A festive holiday appetizer doesn’t have to be complicated to impress, and these Charcuterie Tree Skewers are proof. Crafted with care and stacked like tiny edible Christmas trees, these savory bites bring together salami, cheese, and olives in a presentation that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a family Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve bash, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Each skewer is layered with creamy cheese cubes, savory slices of salami and pepperoni, juicy green olives, and topped with a whimsical cheddar star. The best part? You can assemble them in advance, freeing up time for you to enjoy the festivities. With minimal prep and zero cooking, these charcuterie trees make entertaining look and feel joyful.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Charcuterie Tree Skewers?

To get that neat, tree-like stack, choose firm cheeses that slice cleanly into cubes and stars. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great options for layering, while a sharper cheddar works beautifully for the star topper. Avoid soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, as they won’t hold the shape.

Ingredients for the Charcuterie Tree Skewers

Cheddar Cheese (block style): This is used for the star topper. Use a mini star-shaped cutter for the perfect festive finish.

Monterey Jack or Mozzarella Cheese: These are ideal for creating the base of the skewers with clean, uniform cubes that balance the salty meats.

Salami & Pepperoni Slices: Folded into quarters, they add savory richness and texture to the stack.

Green Olives (pitted): Add a briny pop and visual variety to the skewer. Look for firm, round olives.

Skewers or Toothpicks: Wooden skewers are key to holding everything in place. Cut them shorter if needed to keep everything proportional.

Dried Italian Herbs or Parsley (optional): A light sprinkle adds a festive, herby touch when serving.

How To Make the Charcuterie Tree Skewers

Step 1: Slice and Shape the Cheese

Cut the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into ¾-inch cubes. Using a small star cookie cutter, press into slices of cheddar to make your tree toppers.

Step 2: Fold the Meats

Fold the salami and pepperoni slices into quarters. This creates volume and visual interest on the skewers.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

Start with a cube of Monterey Jack at the bottom of the skewer. Add folded slices of salami, followed by green olives, and continue stacking cheese and meats to create a tiered, tree-like effect.

Step 4: Top It Off

Place the cheddar star at the very top of the skewer to complete the tree shape. Adjust the ingredients so everything sits evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the skewers on a festive platter. Lightly sprinkle with dried herbs or chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Serving and Storing These Festive Skewers

Serve your Charcuterie Tree Skewers chilled or at room temperature. They make a stunning centerpiece on a charcuterie board or holiday table. To store, place the assembled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheddar stars right before serving to keep them firm and vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these?

You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Just add the cheddar stars before serving for best results.

What kind of skewers should I use?

Use short wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks. If needed, trim longer skewers for a more compact look.

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Try prosciutto, coppa, or even turkey pepperoni for variety.

What cheeses hold their shape best?

Firm cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella work best. Soft cheeses tend to lose their form.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the fun tree shape and mild flavors. Just ensure the olives are pitted.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Sure thing. Swap the meats for grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or marinated mushrooms.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Charcuterie Tree Skewers, you’ll definitely want to try these other savory snacks:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest party board so you can revisit it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all-in with the meats or keep it vegetarian? Did the cheddar stars steal the show?

I love seeing your creations and twists on these ideas. Got a question? Ask away—let’s inspire each other.

🡺 For more recipes just like this one, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Nina

Charcuterie Tree Skewers Party

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 skewers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Charcuterie Tree Skewers are the ultimate festive appetizer! Easy to assemble and stunning to present, each skewer is layered with savory meats, creamy cheeses, and bright green olives, topped with a cheddar star. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any winter gathering.