and, of course, the cheese boards. There is no Christmas that is appreciated without a good cheeseboard Christmas tree idea that delights everyone present. It is so timely that I could not contain the desire to do it, but above all, to share it with you.

Here is my version, an edible Christmas tree cheeseboard idea with all your favorite toppings for a spectacular Christmas cheeseboard. It makes a great side dish to serve at the table as a simple appetizer because it has sweet and savory elements in one bite, plus it‘s a festive masterpiece!

1.THE WOODEN BOARD

The most common option for serving cheese. Reliable, easy to clean, and inexpensive, but what makes the difference is the character of the wood and how it emphasizes the history of the cheese. For example, serving a Mentiroso (a sheep cheese from Madrid‘s Quesería Jaramera) on a rustic olive wood board will evoke a true exotic food sensation, while displaying this famous mint–infused cheese on a chopping board with plastic utensils can have the opposite effect. The presentation matters as much as the qualities of said cheese.
When choosing a wooden cheeseboard, it is important to choose a class that doesn‘t absorb flavors easily. Cheese is by nature rich in fats and oils, which tend to go rancid once the fat oxidizes. While this is part of the natural aging process of cheese, most of the “pleasant“ cheese aroma is caused by bacteria and yeast from milk fermentation. Rancid fats create the same odor as sour milk, which is sharp and generally unpleasant.
Woods to avoid that tend to pick up flavors are oak and most softwoods (fir, cedar, pine, larch, cypress). Oak in particular is famous for its transmitting power, we only have to think of wine barrels and we will immediately realize that winemakers use oak because it easily absorbs and impregnates flavors due to its porous nature.
Therefore we advise choosing a non–porous species of wood as it is generally better to prevent your wood from accumulating unwanted flavors. Some hardwoods in this category include olive wood, birch, American cherry, hard maple, acacia, and teak.
If you have one of the woods listed above, we recommend using food–safe oil and wax regularly to treat and seal the wood to prevent the transmission of flavors and odors.
Finally, an important point when choosing a cheese board is to make sure that it does not have any lacquer or varnish finish. Most of these finishes are not suitable for consumption, and they tend to chip easily.

2.WHAT INGREDIENTS DOES MY CHEESEBOARD HAVE?

CHEESE: mild cheddar, Harvati, and swiss

MEAT: Prosciutto di Parma, salami, and Calabrese salami

PRODUCE: green olive with red pepper, cherry tomatoes, seedless red grapes, and butter seasoning.

CARBS: mini pita bread, Christmas tree corn chips

GARNISH: Rosemary Sprigs, chocolate poky sticks

For other holiday ideas, check out Butter Board

3.HOW DO YOU BUILD A CHEESEBOARD CHRISTMAS TREE?

This board is one of my easiest and most accessible boards. Simply gather thick sliced cheese to press with the slicer into Christmas shapes, salami and other colorful toppings line them up to create a tree shape. Use the paper to protect your board and help you with the shapes. Add festive touches with all the cheese slices, garnish, and you‘ve got yourself an impressive holiday appetizer.

Feel free to copy this one I made exactly or add some of your favorite toppings to elevate this festive appetizer.

4.HERE IS MY STEP-BY-STEP:

1. With the help of wrapping paper or baking paper, make a triangular shape as a guide.
2. Cut the slices of the Swiss cheese, and mild cheddar using the snowman, curtains, gingerbread, and stars cookie cutters.
3. Next, prepare your salami by making folds of salami and stacking 3–4 pieces on a decorative pick (these pretty picks from Simply Baked are my favorite).
4. You might also consider adding a row of salami rosettes for a fun touch.
5. Build your tree starting at the bottom with a row of cheese, then work your way up the tree making sure each layer is slightly less wide than the last to ensure the triangular tree shape.
6. If you want to skip savory items like olives, you can always place a pan of those on the side (or in a star pan on top!) if you prefer.
7. Create a tree trunk by using pretzels or poki chocolate sticks at the bottom of the tree.
8. Garnish with sprigs of rosemary to evoke the feeling of a tree branch, then finish with star–shaped Swiss cheese and butter to mimic garnishes.

5.WHAT SIZE OF BOARD DID I USE?

My board is 22inx16in. Find the same one or similar wood boards in the SHOP THIS POST below. Remember to always check dimensions before you buy as some of these differ slightly. 

6.SHOW ME YOUR CHEESEBOARD CHRISTMAS TREE

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious ho–ho–holiday treats. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @cooktohost so I can see and share it! And, if you liked this cheeseboard recipe, please rate and review it.

BUILD YOUR CHEESEBOARD CHRISTMAS TREE

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