• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bowl Me Over
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Instant Pot Guide
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Me
    • Work with Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
×

Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Beverages

Christmas Charcuterie Board

Published: Dec 12, 2022 · Modified: Dec 24, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · Leave a Comment

Don't be a Grinch, grab a handful of your favorite snacks and let's get this party started!
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Add an eye-catching, festive touch to your holiday party with this Christmas charcuterie board. The simple appetizer includes everyone's favorite sweet and savory items, all arranged into a Grinch-themed charcuterie board.

A fun spin-off of fresh fruit, cheese, and your favorite meats, this dessert board is a great addition to family gatherings! Also, it's perfect for all-night snacking and grazing—which keeps the festive energy high at fun holiday parties!

Plus, the best part? This gorgeous charcuterie board is easy enough to make with your kids, so it's a fun activity to get the whole family feeling spirited during the Christmas season.

Dessert charcuterie board with holiday design.
Christmas Charcuterie Board
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • Grinch stencil
  • FAQ's
  • Things to know
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Christmas Charcuterie Board

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ Because it's the Grinch and it's fun!

✔️ It's got all your favorite snacks, bits, and bites!

✔️ Kids big and small will gobble this up! It's perfect for party fun or to be the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Ingredients for recipe, with print overlay.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • licorice twizzler sticks
  • white chocolate chips
  • red food color
  • green food color
  • mini pretzels
  • plain popcorn
  • green grapes
  • red peanut m&m’s
  • yellow m&m’s
  • brown m&m’s
  • green peanut m&m’s
  • pineapple
  • white cheddar cheese

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

Instruction to coat popcorn and candy for recipe, with print overlay.
  1. In a large mixing bowl add the white chocolate chips. Melt in 30-second bursts at 50% power in your microwave until nice and melted.
  2. Drizzle ⅓ of the white chocolate over a tray (lined with wax paper) full of plain popcorn.
  3. Next, take half of the remaining white chocolate and mix with red food color. Dip pretzels and lay out to dry on a sheet lined with more wax paper. Repeat the same with the green. Use any remaining melted chocolate and coat popcorn/pretzels.
Stencil of grinch face being outlined with candy, with print overlay instructions.
  1. Print the Grinch online and print it large enough to fit your largest board (chopping board, baking sheet, etc.)
  2. Cut the licorice sticks and lay them out on the stencil drawing—on the mouth, eyes, and nose. Place the red M&M’s where the nose is.
  3. Then, fill the eyes with the yellow M&M’s then place one brown in each eye for the pupil.
Instructions to place the candy for Grinch charcuterie board, with print overlay.
  1. Lay out the white popcorn in a line above the eyes for the brim of a Santa hat.
  2. Start filling in the face of the grinch with all of your green items. The halved grapes, pretzels, and M&M’s.
  3. Arrange anything red (the pretzels and popcorn) in the hat above. Create a white edge with the white popcorn.
  4. Finally, create a layer of snow at the bottom using the pineapple, cheese chunks, and any remaining chocolate chunks.
  5. Now that you have the basic shape made, fill in any empty spaces with the remaining ingredients.

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • A large board—use one specifically made to be a cheese board, or improvise with a baking sheet or wooden cutting board.
  • Small bowls for melting and tossing ingredients together.

Grinch stencil

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

Grinch drawing for stencil.
Print Grinch Stencil

FAQ's

Can I use a decorative wooden tray, instead of a wooden board?

You can! However, just to be safe, I'd first clean the board with dish soap and then cover the board with parchment paper. You don't want to contaminate your food by serving it on a non-food-safe surface!

Do I have to print out the Grinch stencil?

Nope! You don't have to, but it's a great way to perfectly replicate the Grinch design.

Is this holiday board a good treat for Christmas Eve?

Only an actual Grinch would say "no" to that! This Christmas charcuterie board is great for any holiday season event, from your big Christmas party bash to small holiday gatherings around the tree. Serve it as dessert along with Christmas dinner, or casually munch on it while opening presents on Christmas day.

Can I wrap the festive charcuterie board in plastic wrap to store the leftovers?

I don't recommend storing the leftovers this way. The popcorn gets soggy and the licorice a little hard. I've included a better way to store leftovers in the Storage section of this post—scroll down a bit more to find it.

Where do I find a good stencil?

You can google "Grinch stencil" or use the one provided.

Candy charcuterie board of Grinch.

Things to know

  • Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting it. Stir it often and heat just until it's smooth and pourable.
  • On the other hand, you can melt the chocolate over a double-boiler on the stove if you don't like to use the microwave.
  • Instead of chocolate, you can use colored melting wafers to coat the pretzels. However, I don't think they taste as good as chocolate.
  • If your grocery store doesn't sell food coloring, check a local baking or craft store! You can also order it online.
  • The fruit doesn't keep very long after cutting it, so I'd recommend making this board the day you plan to serve it.

Build the board where you are placing it for serving. Once everything is in place it can be tedious to move because the ingredients can shift.

Variations

The perfect holiday appetizer is within reach—here are some other fun ways you can switch up this recipe.

