Cranberry Joy Tree Board

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Fixes

This vibrant holiday board features fresh cranberries, a combination of brie, cheddar, and goat cheeses, along with red grapes, green apple slices, and dried apricots. Savory elements like olives, almonds, and pepitas add texture and contrast, while dark chocolate squares and honey provide sweet accents. Arranged artistically on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs mimicking pine branches, it creates a festive centerpiece perfect for gatherings. Simple layering and thoughtful garnishing deliver an eye-catching, flavorful spread that's easy to prepare and serve.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:17:00 GMT
A beautifully arranged Cranberry Joy Tree Board loaded with cheese, fruit, and rosemary sprigs for a holiday treat. Pin It
A beautifully arranged Cranberry Joy Tree Board loaded with cheese, fruit, and rosemary sprigs for a holiday treat. | dudesnack.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 has become my go-to for festive parties because it looks impressive yet is so easy to assemble.

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

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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.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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My family always gathers excitedly around this board during the holidays, it brings such joy and warmth.

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.

This vibrant Cranberry Joy Tree Board is a festive appetizer, featuring sparkling cranberries and creamy cheeses to enjoy. Pin It
This vibrant Cranberry Joy Tree Board is a festive appetizer, featuring sparkling cranberries and creamy cheeses to enjoy. | dudesnack.com
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This board makes holiday entertaining effortless and beautiful every time.

Cranberry Joy Tree Board

A colorful holiday board with cranberries, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers shaped like a festive tree.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
1 minutes
Overall Time
26 minutes
Created by Jake Anderson

Recipe Category Sweet & Salty Fixes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 8 Portion Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll 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 ½ cup dried apricots, halved

Savory Accompaniments

01 ½ cup green olives, pitted
02 ½ cup marcona or roasted almonds
03 ¼ cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds

Sweets

01 ¼ cup dark chocolate squares
02 ¼ cup honey or fig jam

Crackers & Bread

01 1½ cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
02 ½ baguette, sliced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make It

Step 01

Arrange Rosemary Branches: Place fresh rosemary sprigs on a large wooden board or platter outlining a tree shape to mimic pine branches.

Step 02

Create Base Layer: Form the tree base by layering rows of crackers and bread slices along the outlined shape.

Step 03

Layer Cheeses and Fruits: Alternate rows of cubed cheeses, halved grapes, fresh cranberries, and sliced green apples, progressing upward to shape the tree.

Step 04

Add Savory Fillers: Distribute green olives, almonds, and dried apricots throughout the board to fill gaps and enhance color contrast.

Step 05

Place Decorative Ornaments: Position herbed goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares as festive ornaments within the tree layout.

Step 06

Include Dipping Element: Set a small bowl of honey or fig jam beside the base or along the side of the board for dipping.

Step 07

Final Garnish: Add extra rosemary sprigs for fullness and optionally place a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice atop the tree.

Step 08

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

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review all ingredients for allergens before starting. Check with a health specialist if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers, baguette). Omit almonds for nut allergies and use gluten-free products as needed.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance and isn't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 9 g