Christmas Tree Cheese Platter (Easy Holiday Appetizer)

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Create a Christmas Tree Cheese Platter in just 15 minutes! This easy holiday cheese board appetizer is perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Looking for a festive holiday appetizer that will wow your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen? This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is the answer!

With just a few simple ingredients—two types of cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sprigs of rosemary—you can create an edible centerpiece that doubles as a delicious snack.

This Christmas tree cheese board appetizer is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even Christmas Eve at home. It comes together in just 15 minutes, no cooking required, and looks like something straight out of a holiday magazine spread.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

• Quick & easy – Only 15 minutes of prep.
• Festive & fun – Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s as pretty as it is tasty.
• Kid- and adult-approved – Simple cheeses and tomatoes mean everyone can enjoy.
• Perfect party food – A crowd-pleasing addition to your appetizer spread.
• Customizable – Swap in your favorite cheeses, fruits, or meats to make it your own.

If you’re searching for holiday cheese board ideas for parties, this one is a no-stress recipe that makes you look like a hostess pro.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for this Christmas Party Cheese Platter

This recipe makes enough for 4–6 people, but it’s easy to double if you’re hosting a larger crowd. Don’t forget that you can scroll for the full recipe card with measurements.

To make this Christmas appetizer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• Colby Jack cheese, cubed – Mild and kid-friendly.
• Gouda cheese, cubed – Rich and creamy with a subtle smokiness.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy pops of red that mimic ornaments.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs – For garnish and that tree-like greenery.
• Optional: Add crackers, nuts, or fruit around the edges of the platter to fill it out.

How to Make an Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

Follow these easy steps to assemble your Christmas tree cheese board appetizer:

Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda cheeses into bite-sized cubes. Wash the cherry tomatoes and pat dry.

Assemble the Tree Layers: On a large, flat serving board (or a platter shaped like a tree if you have one), start at the top with a row of Gouda cheese. Add a row of cherry tomatoes underneath, keeping the triangular “tree” shape.

Follow with a row of Colby Jack cubes. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs under the cheese for greenery.

Repeat the Pattern: Continue layering Gouda, cherry tomatoes, and Colby Jack until you’ve created a full tree shape. Finish with more rosemary at the base for the “tree skirt.”

Serve and enjoy! Pair with crackers, pretzels, or sliced baguette for a full Christmas party appetizer cheese platter.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

Tips & Variations for this Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

• Add more color – Include green grapes, olives, or red bell pepper for extra festive flair.
• Make it a full charcuterie board – Add slices of salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni between cheese layers.
• Use different cheeses – Try cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. A mix of textures makes for a prettier platter.
• Add a star on top – Use a small cookie cutter to cut cheese into a star for the perfect finishing touch.
• Go big – Double or triple the ingredients for a larger Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe, or serve with a puff pastry Christmas tree appetizer.

What to Serve with a Christmas Tree Cheese Board

This appetizer is versatile enough to pair with almost anything on your holiday table. Some ideas:

• Crackers & breadsticks – Always a hit.
• Fresh fruit – Grapes, apple slices, or figs add balance.
• Nuts – Almonds, pecans, or cashews.
• Dips & spreads – Honey, jam, or mustard make tasty pairings.
• Wine or sparkling cider – Completes the holiday vibe.

More Holiday Recipes to Try

If you loved this festive Christmas tree cheese board appetizer, here are a few more seasonal holiday recipes from Fun Family Meals that you’ll want on repeat this time of year:

• White Chocolate Christmas Popcorn (Christmas Crunch) – A no-bake sweet and salty popcorn mix with M&Ms, pretzels, and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday movie nights.
• Grinch Christmas Pretzels Recipe – Fun, no-bake green candy-dipped pretzels topped with red heart sprinkles. Great for kids’ parties or classroom treats.
• How to Make a Juicy Turkey with a Simple Brine – The perfect main dish for your holiday table.
• Homemade Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream – Cozy fall dessert that works beautifully for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
• Vodka Spiked Hot Cocoa – Warm, rich hot chocolate spiked with vodka for a grown-up twist on a holiday classic. Perfect for sipping fireside.
• Classic White Russian Cocktail – A creamy, indulgent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Festive, cozy, and always a hit at holiday parties.

Save these to your holiday meal planning list and mix them into your celebrations all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheese platter ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the cheese cubes and tomatoes up to a day ahead and store them in separate containers. Wait to assemble until just before serving so it looks fresh.

What cheeses work best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any semi-hard cheese that holds its shape. This recipe uses Colby Jack and Gouda for flavor and color contrast but you can use whatever cheese you personally like.

How do I keep cheese cubes from drying out?
If prepping in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Final Thoughts on this Festive Christmas Appetizer

This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is one of the easiest (and cutest) holiday cheese board ideas for parties. It’s festive, fast, and a total crowd-pleaser—whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, heading to a potluck, or planning a casual night in with friends.

So grab your favorite cheeses, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and some rosemary sprigs, and put together this easy Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe. It’s the perfect easy Christmas appetizer for cozy nights in or holiday gatherings.

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