In our family, cheese boards are a go-to for celebrations, but when the holidays roll around, the Christmas Tree Cheese Board takes center stage. There's just something extra festive about turning a simple cheese board into a Christmas tree! It’s not just about the fun shape—it’s about using a few of our favorite ingredients to make it feel extra special, but so simple at the same time.
The best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes, and it always impresses our guests. I love adding fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch and really emphasize the Christmas tree shape.
📖 Recipe
Christmas Tree Cheese Board
A festive and delicious appetizer, this Christmas Tree Cheese Board is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. The creamy Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes, while the fresh rosemary sprigs add a touch of seasonal charm. This simple yet elegant platter is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, cubed
- 1 cup Gouda cheese, cubed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Notes
Preparation:
- Dice the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water.
Assembly:
- Begin by placing a layer of Gouda cheese cubes at the top of the Christmas tree-shaped platter.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes directly below the Gouda, followed by a layer of Colby Jack cheese.
- Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack to create a green base for the tree.
- Continue alternating layers of Gouda, cherry tomatoes, and Colby Jack, maintaining the tree shape.
- Place fresh rosemary sprigs at the bottom of the tree to complete the festive look.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200 kcalTotal Fat: 1.5 gramsgSaturated Fat: 9 gramsgCholesterol: 40 milligramsmgSodium: 300 milligramsmgCarbohydrates: 5 gramsgFiber: 1 gramgSugar: 3 gramsgProtein: 10 gramsg
Ingredients
- Colby Jack cheese, cubed: This mild cheese is perfect for balancing out the flavors and adding a lovely color contrast.
- Gouda cheese, cubed: Rich and creamy, Gouda adds a bit of sophistication to the mix, and also it's something for the folks that prefer a sharper cheese can grab..
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they provide a bright pop of color and balance out the richness of cheese.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: These not only look like Christmas tree branches but also give the platter a lovely seasonal scent.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Preparation:
- Dice the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water.
Begin by placing a layer of Gouda cheese cubes at the top of the Christmas tree-shaped platter.
Add a layer of cherry tomatoes directly below the Gouda, followed by a layer of Colby Jack cheese.
Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack to create a green base for the tree.
Continue alternating layers of Gouda, cherry tomatoes, and Colby Jack, maintaining the tree shape.
Place fresh rosemary sprigs at the bottom of the tree to complete the festive look.
Enjoy! Your Christmas Tree Cheese Board is ready to serve.
Hint: I'm usually too lazy to do it, but to give this platter an even more festive feel, try adding a few cranberries or star-shaped cheese slices at the top of your "tree" to make it look like a star!
Substitutions & Variations
- Mix up the cheese: You can swap the Colby Jack and Gouda for any of your favorite cheeses—cheddar, Havarti, or even brie would work beautifully!
- Add some crunch: Throw in some nuts like almonds or pecans around the edges of the tree for extra texture.
- Make it a bigger spread: If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can add more layers or mix in different veggies like cucumbers and olives.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Make sure to use fresh rosemary sprigs for the best visual effect and aroma. Also, be mindful of the cheese sizes—keeping the cubes bite-sized ensures it's easy for guests to grab without breaking the "tree" shape!
FAQ
Absolutely! You can swap in any of your favorite cheeses like cheddar, Havarti, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
You can assemble it a few hours ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
No worries! You can easily shape the tree directly on a large cutting board or any flat serving surface—just layer the ingredients into a triangle shape!
How to Store Christmas Tree Cheese Board
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in our house!), simply cover the board with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The cheese and tomatoes will stay fresh for a couple of days.
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