Christmas Cheese Board
Looking for a beautiful, delicious, and easy-to-assemble Christmas appetizer? This Christmas Tree Cheese Board is a cute appetizer great for holiday parties or Christmas Eve gatherings. With a fun tree shape, layers of cheeses, and colorful garnishes, itโs sure to delight your guests!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block of Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces Gouda cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
These adorable cheese boards are so simple to make. Let’s take a look:
Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes. Cutting cheese into cubes will save money over buying presliced cubes and it only takes a couple of minutes to do.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Assemble the Christmas Tree Platter
- On a large Christmas tree-shaped platter (or a wooden board if you don’t have one), begin at the top with a small layer of Gouda cheese cubes.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes directly beneath the Gouda.
- Follow with a layer of Colby Jack cheese cubes, continuing to form a tree shape as you work downward.
- Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack. This will help add a touch of greenery for a festive feel.
- Repeat the layers: Gouda, tomatoes, Colby Jack, finishing with fresh rosemary sprigs at the base to complete the Christmas tree shape.
Substitutions & Variations
- Favorite cheeses: Switch up the hard cheese by trying different types of cheese like cheddar, Havarti, or even blue cheese for a sharp kick. For soft cheeses, fresh mozzarella balls or creamy goat cheese would be a great addition, adding variety in texture.
- Seasonal produce: Alongside cherry tomatoes, you can use fresh seasonal fruits like red grapes or cranberries for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Dried fruit: Incorporate dried fruits like figs or apricots to complement the rich cheese flavors. Pair them with a dollop of fig jam or cranberry sauce in small bowls around the board.
- Holiday extras: If you consider yourself the “hostess with the ‘mostest'” use a cookie cutter to shape your cheeses into stars or festive shapes.
- Deli meats: Add thinly sliced meats like salami or prosciutto to create a charcuterie board.
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Board
- Room temperature: The best cheeses are served at room temperature. Let your cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors shine.
- Variety of textures: Balance the board with a mix of hard cheese and soft cheese to appeal to different taste buds.
- Cheese knives: Offer a selection of cheese knives for easy serving, especially with hard cheeses like Gouda or Colby Jack.
- Crackers & spreads: Add a variety of crackers and beautiful spreads like fig jam to complement the cheeses and make the board more versatile.
- Beautiful board: A wooden tray or festive cheese board makes the perfect base for your creation. Consider using a platter shaped like a Christmas tree or wreath for added fun.
Serving Ideas
- This Christmas cheese board is a great way to add a festive touch to your holiday season. Whether youโre hosting a small gathering or a big holiday celebration, it’s an easy holiday cheese board idea thatโs sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Pair the cheese board with other Christmas appetizers like a pine cone-shaped cheese ball or a charcuterie wreath to create an epic holiday cheese board.
- This board works perfectly as a Christmas dinner appetizer or as part of a Christmas party spread. Don’t forget to grab some seasonal ingredients from your local grocery store or favorites like Trader Joe’s.
Christmas Cheese Board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block of Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces Gouda cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes. Wash the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Assemble the Christmas Tree Platter
- On a large Christmas tree-shaped platter (or aย wooden boardย if youย don’t have one), begin at the top with a small layer of Gouda cheese cubes.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes directly beneath the Gouda.
- Follow with a layer of Colby Jack cheese cubes, continuing to form a tree shape as you work downward.
- Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack.
- Repeat the layers: Gouda, tomatoes, Colby Jack, finishing with fresh rosemary sprigs at the base to complete the Christmas tree shape.
Nutrition
This Christmas tree cheese board is a fun way to showcase your favorite ingredients and cheeses while impressing guests with a beautiful spread. The great thing about this board is its versatility โ feel free to experiment with different cheeses, fruits, and garnishes. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the best part of the holidays โ sharing delicious food with friends and family!
Let me know in the comments what ingredients you like to serve on your cheese boards. Happy holidays!