Our Favorite Quick & Easy Holiday Recipes

We love a great Charcuterie & Cheese board! We have these at every event we host and they're always a hit! We also change it up each time so it's a bit different. These are easy to put together and we promise you it will be a hit!

Here are some reasons we love them:

1. The Perfect Party Pleaser:

   • Charcuterie boards are a versatile crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or a cozy night in, they’re the perfect way to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

2. Aesthetic Appeal:

   • Let’s be honest—charcuterie boards are Instagram-worthy. The beautiful arrangement of colors, textures, and flavors makes them the star of any table.

3. Effort Meets Elegance:

   • They’re surprisingly easy to assemble but look incredibly impressive. With just a little planning, you can create something that feels luxurious and thoughtful.

4. Customizable for Any Taste:

   • Whether you’re catering to cheese lovers, vegans, or picky eaters, charcuterie boards can be tailored to suit everyone’s palate.

What to Include in an Amazing Charcuterie Board

1. Cheese (The Star of the Show):

   • Include a mix of textures and flavors:
     • Soft Cheese: Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese.
     • Hard Cheese: Aged cheddar, gouda, or manchego.
     • Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola or Roquefort for the adventurous.
     • Fresh Cheese: Mozzarella balls or burrata for a creamy option.

2. Meats (Savory and Satisfying):

   • A variety of cured meats:
     • Salami or soppressata.
     • Prosciutto or jamón.
     • Chorizo or pepperoni for spice lovers.
   • Roll or fold them for a polished look.

3. Crackers and Bread (The Perfect Pair):

   • Offer a mix of textures and flavors:
     • Thin crackers, breadsticks, or crispy crostini.
     • Sliced baguette or rustic sourdough for heartier bites.

4. Fruits (For Sweet Contrast):

   • Fresh fruits: Grapes, berries, figs, or apple and pear slices.
   • Dried fruits: Apricots, cranberries, or raisins for a chewy sweetness.

5. Nuts (Crunch and Flavor):

   • Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a savory crunch.
   • Candied nuts for a hint of sweetness.

6. Spreads and Dips (Extra Flavor Boost):

   • Sweet: Honey, fig jam, or fruit preserves.
   • Savory: Mustard, olive tapenade, or a creamy hummus.

7. Pickles and Olives (For Tang and Bite):

   • A variety of pickled items like cornichons, gherkins, or pickled onions.
   • Green and black olives for salty, briny flavors.

8. Fresh Herbs and Garnishes (To Elevate the Look):

   • Add sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a touch of greenery.
   • Edible flowers or pomegranate seeds for a festive flair.

How to Assemble Your Charcuterie Board

1. Start with Anchors:

   • Place bowls for dips, spreads, or olives on the board first. These act as visual anchors.

2. Add Cheese and Meats:

   • Arrange cheese and meats in groups or fan them out for easy grabbing.

3. Layer in Fruits and Nuts:

   • Fill gaps with fresh and dried fruits, followed by nuts for texture.

4. Finish with Crackers and Bread:

   • Tuck crackers and breadsticks around the edges to complete the look.

5. Garnish:

   • Add herbs, edible flowers, or any final touches to make it visually stunning.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Board

• Balance: Include a mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy elements.
• Portion Size: Plan for about 2 ounces of cheese and 1–2 ounces of meat per person.
• Temperature: Let cheese sit out for 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
• Board Matters: Use a wooden or marble board for an elevated presentation.

• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 slider buns or mini rolls
• 1 slice of your favorite cheese (American, Swiss or Pepper Jack)
• 1 head of red leaf lettuce cut or tear in small pieces
• 1 tomato cut up in small slices

Bonus Tip: 1 package of Bacon

• 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced into rounds
• 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced
• 4 oz garlic and herb cheese spread
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill or chives for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon 

Add Cheese : Remove from oven and let cool. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or herbed cheese on each slice. We prefer a garlic and herb cheese.

Layer with Salmon : Cut the Salmon into smaller pieces and then place a piece of smoked salmon over the cheese spread.

Top with Cucumber : Add a thin cucumber slice on top of the Salmon. Give each salmon bite a little squeeze of lemon (lightly).

Garnish : Sprinkle with fresh dill or chives, and season with a touch of salt and pepper.

This elegant appetizer is ready to serve and makes a perfect addition to any holiday or dinner party spread!