How To Make A Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
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This Christmas tree cheese platter is hands down the easiest holiday appetizer there is. Simply take your favorite cheeses, arrange them on a Christmas tree-shaped board along with cherry tomatoes and seasonal garnishes, and you’ve got a quick and easy party treat that doubles as a stunning centerpiece.
When it comes to appetizers, there’s never no cheese in my holiday spread. Cranberry brie bites, goat cheese stuffed dates, and cheesy pull-apart bread are among my favorites to serve, but it’s the Christmas tree cheese platter that always disappears first. It’s as simple as it sounds – a dazzling array of cheeses, festive garnishes, and basically any add-ins you want shaped into a perfect Christmas tree.
I remember the “oohs” and “aahs” it received the first time and how people hesitated to dig in because it was so pretty. It’s great for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, happy hour, or an intimate gathering with friends. And because it’s so easy to assemble, my husband and I often enjoy it at home while watching movies, or just because. Try making your own Xmas tree cheese platter this holiday season and you’ll want to make it every year for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping appetizer to serve. It’s so easy that even kids can do it. No cooking required, too!
- Fun and festive: Shaped like a Christmas tree, this cheese platter is a stunning centerpiece that brings instant holiday cheer to your table.
- Versatile: Use whatever cheeses, meats, and garnishes you love most to create a spread that suits your taste and budget.
- Perfect for all occasions: Don’t limit the fun to Christmas! With a simple shape tweak, this platter works for other celebrations year-round – think heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day or a star for Fourth of July.
- Gift-worthy: Wrap it up with cellophane and a pretty bow for a thoughtful, delicious gift that works well for hosts, friends, or family year-round.
How to Make A Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
This Christmas tree cheese board is the perfect no-cook, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simply prep the ingredients and assemble them on the board, that’s it! The whole process takes 15 minutes or less.
I love that you can easily arrange the ingredients to match your style – you can make it as minimalistic or loaded as you like, the choice is yours. I made this recipe as basic as possible with just 4 ingredients, so it leaves plenty of room for your creativity.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Colby Jack cheese: This semi-soft cheese offers a creamy texture and mild flavor, perfect for balancing out stronger cheeses on the platter.
- Gouda cheese: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to the mix, complementing the other ingredients while providing a firmer texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: These vibrant, juicy pops of red mimic ornaments on the tree while adding freshness and a burst of sweetness to the savory spread.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: The greenery resembles pine needles, giving the platter a festive, tree-like appearance.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Once you have your ingredients prepped and your Christmas tree platter in place, the only thing left to do is to assemble the board the way you like it! If it’s your first time, you can follow the simple but stunning arrangement below:
Step 1: Prep
Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes. Wash the cherry tomatoes.
Step 2: Assemble
On a large Christmas tree-shaped platter, begin at the top with a layer of Gouda cheese cubes. Follow with a layer of cherry tomatoes directly beneath the Gouda. Add a layer of Colby Jack cheese cubes, continuing the tree shape as you work downward.
Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack, giving the tree a touch of greenery. Repeat the pattern by adding another layer of Gouda cheese, followed by another layer of cherry tomatoes, and then a layer of Colby Jack.
Finish the tree by placing fresh rosemary sprigs at the bottom, completing the festive look with a final touch of greenery.
Substitutions
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this gorgeous Xmas tree cheese platter. If you prefer to use ingredients that you love or have on hand, feel free to substitute with these ingredients:
- Colby Jack cheese: Swap with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mild Havarti if Colby Jack isn’t available.
- Gouda cheese: No gouda available? Use smoked Gouda, Gruyère, or Edam to enhance the flavor profile.
- Cherry tomatoes: Substitute with red grapes, pomegranate seeds, or small radishes for similar flavor and visual appeal.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Use fresh parsley or fresh thyme for a similar decorative effect.
Expert Tips
- Prep according to your party: Take the serving size as a guide only. This cheese platter can serve up to 6 people. Consider your number of guests, the length of the party, or if you’re serving it alongside other appetizers or snacks.
- Add height: Create a star-shaped topper using a cookie cutter and a slice of cheese or a decorative item like a star-shaped cracker for extra flair.
- Chill before serving: Prepare the platter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it to keep the ingredients fresh. Add the rosemary and other delicate decorations just before serving to maintain their texture and vibrancy.
- Serve with toothpicks: Serve with festive toothpicks or small skewers to make it easier for guests to grab pieces without disrupting the design. Don’t forget the napkins!
How to Store This Recipe
I doubt there will be leftovers, but if there is, wrap each cheese separately in parchment paper then place in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Store cherry tomatoes in a breathable container or the crisper drawer for optimal freshness. Avoid sealing them in airtight bags or containers as they need airflow. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days.
What to Serve with A Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
This simple Christmas tree cheese platter, without any add-ins, makes a great stand-alone party appetizer. Serve it alongside an assortment of bread, crackers, cured meats, fresh fruits, and dips and spreads.
They pair great with holiday treats like fudge, peanut butter blossoms, or saltine toffee. We also love them with festive cocktails like a cranberry margarita or an eggnog martini.
You could also make complimentary platters with additional finger foods. Consider mixing and matching the following:
- Meats: Salami, prosciutto, ham, or pepperoni slices to pair with the cheeses.
- Crackers: Add an assortment of shapes and textures for pairing.
- Fruits: Slices of seasonal fruit for a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Vegetables: Cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or roasted vegetables for added color and freshness.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans for crunch.
- Honey or jam: A drizzle of honey or a small bowl of fig or cranberry jam adds a sweet counterpart.
- Sweets: Mini candy canes, chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats for added fun and indulgence.
- Pretzel sticks: For fun, sometimes I break them in half and use them as the “trunk” part of the Christmas tree on this cheese board.
- Edible flowers: For an elegant and whimsical touch.
More Holiday Appetizers To Try
If you make this Christmas tree cheese platter, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
The Easiest Xmas Tree Cheese Platter
Ingredients
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese cubed
- 1 cup Gouda cheese cubed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- A few rosemary sprigs fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into small, bite-sized cubes. Wash the cherry tomatoes.
- On a large Christmas tree-shaped platter, begin at the top with a layer of Gouda cheese cubes. Follow with a layer of cherry tomatoes directly beneath the Gouda. Add a layer of Colby Jack cheese cubes, continuing the tree shape as you work downward.
- Place fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack, giving the tree a touch of greenery. Repeat the pattern by adding another layer of Gouda cheese, followed by another layer of cherry tomatoes, and then a layer of Colby Jack.
- Finish the tree by placing fresh rosemary sprigs at the bottom, completing the festive look with a final touch of greenery.
Notes
- Take the serving size as a guide only. Consider your number of guests, length of the party, or if you’re serving it alongside other appetizers or snacks.
- Create a star-shaped topper using a cookie cutter and a slice of cheese or a decorative item like a star-shaped cracker for added height and extra flair.
- Prepare the platter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it to keep the ingredients fresh. Add the rosemary and other delicate decorations just before serving to maintain their texture and vibrancy.
- Serve with festive toothpicks or small skewers to make it easier for guests to grab pieces without disrupting the design. Don’t forget the napkins!
