9 Creative Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas from Primo

At Primo Oils, we understand the art of holiday entertaining and that’s especially true when it comes to creative appetizers like these Christmas Charcuterie Board ideas.

While we may not carry meats or cheeses, our selection of gourmet pantry items is second to none here in Louisville. We can significantly elevate your charcuterie board, adding that unique, sophisticated touch perfect for festive gatherings.

How to Make a Christmas Charcuterie Board

Creating a charcuterie board is an art form. It’s about crafting an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate. The foundation of your board will be the meats and cheeses you select, but it’s the accents and flavors from our gourmet pantry that truly bring your creation to life.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Charcuterie Board

1. Select Your Board: First things first, choose a board that fits the occasion. Whether it’s a rustic wooden platter, a sleek marble slab, or something more contemporary, the board sets the stage for your culinary creations.
2. Pick a Theme: Though freestyling is always an option, selecting a theme can streamline your choices and keep you organized. Whether it’s a traditional Christmas motif (like one of our fun holiday ideas below), a color scheme, or even a specific flavor profile, your theme will guide the arrangement and selection of your items.
3. Start with the Meat: Next select your meats. The centerpiece of any charcuterie board is the meat. Variety is key, so consider including something pre-sliced, something you can slice, and something spreadable, like pâtés. Remember, charcuterie is rich, so a little goes a long way – especially if you’re catering to a vegetarian crowd or want to include more exotic options.
4. Choose Cheeses: Complement your meats with a variety of cheeses. Mix hard cheeses like aged Cheddar with soft ones like Brie or Camembert. Consider the source of the cheese – cow, goat, or sheep – as each type brings a unique flavor and texture to the board. And don’t forget about vegan options like cashew cheese for an inclusive spread.
5. Add Bread and Crackers: These are essential for layering flavors. A mix of plain artisan bread and crackers works well. For an extra touch, try lightly toasted bread slices rubbed with our Garlic Olive Oil.
6. Incorporate Fruits and Garnishes: This is where you can get creative with colors and textures. Fill the spaces with fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and berries or dried fruits like figs and apricots. Nuts like walnuts and roasted almonds add crunch, while our pickles and olives, such as Primo’s Orange-stuffed Olives or Pickled Beets, bring a zesty twist.
7. Select Dips and Spreads: Dips and spreads like Primo’s Mango Lime Salsa, hummus, or whipped goat cheese add depth to your board. Our Savannah Bee Company’s Lavender Honey is a perfect complement to any cheese.
8. Layer Your Items: Begin with the larger items like cheese blocks and bowls of dips. Then add meats, followed by smaller items like nuts and fruits. Remember, the arrangement is not just about taste but also about visual appeal.
9. Final Touches: Finally, consider pairing your meats and cheeses with a variety of drinks, from wine to beer, a Primotini mocktail or even a dry martini. Our Orange-Stuffed olives, for instance, can be a unique addition to a martini.

With these steps and the unique offerings from Primo Oils, you’re all set to craft a charcuterie board that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. 

What to Include on Your Charcuterie Board for Christmas

For a truly impressive Christmas charcuterie board, consider incorporating these essentials from our store:

Pickles and Vegetables: Our Dilly Beans, Pickled Beets, and Zesty Pickled Asparagus add a delightful crunch and tang.

Stuffed Olives: Elevate your board with our Garlic, Almond, Lemon, and Orange Stuffed Manzanilla Olives for a burst of flavor.

Janet’s Compotes: Add a sweet and spicy kick with flavors like Cranberry Jalapeno, Blackberry Jalapeno, Mixed Berry Jalapeno, and Raspberry Jalapeno.

How do you organize a charcuterie board?

Balance and variety are key. Start by placing your larger items, like meats, cheese blocks and bowls of our pickles or olives, then artfully arrange your starches. Fill in the gaps with smaller items like fresh herbs or fruit, this ensures that your board looks abundant and inviting.