Make a Christmas tree charcuterie board by laying out the green ingredients in a Christmas tree shape. Then, use the other candies and popcorn as decor/ornaments and the black licorice as the tree trunk!

Instead of the shape of a Christmas tree or Grinch, arrange the ingredients to make a Christmas wreath charcuterie board! Add a red bow for a perfect final touch.

Go savory! Instead of all sweet treats, use your favorite ingredients from a traditional charcuterie board that fit the color scheme. For example, I like cherry tomatoes, red grapes, and salami roses for red. Black olives, fresh figs, green olives, fresh rosemary, and different meats can fill in the other spots for your Christmas theme!

Plus, the best thing about a Christmas charcuterie board is that you can add or swap pretty much any food items you want—as long as they match the Christmas color theme! For example, use mozzarella balls instead of cheddar, Red Hots or pomegranate seeds instead of red M&Ms, and dark chocolate-covered pretzel sticks instead of licorice.

Storage

Refrigerate—Any perishable leftovers (the cheese and fruit) can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days.

Room Temperature—However, you can keep the candy, popcorn, and pretzels at room temperature in a plastic bag or storage container.

Grinch Charcuterie Board on platter.

Related recipes

  • Perfect for sharing with Santa, White Chocolate-Dipped Oreos are so yummy, it's hard not to eat the ho-ho-whole batch!
  • Sweet and salty, these M&M Pretzel Hugs are so addicting and make an ideal snack. Plus, they're also great to give as gifts!
  • Brown Sugar Baked Brie is an easy recipe and surprsingly fancy (with so little word!
  • Everyone will crowd the snack table when you uncover the bowl of Christmas Puppy Chow—it's an irresistibly crunchy and sweet treat.

Serve with

  • Christmas Pepper Jam—great as an appetizer over cream cheese.
  • The Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is a terrific appetzier. You can make these ahead and pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive.
  • Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats—a dessert table show-stopper!
  • "Snowman Soup" Hot Cocoa—creative and yummy party favors.

Hey, if you want to catch all my videos, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. You'll be notified each time I share a new video!

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Christmas Charcuterie Board with Grinch face.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
No ratings yet

Christmas Charcuterie Board

Don't be a Grinch, grab a handful of your favorite snacks and let's get this party started!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 mins
Total Time22 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 956kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 18 black licorice twizzler sticks
  • 4 cups white chocolate chips
  • red food color
  • green food color
  • 4 cups mini pretzels
  • 4 cups plain popcorn
  • 3 cups green grapes washed and cut in half
  • 3 red peanut M&M’s
  • ½ cup yellow M&M’s
  • 2 brown M&M’s
  • 2 cups green peanut M&M’s
  • 2 cups pineapple cut into chunks
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese cut into chunks

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Find an image of the Grinch on-line and print large enough to fit your largest board charcuterie board, chopping board or baking sheet.
  • Lay the stencil for the smile and eyes out on the board.
  • In a large mixing bowl add the white chocolate chips. Melt in 30 second bursts at 50% power in your microwave until nice and melted.
  • Drizzle ⅓ of the white chocolate over a baking sheet lined with wax paper filled with plain popped popcorn. Mix well with the melted white chocolate. Allow to dry completely.
  • Take half of the remaining white chocolate and mix with red food color. Dip pretzels and lay out to dry on a sheet lined with more wax paper. Repeat the same with the green. Use any remaining melted chocolate and coat popcorn/pretzels.
  • Cut the licorice sticks and lay out on the stencil drawing - on the mouth, eyes and nose. Place the red M&M’s where the nose is.
  • Fill the eyes with the yellow M&M’s then place one brown in each eye for the pupil.
  • Lay out the white popcorn, in a line above the eyes for the brim of a Santa hat.
  • Start filling in the face of the grinch with all your green items. The halved grapes, pretzels and M&M’s.
  • Arrange anything red (the pretzels and popcorn) in the hat above. Create a white edge with the white popcorn.
  • Create a layer of snow at the bottom using the pineapple, cheese chunks and any remaining chocolate chunks.
  • Add another layer of the black licorice, now that you have the green items to help keep it in place.
  • With the basic shape made you can fill in any holes with the remaining ingredients. Have fun with it!

Notes

Place the board where it's going to be displayed/set before building. Moving it once the items are laid out can be tedious.

Nutrition

Calories: 956kcal | Carbohydrates: 146g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 1389mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

Sign up for my recipes here!!

Don't worry, we'll never share your email.

More Appetizers, Snacks and Beverages

  • Creamy Guacamole Recipe
  • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
  • Easy Quesadilla Dip
  • Sticky Chicken Wings Recipe

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

How I started over in life by Debra Clark
Why soup means so much to me.

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I'm the Soup Queen! I send warm greetings from sunny California.

More about me →

Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Reader Favorites

  • Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
  • Cracker Barrel Cheesy Potatoes
  • How to Make Gravy from Scratch
  • Taco Salad Casserole Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Me
as featured in

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Debra Clark