Cranberry Joy Tree Board

Featured in: Morning Treats & Muffins

This vibrant holiday board brings together a colorful mix of brie, sharp cheddar, and herbed goat cheese with fresh cranberries, red grapes, and sliced green apples. Layers of crackers and bread form the base, while green olives, almonds, dried apricots, and dark chocolate squares add varied tastes and textures. Fresh rosemary sprigs mimic pine branches, creating a festive tree shape perfect for celebrations. Sweet touches like honey or fig jam enhance the flavor contrasts. Serve chilled and enjoy a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that's easy to assemble and visually delightful.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:28:00 GMT
Cranberry Joy Tree Board arranged with colorful cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for a holiday appetizer. Save
Cranberry Joy Tree Board arranged with colorful cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for a holiday appetizer. | ivorycrumb.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 brings such joy to our holiday parties and always sparks conversation and compliments

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
A delightful Cranberry Joy Tree Board features creamy cheeses, glistening cranberries, and savory olives for a party. Save
A delightful Cranberry Joy Tree Board features creamy cheeses, glistening cranberries, and savory olives for a party. | ivorycrumb.com

This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays we love sharing stories while enjoying this board

Notes

Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free board Swap in your favorite cheeses or fresh fruits according to season 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

Vibrant Cranberry Joy Tree Board, a festive arrangement of ingredients, offering a delicious holiday appetizer spread. Save
Vibrant Cranberry Joy Tree Board, a festive arrangement of ingredients, offering a delicious holiday appetizer spread. | ivorycrumb.com

Enjoy creating this festive board and watch it become the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations

Recipe FAQs

How do I create the tree shape on the board?

Use fresh rosemary sprigs to outline a tree shape on a large board. Then layer crackers and ingredients in rows, working from the base upward.

Can I make this board gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular crackers with gluten-free varieties and choose gluten-free bread options if desired.

What can I use instead of goat cheese balls?

You can replace goat cheese balls with other soft cheese balls or omit them for a different cheese selection.

Are there suitable beverage pairings?

Chilled white wine, sparkling cider, or festive cocktails complement the sweet and savory flavors well.

How should leftovers be stored?

Cover the assembled board tightly and refrigerate. Best consumed within one day for freshness.

Cranberry Joy Tree Board

A festive holiday board with layers of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and sweet accents arranged as a tree.

Prep time
25 min
Cook time
1 min
Total duration
26 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Serves

Diet details Meat-free

What You'll Need

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes
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 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

Savory Accompaniments

01 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
02 1/2 cup marcona almonds or roasted almonds
03 1/4 cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds

Sweets

01 1/4 cup dark chocolate squares
02 1/4 cup honey or fig jam

Crackers & Bread

01 1 1/2 cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
02 1/2 baguette, sliced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs

Directions

Step 01

Shape the Base: Outline a tree shape on a large wooden board or platter using fresh rosemary sprigs as the branches.

Step 02

Build the Foundation: Arrange rows of crackers and sliced bread at the base to form the bottom of the tree.

Step 03

Layer Fruits and Cheeses: Alternate layers of cheeses, halved grapes, fresh cranberries, and apple slices ascending the tree shape.

Step 04

Add Savory Elements: Distribute green olives, almonds, and dried apricots throughout to fill gaps and add color contrast.

Step 05

Place Decorative Ornaments: Position goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares as festive decorative accents.

Step 06

Add Sweet Dip: Set a small bowl of honey or fig jam beside the board, near the base or side.

Step 07

Final Garnish: Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and optionally top with a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice.

Step 08

Serve or Store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools needed

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

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers, baguette).
  • For nut allergies, omit almonds. Use gluten-free crackers and bread for gluten sensitivity. Always verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 9 g