9 Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas to Make Your Spirits Bright

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

1. Board Selection: First, choose a rectangular or oval-shaped board to best create the Christmas tree shape.
2. Arranging the Base Layer: Then arrange slices of cheese at the bottom of the board to form the base of the tree. Consider using a variety of cheeses in different textures and colors for visual interest.
3. Adding Meats: Layer slices of meats above the cheese base. Fold or roll the meats like salami, prosciutto, or ham to give dimension to the tree. Create rows, each slightly shorter than the last, to form a triangular tree shape.
4. Using Dilly Beans and Rosemary: Insert Primo Oils’ Dilly Beans and sprigs of rosemary between the rows of meats and cheeses to mimic the branches of a Christmas tree. The green of the rosemary adds a natural tree-like appearance.
5. Garnishing: Next add small ornaments made from cherry tomatoes, red grapes, or cranberries to the tree for a pop of color. 
6. Tree Trunk: Use a piece or two of a darker cheese or a brown-colored meat at the bottom to represent the tree trunk.
7. Final Touches: Finally, fill in any gaps with more cheese, meats, or small pickles. Check the overall shape and adjust as needed to maintain the Christmas tree form.

Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board

1. Creating the Base: For a circular wreath board, use a large round board or create one using a cardboard box. Cut out a large circle and then cut out the interior to form a ring. Wrap the board with green or red tissue paper and cover with saran wrap to create a festive base.
2. Layering Meats and Cheeses: Start by arranging a variety of meats and cheeses in a circular pattern along the ring, overlapping slightly to create a full and lush wreath appearance. Alternatively you can use toothpicks to layer the meats and cheese and create the wreath shape that way.
3. Add Lemon Stuffed Olives: Next place Primo Oils’ Lemon Stuffed Olives throughout the wreath. Their bright color and unique flavor will stand out against the meats and cheeses.
4. Incorporating Cranberries: Then you’ll scatter cranberries across the board for a festive, colorful touch that resembles holly berries.
5. Filling with Greenery: Tuck in additional greenery, like sprigs of rosemary or thyme, among the meats and cheeses to enhance the wreath look.
6. Finishing with a Bow: Create a bow from strips of red pepper or a ribbon of cured meat to place at the bottom or top of the wreath.
7. Final Adjustments: Finally, review the arrangement and fill in any sparse areas to ensure a full, abundant wreath appearance.

Both the Christmas Tree and Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Boards add festive greenery and delicious treats for any holiday gathering.

Santa Charcuterie Board

This is a lovely board to make if you’re having a multi-generational holiday party. 

1. Select Your Board: Start by choosing a large, flat board as your canvas. A wooden board works well for this festive creation.
2. Plan Santa’s Face Layout: Next visualize the shape of Santa’s face on your board. The top half will be his hat, the middle his face, and the bottom his beard.
3. Creating the Hat: Use slices of red-colored meats like salami or prosciutto to create the hat. Lay them out in a triangular shape, tapering towards the top of the board.
4. Crafting the Face: Select a base cheese for Santa’s face. A mild, pale cheese like Havarti or Gouda, sliced and arranged in a circular or oval shape, works well.
5. Adding the Eyes: Then you’ll place two Garlic Stuffed Olives from Primo Oils as Santa’s eyes. Position them near the top of the cheese that forms the face.
6. Rosy Cheeks: Use two small rounds of Brie as the cheeks. Place them on either side of the face, slightly lower than the eyes. Top each round of Brie with a dollop of Primo Oils’ Raspberry Jalapeno Compote for a rosy effect.
7. Constructing the Beard: Then use small mozzarella balls, crumbled feta, or any white cheese to create Santa’s beard. Arrange them along the bottom edge of the face, extending downwards and curving around the cheeks.
8. Making the Hat Trim and Pom-Pom: Use a creamy cheese like cream cheese or a soft goat cheese to create the trim at the base of the hat. You can pipe it on for a fluffier look. Add a round piece of cheese or a small cluster of mozzarella balls at the tip of the hat for the pom-pom.
9. Finishing Touches: Finally, fill in any empty spaces with additional charcuterie items like crackers, nuts, or grapes. These can represent gifts or just add to the festive look of the board.

This Santa Charcuterie Board is a playful centerpiece for your holiday gathering. 

Candy Cane Charcuterie Board

For a Candy Cane Charcuterie Board, the visual appeal is just as important as the taste, so selecting meats and cheeses that contribute to the red and white theme will create a stunning display. Here are some recommendations:

Meat Options:

1. Prosciutto: Its rich, red color makes for a perfect ‘stripe’ in your candy cane design.
2. Salami: Choose a bright red salami, like soppressata or chorizo, to maintain the color theme.
3. Capicola: This Italian cured meat has a deep red hue that will enhance the visual appeal of your board.

