½cupalmonds or other nuts (Pecans, Cashews, Walnuts)
1red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1cupcherry or grape tomatoes
Instructions
Lay out the board and any plates or outer decorations. If creating any cheese greetings using mini alphabet cookie cutters, cut those out now and set them aside. Or, go ahead and place them on the board where you would like them.
Start by placing the bottom outer layers first. For me, this was the "wreath" outline: the sprigs of rosemary.
Next, place any salami or pepperoni roses in opposite corners to balance the board. Then place any other meat slices next to them.
Then start placing the crackers in, and then the cheeses.
Work in layers going around in a circular shape, layering cheese, sliced cucumbers, sliced red peppers, broccoli, and other fruits and vegetables.
Place a bowl in the center filled with cranberries, then fill in the cherry or grape tomatoes around to resemble holly on the charcuterie wreath.
Fill in empty spaces with grapes, nuts, and more meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. Feel free to move food around for better placement and distribution of color.
Serve with bowls of jam, veggie dip, hummus or other dips.
Notes
Ingredient options • Meats: pepperoni, hard salami slices, prosciutto• Cheeses: brie, cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, swiss, havarti, feta crumbles• Fruit: green grapes, pear slices, green apple slices, cranberries, kiwi• Nuts: pecans, almonds, walnuts• Herbs: sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or sageMake ahead: you can make this Christmas charcuterie board 2-3 hours ahead and store, wrapped with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Just leave the crackers out until you are ready to serve and add those last, as they won't do well in the refrigerator.