Winter Forest Meat Cheese Board

Featured in: Warm Rustic Plates

This winter forest-inspired board combines an assortment of cured meats, aged cheeses, and fresh seasonal elements to create a visually stunning and flavorful centerpiece. The arrangement features prosciutto, soppressata, smoked turkey, and wild boar salami along with cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue cheese. Accents like olives, nuts, dried fruits, and honey enhance the taste while rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds evoke a snowy woodland scene. Perfect for holiday entertaining or casual evenings, it offers an easy, no-cook selection that guests will enjoy.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:25:00 GMT
A beautiful Winter Forest Charcuterie Scene with festive meats, cheeses, and rosemary sprigs. Pin it
A beautiful Winter Forest Charcuterie Scene with festive meats, cheeses, and rosemary sprigs. | emberthyme.com

A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board inspired by a snowy winter forest, featuring premium meats, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.

This board has become my go-to for festive entertaining because it's as beautiful as it is delicious

Ingredients

  • Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g soppressata, 100 g smoked turkey breast, 100 g wild boar salami (or substitute with another robust salami)
  • Cheeses: 120 g aged cheddar cubed, 120 g brie sliced, 100 g smoked gouda sliced, 100 g blue cheese crumbled
  • Accompaniments: 1 cup mixed olives (green and black), 1 cup cornichons or small gherkins, 1/2 cup whole grain mustard, 1/2 cup cranberry chutney or fig jam, 1 cup roasted nuts (walnuts pecans or almonds), 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup fresh red grapes, 1 small honeycomb or 3 tbsp honey
  • Garnishes & Decorative Elements: Fresh rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine branches), Pomegranate seeds (for a pop of color), Edible flowers (optional for a magical winter effect), Crackers and/or sliced rustic bread (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
Step 2:
Arrange the cheeses in different areas of the board creating clusters and leaving space for other elements.
Step 3:
Fan out the meats in folds and rolls to resemble tree trunks and logs. Layer for visual interest.
Step 4:
Fill small bowls with mustard chutney and olives. Place them strategically on the board.
Step 5:
Scatter nuts dried apricots and grapes throughout the board.
Step 6:
Use fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine branches and tuck them among the ingredients.
Step 7:
Dot the board with pomegranate seeds and edible flowers for a touch of color and elegance.
Step 8:
Drizzle honey over the blue cheese or serve honeycomb nearby.
Step 9:
Add crackers or sliced bread to the edge of the board or serve on the side.
Step 10:
Chill until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
This Winter Forest Charcuterie Scene offers a delicious medley of meats and cheeses for your enjoyment. Pin it
This Winter Forest Charcuterie Scene offers a delicious medley of meats and cheeses for your enjoyment. | emberthyme.com

We often gather around this board in the winter evenings sharing stories and warmth with family

Required Tools

Large wooden board or platter Small bowls for condiments Cheese knives Serving tongs or forks

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese) tree nuts and may contain mustard (in condiments) Some meats may contain nitrates or other preservatives Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens if serving to guests with food sensitivities

Nutritional Information

Calories 340 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 10 g Protein 17 g per serving based on 10 servings

Visually stunning Winter Forest charcuterie board, filled with meats, cheeses, and holiday garnishes. Pin it
Visually stunning Winter Forest charcuterie board, filled with meats, cheeses, and holiday garnishes. | emberthyme.com

Enjoy assembling your own winter forest charcuterie board and impress your guests every time

Recipe FAQs

What meats are best for this board?

Choose a mix of cured meats like prosciutto, soppressata, smoked turkey, or wild boar salami to provide varied flavors and textures.

How should cheeses be prepared?

Use a selection of cubed, sliced, and crumbled cheeses such as aged cheddar, brie, smoked gouda, and blue cheese for visual and taste contrast.

What accompaniments complement the meats and cheeses?

Include olives, cornichons, mustard, chutney or jam, roasted nuts, dried apricots, grapes, and honey to balance savory and sweet notes.

How can I create the winter forest ambiance?

Arrange rosemary sprigs to mimic pine branches and scatter pomegranate seeds and edible flowers to add color and a seasonal touch.

Are there serving suggestions for this board?

Serve chilled or at room temperature with optional crackers or rustic bread on the side, and consider pairing with crisp white or light red wines.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?

Yes, swap meats and cheeses for vegetarian or vegan alternatives and always check labels for allergens, especially if accommodating sensitivities.

Winter Forest Meat Cheese Board

A festive board featuring cured meats, aged cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments for elegant entertaining.

Time to Prep
30 mins
0
Overall Time
30 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Portions 10 Portion Size

Dietary Details No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Meats

01 3.5 oz prosciutto
02 3.5 oz soppressata
03 3.5 oz smoked turkey breast
04 3.5 oz wild boar salami or robust salami substitute

Cheeses

01 4.2 oz aged cheddar, cubed
02 4.2 oz brie, sliced
03 3.5 oz smoked gouda, sliced
04 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled

Accompaniments

01 1 cup mixed green and black olives
02 1 cup cornichons or small gherkins
03 0.5 cup whole grain mustard
04 0.5 cup cranberry chutney or fig jam
05 1 cup roasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
06 0.5 cup dried apricots
07 0.5 cup fresh red grapes
08 1 small honeycomb or 3 tablespoons honey

Garnishes & Decorative Elements

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine branches
02 Pomegranate seeds for color
03 Edible flowers (optional)
04 Crackers and/or sliced rustic bread (optional)

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare base: Select a large wooden board or platter to arrange all components upon.

Step 02

Arrange cheeses: Place cheeses in separate clusters across the board, leaving space for other items.

Step 03

Place meats: Fan out prosciutto, soppressata, turkey breast, and salami in folds and rolls resembling tree trunks and logs.

Step 04

Add condiments: Fill small bowls with mustard, chutney, and olives, then position them strategically on the board.

Step 05

Scatter accompaniments: Distribute nuts, dried apricots, and grapes evenly throughout the display.

Step 06

Add garnishes: Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs among ingredients to simulate pine branches.

Step 07

Decorate and finish: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and optionally edible flowers to enhance visual appeal.

Step 08

Apply honey: Drizzle honey over blue cheese or place honeycomb nearby for serving.

Step 09

Add bread and crackers: Arrange crackers and/or sliced rustic bread along the board’s edge or serve separately.

Step 10

Chill and serve: Refrigerate until needed. Remove from fridge 20 minutes before serving to bring flavors to room temperature.

Equipment Needed

  • Large wooden board or platter
  • Small bowls for condiments
  • Cheese knives
  • Serving tongs or forks

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy, tree nuts, and mustard.
  • Some meats may include nitrates or preservatives.
  • Check ingredient labels for allergens when serving guests with sensitivities.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 17 g