White Cheese Options:

1. Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls or slices work wonderfully for the white stripes.
2. Brie or Camembert: These soft cheeses can be shaped or positioned to fit the candy cane design.
3. Goat Cheese: The creamy white color of goat cheese is excellent for creating contrast with the red meats.

For added effect, you can roll or fold the meats to mimic the curve of a candy cane and alternate them with the cheeses. Incorporate some of Primo Oils’ garnishes like the Orange Stuffed Manzanilla Olives or the Raspberry Jalapeno Compote to add pops of color and unique flavors.

Christmas Cheese Board

Focus on an assortment of cheeses. The following cheeses have names that evoke the holiday spirit, ideal for adding a festive touch to your Christmas charcuterie board:

1. Stilton: Often referred to as the “King of English cheeses,” Stilton is a classic for the holiday season. Its rich, blue-veined appearance and robust flavor make it a festive favorite.
2. Wensleydale with Cranberries: Wensleydale, a creamy, crumbly cheese, often comes with cranberries, which not only adds a festive color but also a Christmassy taste.
3. Brie de Noël: A special holiday version of Brie, this cheese is creamier and often comes in a festive shape or packaging, making it perfect for Christmas celebrations.
4. Époisses de Bourgogne: This French cheese, with its strong aroma and rich taste, is often enjoyed during the winter months, making it a fitting choice for holiday gatherings.
5. Rouge et Noir Camembert: Named for its distinctive red and black packaging, this creamy cheese can add both a rich flavor and a touch of elegance to your holiday board.
6. Gouda with Spices (e.g., Cumin Gouda): Gouda infused with holiday spices like cumin, cloves, or nutmeg can add a unique and festive twist to your cheese selection.
7. Mont d’Or: Available from October to February, this seasonal cheese is often baked and served as a holiday treat, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Remember, while the names and flavors of these cheeses can add a festive touch, the way you present them on your board – alongside complementary meats, fruits, and spreads from Primo Oils – will truly bring the holiday spirit to life on your charcuterie board.

Christmas Brunch Charcuterie Board

A Christmas Brunch Charcuterie Board is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season, especially when it includes the delightful addition of Focaccia made with Dr. Pete’s Classic Focaccia Olive Oil Skillet Bread Mix from Primo Oils. Here’s a detailed outline to create a festive and inviting Christmas Brunch Charcuterie Board:

1. Dr. Pete’s Focaccia: Begin by preparing the focaccia using Dr. Pete’s Classic Focaccia Olive Oil Skillet Bread Mix. Follow the instructions to create a fluffy, aromatic bread that will serve as a delicious and eye-catching centerpiece for your board. Once baked, cut it into easy-to-pick-up pieces or strips.
2. Meat Selection: Your next step is to choose brunch-friendly meats such as thinly sliced smoked salmon, which pairs wonderfully with the focaccia. Add a selection of sliced ham or prosciutto for variety. Rolled or folded slices make for an attractive presentation.
3. Cheese Choices: Next select cheeses that are brunch-appropriate and pair well with your bread and meats. Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert offer a lovely contrast to the focaccia, while a mild, creamy goat cheese can be a delightful spreadable option. 
4. Eggs: Incorporate hard-boiled eggs, cut into halves or quarters, or even small individual quiches. These add a traditional breakfast element to your board. For extra points you could make our Millionaire’s Row Deviled Eggs. 
5. Fresh Fruits: Then add color and freshness with a selection of seasonal fruits. Berries, sliced figs, and grapes work well, providing a sweet counterbalance to the savory items.
6. Vegetables and Greens: Next include fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a mix of salad greens. These can be used to create little sandwiches or eaten on their own with cheese.
7. Condiments and Spreads: Offer a variety of spreads such as cream cheese, especially ones with herbs or smoked flavors, and Primo Oils’ selection of compotes like the Raspberry Jalapeno Compote for a sweet and spicy touch.
8. Nuts and Extras: Next fill any gaps on the board with nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture. You can also include olives or small pickles for a savory bite.
9. Arrangement and Presentation: Then arrange the focaccia prominently as it’s the star. We recommend making the shape of an ACTUAL star surrounded by meats and cheeses. Place the eggs, fruits, and vegetables around these larger items, creating a visually appealing spread. Bowls of spreads, nuts, and small pickles can fill in any gaps and add height variation.
10. Final Touches: Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for a festive look. Ensure there’s a good balance of colors and textures, making the board as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

This Christmas Brunch Charcuterie Board, featuring Dr. Pete’s Focaccia and a variety of complementary items, is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning addition to your holiday festivities. 

