There’s nothing quite like a well-built holiday charcuterie board. It’s festive, colorful, delicious, and—best of all—surprisingly easy to assemble. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or preparing a dish to share at your church Christmas party, a charcuterie board is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a stunning and flavorful holiday charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, and snacks that guests will truly enjoy.

1. Start With the Right Board

A rustic wooden board or cutting slab gives the ideal holiday look. If you don’t have a large charcuterie board, a baking sheet, serving tray, or even a clean wooden table section works wonderfully.

Pro tip: Bigger is better! Holiday gatherings often mean more guests, so go wide and generous.

2. Choose a Variety of Cheeses

A memorable charcuterie board offers different flavors, colors, and textures. Here’s a simple formula:

• A mild cheese

Great options: Amish Baby Swiss, Farmer’s Cheese, or Colby.

• A bold or sharp cheese

Try Sharp Cheddar or extra-aged cheeses for rich, savory bites.

• A flavored or fun cheese

Pepper Jack, smoked cheeses, or herb-infused varieties add interest and color.

• A soft or creamy cheese

Havarti, Brick, or spreadable cheese dips balance firmer cheeses.

Tip: Cut cheeses into different shapes—cubes, slices, and wedges—to add visual dimension.

3. Add Quality Meats

A holiday board feels incomplete without a selection of savory meats:

• Summer sausage
• Pepperoni slices
• Beef sticks or jerky
• Hard salami

Arrange them fanned out, rolled, or layered around the cheeses.

4. Include Crackers and Breads

Offer a mix of textures:

• Butter crackers
• Wheat crackers
• Mini toasts
• Thin sliced baguette or pretzel crisps

Place them in small piles throughout the board to make everything easily accessible.

5. Bring Sweet & Savory Accents

The extras are what make a board unforgettable. Mix in both sweet and salty accompaniments:

Savory additions:

• Dill pickles
• Olives
• Nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)

Sweet additions:

• Red grapes or green grapes
• Apple slices
• Dried cranberries
• Holiday candy
• Fig or raspberry jam
• Honey (great with cheddar or Swiss!)

6. Add Holiday Touches

Since this is a holiday charcuterie board, sprinkle in festive elements:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs (they look like mini Christmas trees!)
• Cranberries or sugared cranberries
• Sprigs of evergreen
• A few decorative holiday picks
• Beeswax candles set around—not on—the board

This small styling step makes a huge visual impact.

7. Build in Layers

Start with the largest items first—cheeses and meats.
Then add crackers.
Then fill empty spaces with fruit, nuts, and holiday treats.

A full board looks abundant and inviting.

8. Make It Easy to Enjoy

Provide cheese knives, toothpicks, and small tongs so guests can serve themselves without hesitation. Pre-slicing some cheeses and meats also keeps the board tidy longer.

9. Keep It Fresh

If your holiday celebration lasts several hours, consider refreshing the fruit and crackers midway through. Cheeses can stay out for a while, but crisp items may need a refill.

10. Keep It Yours

The beauty of a charcuterie board is how customizable it is. Use the Amish cheeses and snacks your family loves most, and don’t be afraid to create your own signature holiday arrangement.

Final Thoughts

A holiday charcuterie board is more than just food—it’s an experience. Warm, colorful, and full of flavor, it brings people together and celebrates the simple joy of sharing good things with loved ones. With a few thoughtful choices and a touch of festive flair, you can create a beautiful board that looks impressive and tastes even better.