Looking for an easy and festive Christmas charcuterie board? This show-stopping holiday board is filled with colorful fresh veggies, flavorful dips, cheese, meats, and seasonal touches like pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs. Designed in the shape of a snowman, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas party or cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a fun way to get your kids excited about healthy snacks, this Christmas charcuterie board is simple to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress.
As a professional recipe developer, home entertaining expert, and someone who has hosted countless Christmas parties (big and small!), I’ve tested dozens of charcuterie ideas over the years. This snowman-inspired version is the ultimate combination of festive, fun, and foolproof—plus, I’ll show you how to adapt it for dessert too!
Why You Can Trust This Recipe
I’ve spent years creating recipes and styling food for brands, events, and home gatherings, and when it comes to entertaining, my approach is always the same: simple, seasonal, and elevated.
My readers come to me because they know I share recipes that actually work—tested to perfection, made with accessible ingredients, and designed to make your table feel special without the stress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a festive brunch, or your holiday cheese board, my goal is to help you fall in love with cooking (and hosting) again.
This board is not only beautiful, but it’s also balanced—with creamy dips, crunchy veggies, salty meats, and little bursts of sweetness that make every bite feel like a celebration.
Why I Love This Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Beautifully balanced – Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
- Festive and fun – The snowman design makes it a conversation starter and centerpiece.
- Customizable – Perfect for both savory and dessert variations.
- Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love snacking from it!
- Quick to assemble – No cooking, no stress—just artful arranging.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can easily customize your Christmas charcuterie board, but here’s the layout I used for my snowman-themed version:
For the Snowman Face
- 3 small bowls or ramekins (to form the snowman’s body)
- Hummus, tzatziki, and garlic dip – or your favorite creamy dips
- Black olive slices – for the eyes
- 1 small carrot – trimmed into a nose shape
- 1 slice of red bell pepper – cut into a “top hat” shape
For the Surrounding Snacks
- Veggies: Cucumber slices, carrot sticks, celery, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips
- Crackers: Mini toasts, breadsticks, or multigrain crackers
- Cured meats: Salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto
- Cheese: Brie wedges, cheddar cubes, mozzarella balls, or goat cheese
- Extras: Pomegranate seeds, pistachios, dried cranberries, rosemary sprigs for garnish
Quick Tip
Always aim for a mix of colours and textures—reds, greens, creams, and browns—to give your board that holiday magic look.
How to Assemble a Snowman Christmas Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 20 minutes | Serves: 6–8
1. Prepare the Snowman Base
On a large wooden board or platter, arrange your three bowls vertically to resemble a snowman’s head and body.
Fill the bowls with your chosen dips (I love hummus, tzatziki, and garlic dip for variety and color contrast).
2. Decorate the Face
Place two olive slices on the top bowl for the eyes. Add a small carrot “nose” and a red bell pepper “hat.”
3. Surround with Snacks
Start placing your ingredients around the bowls: arrange vegetables on one side, meats and cheeses on the other, and crackers throughout for balance.
4. Add Festive Touches
Scatter pomegranate seeds for pops of red, and tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary to look like greenery. You can even dust the board with flaky salt for a “snow” effect.
5. Finishing Touches
Use a cookie cutter to shape cheese slices into stars or candy canes for an extra festive look.
Expert Tips for Building the Perfect Christmas Charcuterie
- Mix colors + textures: Combine crisp veggies, creamy dips, and crunchy crackers.
- Keep it seasonal: Add winter touches—cranberries, pomegranate, nuts, or rosemary.
- Use what you have: Don’t overcomplicate it! Even simple ingredients can look stunning when styled well.
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and slice cheese the day before. Assemble the board just before serving.
- Temperature tip: Remove cheeses and dips from the fridge 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Sweet Variation: Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board
Turn this concept into a Christmas dessert charcuterie board in minutes!
Swap the savory ingredients for holiday treats:
- Dips: Chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting
- Fruits: Strawberries, green grapes, apple slices, raspberries
- Sweets: Cookies, marshmallows, pretzels, peppermint bark, or mini brownies
- Decorations: Candy canes, powdered sugar “snow,” and sprinkles
Arrange the same way—with three bowls as your snowman base, or form a Christmas tree shape instead. A dessert charcuterie board makes a fun DIY project for kids’ parties or cozy movie nights.
How to Store + Make Ahead
- Store leftovers: Transfer dips, meats, and cheeses into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: Assemble 80% of your board the day before, keeping dips and crackers separate until ready to serve.
- Pro tip: Keep your board wrapped in plastic wrap or a large zip bag to prevent it from drying out.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This Christmas charcuterie board is festive, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make it savory with dips and cheeses or transform it into a holiday dessert charcuterie board, it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that instantly elevates your celebration.
It’s creative enough to impress your guests but simple enough to assemble even on a busy December afternoon. So grab your board, pour yourself a glass of wine, and have fun making edible art this holiday season.
Happy hosting and Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
Connect with Me!
Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