Christmas Candy Charcuterie Board

A Christmas Candy Charcuterie Board offers a sweet twist on the traditional savory charcuterie concept. Here’s a detailed outline for creating an enchanting and indulgent Christmas Candy Charcuterie Board:

1. Board Selection: Step one is to choose a board that complements the colorful and playful nature of a candy spread. A white or light-colored board can make the colors of the candies pop.
2. Color Scheme: Step two is to stick to a festive color palette. Traditional Christmas colors like red, green, white, and gold can guide your candy selection, creating a visually cohesive board.
3. Variety of Candies:
   • Chocolates: Include a mix of milk, dark, and white chocolates. Consider chocolate truffles, festive-shaped chocolates (like Santa or reindeer), and chocolate-covered nuts or fruits
   • Gummies and Jelly Candies: Offer an assortment of gummy bears, jelly beans, and other soft candies in Christmas colors
   • Peppermints and Candy Canes: These are quintessentially Christmas and add a refreshing touch. Mini candy canes or peppermint swirls work well.
   • Hard Candies: Include colorful hard candies, such as fruit drops or old-fashioned Christmas candy mixes
   • Caramels: Our Béquet Caramels are an excellent addition to this sweet plate
4. Baked Treats:
   • Christmas Cookies: Add a selection of small, bite-sized Christmas cookies, like gingerbread men, sugar cookies with festive icing, or shortbread. We have an excellent Sugar Cookie mix in store from Dr. Pete’s collection.
   • Mini Cupcakes or Brownies: Include bite-sized cupcakes with festive frosting or mini brownies dusted with powdered sugar.

5. Fruit Elements:
   • Dried Fruits: Offer dried cranberries, apricots, or candied orange slices for a touch of natural sweetness.
   • Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries across the board for a fresh, juicy element.

6. Nuts and Extras:
   • Candied Nuts: Glazed or candied almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a crunchy and slightly savory contrast to the sweets.
   • Marshmallows: Include small marshmallows or marshmallow candies for a soft, fluffy texture.

7. Arrangement and Presentation:
   • Create Sections: Organize the candies and treats into distinct sections or group similar items together for visual impact.
   • Use Containers: For smaller candies or items that could roll away, use small bowls or festive cupcake liners to keep them contained.
   • Elevation: Use small stands or stacked items to create different heights and add depth to your board.

8. Finishing Touches:
   • Edible Decorations: Add edible glitter, festive sprinkles, or decorative icing to some items for an extra festive touch.
   • Garnish: Use sprigs of holly, mistletoe, or cinnamon sticks for decoration (ensure your guests know these are clearly inedible and just for show).

This Christmas Candy Charcuterie Board is perfect for a holiday party or as a sweet treat for family gatherings. Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but its festive appearance is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Did anyone invite Buddy the Elf? 

Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board

Instead of bringing another dozen cookies to your next gathering opt for a Christmas Dessert Charcuterie board!

1. Board Selection: Start by opting for a board that complements the elegance of desserts. A dark wood or slate board can provide a beautiful contrast to the light and colorful pastries.
2. Mini Pastries: Next include an assortment of bite-sized pastries. Think mini éclairs, petit fours, mini fruit tarts, and macarons in festive colors. 
3. Drizzle with Savory Compotes: Enhance the pastries by drizzling or serving them alongside Primo Oils’ savory compotes. Flavors like Blackberry Jalapeno or Cranberry Jalapeno can add a unique twist, marrying sweet and savory.
4. Fresh Fruits: Next add fresh fruits such as sliced strawberries, grapes, or cherries for a refreshing element. They not only add a burst of freshness but also a beautiful color contrast.
5. Nuts and Chocolate: Sprinkle in some candied nuts or small pieces of chocolate for added texture and richness. Consider chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered almonds.
6. Presentation: Then you’ll arrange the pastries and fruits aesthetically on the board. Create small clusters and vary the heights to make the board visually appealing. Use small bowls or dishes for the compotes and nuts.
7. Garnishes: The finishing touch is to garnish with edible flowers, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Christmas Fruit Charcuterie Board

This is another delightful board to have if you’re hosting Christmas morning brunch or a light afternoon affair. It brings the joy of a single orange back to Christmas day. 

