The Ultimate Holiday Charcuterie Board Guide

Looking to create the perfect holiday charcuterie board for your friends and family? Whether you're planning a cozy get-together or a festive celebration, Nicola’s Marketplace has everything you need to make your board truly special. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips and tricks to build a delicious, visually stunning charcuterie board that will impress every guest. From selecting the finest ingredients to creative layout ideas, this guide will ensure your charcuterie board is the highlight of the season.

Tips for Selecting the Right Charcuterie Board

1. Shop Around for Fresh, Authentic Ingredients
   While last-minute pre-prepared boards might suffice in a pinch, nothing beats the freshness and authenticity of carefully selected ingredients. Take time to browse for the best quality meats, cheeses, and accompaniments—your board will be better for it!
2. Get Creative with the Layout
   Give your charcuterie a personal touch by arranging it creatively! Whether you choose to design your board in the shape of a Christmas tree, a snowflake, or even a festive wreath, a fun layout adds a whimsical touch to your spread. It’s all about letting your personality shine through.
3. Prep Ahead of Time for Ease
   Prepare your board the day before to save time on the day of your gathering. Slice your meats, portion the cheeses, and organize everything on the board. Keep it covered in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Just before serving, bring it out an hour early to allow the cheeses to come to room temperature.

What to Include in Your Holiday Charcuterie Board

• Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
  Capture the essence of fall with a mix of creamy and savory options. Chef Nicola recommends Narragansett Crescendo Stracchino di Crescenza, a soft cheese that brings a rich creaminess to your board, paired with Casella’s Finocchiella Salame, a fennel-spiced dry-cured sausage. For an extra pop of flavor, add Mahon Mitica® orange rind cheese, offering a buttery and nutty finish.
• Christmas Charcuterie Board
  Celebrate the season with a combination of indulgent meats and cheeses. Include Lady Edison Extra Fancy Country Ham for a touch of smokiness and pair it with 24-Month-Aged Parmigiano Reggiano for a deeply rich flavor. For a festive sweet finish, our homemade biscotti—available in cranberry, chocolate, or vanilla bean—will delight your guests.
• New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board Ring in the new year with bold and savory flavors. Try our salchichón de bellota Ibérico—a dry-cured sausage that’s rich and flavorful. Pair with Pecorino Romano DOP, a robust cheese made from sheep’s milk. Complete the board with gourmet Italian taralli crackers and a variety of jams and compotes for the perfect pairing.
  
  
• Easter Charcuterie Board
  Go sweet for Easter with Cannoli and Sfogliatelle pastries. Pair these delightful treats with exquisite jams and honey for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory board. The bright, refreshing flavors will bring the celebration to life!

Choose from a Selection of Pre-Prepared Holiday Charcuterie Boards

Want to make it even easier? We’ve got you covered with our pre-prepared holiday charcuterie bundles. These handpicked assortments are designed to take the guesswork out of entertaining while offering the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re craving the rich and savory tastes of Spain or the classic indulgence of Italy, we have the ideal bundle for you:

• Best Sellers Charcuterie Board: A complete assortment of Nicola’s most popular products—perfect for any occasion!
• Spanish Charcuterie Board Bundle: Travel to Spain with every bite. Enjoy an authentic combination of Spanish meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.
• Chef Nicola’s Charcuterie Board: A curated selection of artisanal meats, cheeses, and sides that will elevate your holiday spread.

Each bundle is thoughtfully curated, offering a complete solution for your holiday snacking. And, of course, free shipping on all our bundles!