Save A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board inspired by a snowy winter forest, featuring premium meats, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
This charcuterie board has become my go-to for winter parties especially because it brings a cozy and festive feeling without any cooking involved.
Ingredients
- Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g soppressata, 100 g smoked turkey breast, 100 g wild boar salami (or substitute with another robust salami)
- Cheeses: 120 g aged cheddar cubed, 120 g brie sliced, 100 g smoked gouda sliced, 100 g blue cheese crumbled
- Accompaniments: 1 cup mixed olives (green and black), 1 cup cornichons or small gherkins, 1/2 cup whole grain mustard, 1/2 cup cranberry chutney or fig jam, 1 cup roasted nuts (walnuts pecans or almonds), 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup fresh red grapes, 1 small honeycomb or 3 tbsp honey
- Garnishes & Decorative Elements: Fresh rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine branches), Pomegranate seeds (for a pop of color), Edible flowers (optional for a magical winter effect), Crackers and/or sliced rustic bread (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cheeses in different areas of the board creating clusters and leaving space for other elements.
- Step 3:
- Fan out the meats in folds and rolls to resemble tree trunks and logs. Layer for visual interest.
- Step 4:
- Fill small bowls with mustard chutney and olives. Place them strategically on the board.
- Step 5:
- Scatter nuts dried apricots and grapes throughout the board.
- Step 6:
- Use fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine branches and tuck them among the ingredients.
- Step 7:
- Dot the board with pomegranate seeds and edible flowers for a touch of color and elegance.
- Step 8:
- Drizzle honey over the blue cheese or serve honeycomb nearby.
- Step 9:
- Add crackers or sliced bread to the edge of the board or serve on the side.
- Step 10:
- Chill until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Save This recipe always sparks joy at family gatherings as everyone enjoys picking their favorite bites from the board while sharing stories and laughter.
Required Tools
Large wooden board or platter, Small bowls for condiments, Cheese knives, Serving tongs or forks
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) tree nuts and may contain mustard (in condiments). Some meats may contain nitrates or other preservatives. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens if serving to guests with food sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 10 g Protein 17 g per serving based on 10 servings
Save By following these steps you will create a stunning and delicious winter forest charcuterie board that impresses every guest.
Recipe FAQ
- → What meats work best for this winter board?
Robust and cured meats like prosciutto, soppressata, smoked turkey breast, and wild boar salami complement the winter theme with rich flavors and varying textures.
- → Which cheeses pair well on the board?
Aged cheddar, brie, smoked gouda, and blue cheese provide a balanced mix of sharp, creamy, and smoky notes to contrast the meats and accompaniments.
- → How can I add visual interest resembling a winter forest?
Arrange meats in folded rolls to resemble tree trunks, scatter rosemary sprigs as pine branches, and add pomegranate seeds and edible flowers for pops of color mimicking a snowy landscape.
- → What are good seasonal accompaniments to include?
Mixed olives, cornichons, whole grain mustard, cranberry chutney, roasted nuts, dried apricots, fresh grapes, and honey or honeycomb add varied flavors and textures enhancing the overall board.
- → How should I serve the board for optimal flavor?
Chill until ready, then bring to room temperature about 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors and aromas to fully develop.
- → Can I customize ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, you can swap meats and cheeses for local or vegetarian alternatives and offer gluten-free options by serving without bread or crackers.