1. Board Selection: First choose a large, flat board to accommodate the abundance of fruits. A light-colored wood or bamboo board can enhance the vibrant colors of the fruit.
2. Seasonal Fruits: Next, focus on a variety of seasonal fruits for freshness and flavor. Include winter fruits like pomegranates, persimmons, and mandarins. Don’t forget an orange or two!  Add traditional fruits like apples, grapes, and pears for variety.
3. Exotic Touch: Incorporate some exotic fruits for an element of surprise and luxury, such as star fruit, dragon fruit, or lychees.
4. Primo Oils’ Specialties: Then you’ll intersperse the fruits with Primo Oils’ unique selection of stuffed olives and pickled vegetables. Orange Stuffed Manzanilla Olives or Zesty Pickled Asparagus can add a delightful savory counterpoint to the sweet fruits.
5. Cheese Pairings: Next add a selection of cheeses that pair well with fruits. Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, or a sharp cheese like aged cheddar, can complement the fruit flavors.
6. Nuts and Dried Fruits: Scatter a variety of nuts like almonds or walnuts and some dried fruits such as figs or apricots for texture and richness.
7. Arrangement: Arrange the fruits in groups based on type or color for an organized yet abundant look. Place the cheeses, olives, and pickled items strategically to balance the sweetness.
8. Garnishes: Finally use fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing aroma and added greenery.

Any of the boards above offer a delightful and visually stunning way to entertain during the holidays, creating a festive atmosphere and a memorable dining experience.

Your Christmas Charcuterie Board Questions Answered

What are 3 good cheeses for a charcuterie board?

Selecting the right cheeses for your charcuterie board is crucial. The key is to have a good mix of hard and soft cheeses as well as differently sourced cheese. If you’re looking to grab a quick 3 selections, you can’t go wrong with the sharpness of a cheddar cheese, creaminess of a brie and a good funk from a well aged Humboldt Fog.

If you want to put a little more of your unique spin on your charcuterie board, and we are always in favor of your unique expression, we recommend that you aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses. 

Hard cheeses, like aged Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, are often more intense and have a firmer texture. 

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and Goat Cheese, offer a creamy and spreadable consistency with milder flavors. 

It’s also worth considering the source of the cheese – cow, goat, and sheep cheeses each bring distinct flavors and textures. Cow cheese tends to be creamier and milder, goat cheese offers a distinctive tartness, and sheep cheese often has a rich, nutty flavor. 

For those catering to vegan guests or simply looking to add variety, vegan cheeses made from nuts like cashews provide a delightful alternative. These cheeses often have a creamy texture and a flavor profile that can range from sweet and mild to tangy and bold.

What is the 3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie board creation?

 When assembling your charcuterie board, think of the ‘3-3-3-3’ rule: 3 meats, 3 cheeses, 3 starches, and 3 accompaniments. This guideline ensures a well-rounded and visually appealing board.

Meats: Choose a variety, like prosciutto, salami, and a pâté or spreadable meat.

Cheeses: Offer a range, perhaps a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, and a tangy blue cheese.

Starches: Include different types, such as artisanal bread slices, classic water crackers, and something unique like a flavored flatbread or grissini (Italian breadsticks). We have some excellent starch options in stock at Primo. Just ask!

Accompaniments: These are your board’s flavor enhancers. Consider our zesty Dilly Beans, the sweet and spicy kick of our Blackberry Jalapeno Compote, and the rich texture of our Garlic Stuffed Manzanilla Olives. Each accompaniment should complement the flavors of the meats and cheeses, adding layers of taste and texture to each bite.

This approach not only ensures a variety of flavors and textures but also caters to different dietary preferences and allergies. It’s a way to ensure everyone at your gathering finds something they love on your board.

Shop Christmas Charcuterie Board Items at Primo Oils

Stop by Primo Oils to find all you need to create an unforgettable charcuterie board this holiday season. From our unique pickles and compotes to our flavorful stuffed olives, we have everything to make your board a centerpiece at any holiday gathering.

To your health and happy holidays from all of us at Primo Oils!