Charcuterie Wreath (Easy Christmas Appetizer)

This festive Charcuterie Wreath is the ultimate Christmas appetizer, fresh, colorful, and packed with classic antipasto flavors. Easy to assemble and totally customizable, it’s guaranteed to wow your holiday guests.

If you want a holiday appetizer that looks gorgeous with almost no effort, this charcuterie wreath is my go-to. It’s basically an antipasto platter dressed up for Christmas, with mozzarella, salami, olives, roasted peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs arranged in a pretty wreath shape. It’s festive, colorful, and guaranteed to catch everyone’s eye.

What I love most is how easy it is to customize. Some years I keep it classic, other times I’ll add marinated mushrooms or artichokes…whatever I’ve got on hand. The rosemary and basil make it smell like the holidays, and it comes together in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver during the December craziness.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
• 8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls
• 8 ounces of a block of cheese of your choice (I like Gouda or Swiss Cheese for this)
• 12–16 ounces assorted Italian cured meats (I used salami and prosciutto)
• 6 ounces of canned roasted red peppers, drained & sliced
• 12 ounces mixed pitted olives
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Several fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
• 5-6 large wooden skewers, cut into three pieces
• Breadsticks, crackers or a baguette to serve alongside the wreath

How To Make A Charcuterie Wreath

Step 1. Prepare the skewers with assorted items; 3-4 items each make a perfect serving size. Try to keep things balanced: take one piece of cheese, one olive, one tomato or red pepper, and one cured meat.

Step 2. Then, arrange rosemary sprigs around a large and round wooden board or plate, making a circle with them and leaving a hole in the middle to give it a wreath shape. Place your skewers around the circle, too.

Step 3. Finally, tuck in leaves of fresh basil for festive pops of green.

Variations And Add-Ins

• Add More Veggies: Include artichokes, marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini, or even grilled zucchini.
• Change the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, marinated mozzarella balls, or cubes of provolone.
• Make It Spicy: Use spicy salami, add Calabrian chiles, or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the stronger olives and meats and use mild cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, and mini breadsticks.
• Herb Swap: Use thyme or sage if you don’t have rosemary (it’ll still look perfectly festive).

Tips And Tricks

• Cut Skewers First: Snip your wooden skewers into thirds before assembling so everything is bite-sized. You could also use these 4.7″ skewers.
• Balance Each Skewer: Include 3–4 items per skewer for looks and flavor.
• Use a Round Board: The wreath shape looks best when put together on a round platter.
• Tuck Herbs Last: Add rosemary and basil at the very end so they stay bright and fresh. To prep them the night before, wrap herbs in a damp paper towel or store in a shallow bowl of water in the fridge.
• Drizzle Before Serving: Olive oil or balsamic glaze adds shine and flavor (a little goes a long way).
• Holiday Color Pop: Add fresh cranberries as garnish for a bright pop of color and an extra festive look.

FAQs

More Delicious Holiday Appetizers

Want more holiday recipe inspiration? These festive favorites are always a hit!

• Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
• Cranberry Salsa
• Easy Whipped Brie
• BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs