Cranberry Joy Tree Board

Featured in: Seasonal Home Recipes

This festive board combines creamy cheeses, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and sweet chocolates artfully arranged in a tree shape for holiday celebrations. Layer crackers and breads at the base, then add rows of apples, cranberries, grapes, olives, and dried apricots to build color and flavor. Garnish with rosemary sprigs mimicking pine branches to enhance the seasonal feel. Dark chocolate squares and honey or fig jam create delightful sweet contrasts, perfect for easy entertaining or casual festive gatherings.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:27:00 GMT
A beautifully arranged Cranberry Joy Tree Board, a festive holiday appetizer with cheese and fruit. Save
A beautifully arranged Cranberry Joy Tree Board, a festive holiday appetizer with cheese and fruit. | toastybloom.com

A festive, visually stunning charcuterie board featuring a delightful combination of sweet and savory elements arranged in the shape of a holiday tree Perfect for gatherings and celebrations

This board is always the highlight at our holiday parties loved by all ages and tastes

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 100 g brie cheese cut into cubes 100 g sharp white cheddar cubed 100 g herbed goat cheese rolled into balls
  • Fruits: 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup red grapes halved 1 green apple sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots halved
  • Savory Accompaniments: 1/2 cup green olives pitted 1/2 cup marcona almonds or roasted almonds 1/4 cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds
  • Sweets: 1/4 cup dark chocolate squares 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
  • Crackers & Bread: 1 1/2 cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed) 1/2 baguette sliced (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (to mimic pine branches)

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large wooden board or platter outline a tree shape using fresh rosemary sprigs as the branches
Step 2:
Starting from the base layer rows of crackers and bread slices to form the bottom of the tree
Step 3:
Alternate rows of cheeses grapes cranberries and apple slices working your way up the tree shape
Step 4:
Add olives almonds and dried apricots throughout filling gaps and adding color contrast
Step 5:
Place the goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares as decorative ornaments
Step 6:
Set a small bowl of honey or fig jam near the base or side of the board
Step 7:
Garnish with extra rosemary and if desired a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice at the top
Step 8:
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
This Cranberry Joy Tree Board features vibrant red cranberries and green grapes for a festive appetizer spread. Save
This Cranberry Joy Tree Board features vibrant red cranberries and green grapes for a festive appetizer spread. | toastybloom.com

Family and friends always gather around the board sharing stories and enjoying this delicious festive treat together

Notes

Add cured meats (such as prosciutto or salami) for a non-vegetarian option Serve with chilled white wine sparkling cider or a festive cocktail

Required Tools

Large platter or wooden board Paring knife Small bowls (for jam/honey and loose items) Cheese knives

Allergen Information

Contains milk (cheese) tree nuts (almonds) and gluten (crackers baguette) For nut allergies omit almonds For gluten-free use gluten-free crackers and bread Always check labels for hidden allergens

The edible presentation shows the Cranberry Joy Tree Board with rosemary, cheeses, and crackers offering a delicious taste. Save
The edible presentation shows the Cranberry Joy Tree Board with rosemary, cheeses, and crackers offering a delicious taste. | toastybloom.com

This cranberry joy tree board always brings a festive spirit to any occasion and is surprisingly easy to assemble

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this board gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers and breads to keep the board suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

What cheeses work best for this arrangement?

Soft brie, sharp cheddar, and herbed goat cheese balls offer creamy and tangy textures that complement the fruit and nuts.

How do I create the tree shape on the board?

Use fresh rosemary sprigs to outline branches, then layer ingredients row by row from base to top, mimicking a tree form.

Can I add meats to this offering?

Yes, prosciutto or salami can be added for non-vegetarian options, placed artfully among the fruits and cheeses.

What beverages pair well with this board?

Chilled white wine, sparkling cider, or festive cocktails complement the sweet and savory elements beautifully.

Cranberry Joy Tree Board

A colorful holiday tree platter with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and sweet touches for festive occasions.

Prep Time
25 minutes
0
Complete Time
25 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Seasonal Home Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 8 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You Need

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz Brie cheese, cubed
02 3.5 oz sharp white cheddar, cubed
03 3.5 oz herbed goat cheese, rolled into balls

Fruits

01 1 cup fresh cranberries
02 1 cup red grapes, halved
03 1 green apple, sliced
04 0.25 cup dried apricots, halved

Savory Accompaniments

01 0.25 cup green olives, pitted
02 0.25 cup marcona or roasted almonds
03 0.125 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Sweets

01 0.25 cup dark chocolate squares
02 0.25 cup honey or fig jam

Crackers & Bread

01 1.5 cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
02 0.5 baguette, sliced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Outline tree shape: Use fresh rosemary sprigs on a large wooden board or platter to delineate the shape of a holiday tree.

Step 02

Create tree base: Layer rows of assorted crackers and bread slices starting from the base to form the bottom part of the tree.

Step 03

Layer fruits and cheeses: Arrange alternating rows of cubed cheeses, halved grapes, fresh cranberries, and green apple slices ascending the tree shape.

Step 04

Add savory accents: Distribute green olives, almonds, and dried apricots throughout gaps for texture and color contrast.

Step 05

Place decorative ornaments: Position goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares sparingly as festive decorations resembling ornaments.

Step 06

Set accompanying condiments: Present a small bowl of honey or fig jam near the base or side for added sweetness.

Step 07

Garnish and finalize: Add additional rosemary sprigs and optionally crown the tree top with a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice.

Step 08

Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large platter or wooden board
  • Paring knife
  • Small bowls for condiments and loose items
  • Cheese knives

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers, baguette).

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 9 g