Save A festive and dazzling Christmas charcuterie board featuring a selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and sweet treats, arranged in a starburst pattern to delight guests at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese, sliced 150 g Comté, cubed 100 g Bleu dAuvergne, crumbled 100 g Chèvre (goat cheese), sliced
- Cured Meats: 120 g Jambon de Bayonne, thinly sliced 120 g Rosette de Lyon, sliced 100 g Saucisson sec, sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 bunch red grapes 1 ripe pear, sliced 1 ripe apple, sliced 1 handful fresh figs, halved (or dried figs if out of season) 1 handful pomegranate seeds
- Nuts & Extras: 60 g roasted almonds 60 g walnuts 40 g pistachios, shelled 40 g dried cranberries
- Accompaniments: 1 small jar fig or cherry jam 1 French baguette, sliced 1 small box assorted crackers 1 small pot honey
- Sweets (optional for festive touch): 50 g dark chocolate, broken into shards 50 g candied orange peel Festive star-shaped cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheeses at the center of a large wooden board in the shape of a star, alternating types for color and texture contrast.
- Step 2:
- Fan out the cured meats around the cheeses, creating rays to mimic a starburst pattern.
- Step 3:
- Fill the spaces between meats and cheeses with clusters of grapes, slices of pear and apple, and halved figs. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the fruit for color.
- Step 4:
- Add nuts and dried cranberries in small piles around the board, ensuring even distribution for visual appeal and easy snacking.
- Step 5:
- Place small bowls or ramekins of jam and honey on the board.
- Step 6:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers along the edges or in separate baskets.
- Step 7:
- For a sweet finish, tuck shards of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and festive cookies into open spaces on the board.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately and encourage guests to mix and match flavors.
Save Required Tools
Large wooden or marble serving board Sharp knives (for cheese and fruit) Small bowls or ramekins Cheese spreaders or small spoons Serving tongs (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), gluten (baguette, crackers), and possible traces of soy (chocolate). Cured meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390 Total Fat: 23 g Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 17 g
Save Enjoy assembling this beautiful and delicious board to impress your guests and celebrate the holiday season.
Recipe FAQ
- → What types of cheeses are used in this board?
The board features Brie, Comté, Bleu d'Auvergne, and Chèvre, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
- → Can the cured meats be substituted or omitted?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, omit cured meats and add extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated olives.
- → How should seasonal fruits be handled?
Use fresh seasonal fruits for best flavor, or replace with dried fruits if fresh ones aren't available.
- → What pairings complement this festive board?
Champagne, sparkling wines, or light-bodied reds make excellent accompaniments to balance the flavors.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
Yes, it contains dairy, tree nuts, gluten from bread and crackers, and cured meats may have nitrates/nitrites. Check labels if guests have allergies.
- → How is the starburst pattern arranged?
Cheeses are placed centrally in a star shape, cured meats fan out around them, with fruits, nuts, and sweets filling spaces for a festive presentation.