Save to Pinterest 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 to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are ideal for the starburst board?
Brie, Comté, Bleu d'Auvergne, and goat cheese offer a balanced mix of creamy, mild, and tangy flavors perfect for the arrangement.
- → How should cured meats be presented?
Slice cured meats thinly and arrange them in rays around the central cheeses to create the starburst effect.
- → Which fruits work best for this platter?
Fresh grapes, pears, apples, figs, and pomegranate seeds provide color contrast and sweetness that complement the savory elements.
- → Can this platter be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, simply omit cured meats and add extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated olives for variety.
- → What accompaniments enhance the tasting experience?
Accompany with sliced baguette, assorted crackers, jams, honey, and for a festive finish, dark chocolate shards and candied orange peel.