Charcuterie Houses Are the Holiday Season’s Latest Trend

If you’re into Christmas festivities, there’s no doubt you’ve built a few gingerbread houses in your day. It’s the perfect way to engage your family in snow day activities while making something delicious and exercising that crafty mind of yours! But what if you’re bored of the standard issue frosting and gumdrops and want something savory instead? It’s time to learn how to make a charcuterie chalet!

5 Charcuterie Chalet Ideas That We Love

If you have charcuterie meats, various types of cheese and a few handfuls of crackers, you can construct the charcuterie chalet of your dreams. You’re a fan of crackers and cheddar cheese? Make a charcuterie chalet with a cobble-cracker pathway. Build a fence out of beef sticks. Shingle your chalet with slices of sausage!

This adorable idea is making the rounds across social media. Just look at each beautiful charcuterie chalet below.

Salami Shack

https://www.tiktok.com/@thankyoucheesenj/video/7170803046929435950

This adorable cheese house has hedges made of broccoli and precious pretzel windows. Don’t miss this guide to making a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, Christmas tree charcuterie board and a wreath-shaped Christmas charcuterie board, too!

Rustic Charcuterie Chalet

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THANKFUL FOR ANOTHER MERRY CHRISTMAS ft. Charcuterie Chalet🎄❤️ ps. you can’t see inside but @c.cheezy made support systems with breadsticks for structural integrity cuz I kept eating all the cheese (smh civil engineers)

A post shared by Jisoo Kang (@jisookangg) on Dec 30, 2019 at 9:03am PST

Love the pistachio Christmas tree in this front yard!

Charcuterie Chateau

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A post shared by Seattle Butcher’s Wife (@seattlebutcherswife)

This chateau has an adorable snowman out front, made of creamy burrata.

Charcuterie A-Frame

@thatcheeseplate

Behold… The CHARCUTERIE CHALET!!! #christmas #holidays #charcuterie #charcuteriechalet

♬ Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé

We’re obsessed with this miniature charcuterie snowman. Plus, the olive bushes and walnuts added to the roof are an extra nice touch.

Charcuterie Cabin

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A post shared by Ain’t Too Proud To Meg (@ainttooproudtomeg)

Look at the snow on this cabin rooftop!

Stretch your creativity to its limit this season, and if you need somewhere to start, Costco usually has cheese flights and boards that could be the beginning of your new holiday tradition. Who says you can’t have a snowfall of Parmesan dusting your salami shingles or a snowman made of mozzarella smiling in the front yard?

Festive Finger Food to Make for Christmas

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Taste of Home

Festive Guacamole AppetizersFor ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat Christmas snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana

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Mini Cheese BallsThese mini cheese balls are the perfect Christmas finger food. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina

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Easy Spanakopita AppetizersI love having Christmas finger foods on hand in the freezer. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they're easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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Bacon-Wrapped Avocado WedgesWe all know almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this Christmas finger food is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Swiss Cherry BruschettaThis recipe is a spinoff a cherry chicken main dish my husband adores. The combination of sweet, tart and salty flavors provides a contrast that's hard to resist. —Shelley Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin

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Air Fryer Tortellini with ProsciuttoThis is my take on fried tortellini. Air-fryer Italian street food recipes, like this one, are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

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Savory Cucumber SandwichesItalian salad dressing easily flavors this delicious cucumber sandwich recipe. Serve this Christmas finger food for your holiday get-together. —Carol K Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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Cold Chicken-Cheese KabobsThese appealing kabobs will add pizazz to any get-together—and you don't even have to get out the grill! —Sherine Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York

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Slim Deviled Eggs with Herbs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slim Deviled Eggs with HerbsIf you need to make an appetizer in a cinch, try this easy Christmas finger food recipe. These deviled eggs are simple and easy to make, so they're perfect for any holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Air-Fryer Mushroom Roll-UpsThis Christmas finger food was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. These mushroom roll-ups can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lillian Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Cranberry Sauce MeatballsCranberry sauce isn't just for turkey anymore! Combined with a few other ingredients, the holiday staple makes a perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

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Easy Cheese-Stuffed JalapenosA few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag full of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and he shared this finger food recipe for stuffed jalapenos with me right there in the store! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas

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Air-Fryer RavioliWhile visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Marinated CheeseThis special Christmas finger food always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

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Cheesy Meatball SlidersThese meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Swiss Cheese Chicken PuffsMy neighborhood has a progressive dinner before the holidays each year, and every house provides a course. These delightful Christmas finger foods were served one year to everyone’s enjoyment. The cheesy flavor and creamy texture of the chicken salad mixture is wonderful inside the tender puffs. —Donna Kittredge, Westborough, Massachusetts

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Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken WingsMy neighbor once shared these slow-cooker sticky chicken wings with me at a potluck, and they have been a family favorite ever since. —Jo Vanderwolf, Lillooet, British Columbia

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Inside-Out Veggie DipKids have fun eating these bite-sized Christmas finger foods. Change up the seasonings in the dip to fit your family's tastes. —Judie Thurstenson, Colcord, Oklahoma

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Crisp Caraway TwistsThis Christmas finger food is always a hit when I serve it. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

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Focaccia Barese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Focaccia BareseThis focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Air-Fryer Beef Wellington WontonsThese tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal finger food size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia

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Holiday Appetizer MeatballsThese beefy meatballs are a perennial favorite at our holiday parties. You won't believe how easy these holiday appetizers are to make. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Beef & Onion PiroshkiWhen I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite places was a small stand that sold piroshki—Russian stuffed pocket sandwiches. Whenever I’m missing my former town, I make my own batch. —julie merriman, Seattle, Washington

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Party FranksThese tiny, tangy finger foods have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

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Mamma’s CaponataGreat as a Christmas finger food, but you can easily turn this into a meal. Instead of topping bread, serve over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

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Chicken Cordon Bleu SlidersI'm always searching for sandwich ideas, since that's my favorite food. I started experimenting and came up with these chicken cordon bleu sliders. My family loves them, too! —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio

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Mushroom BundlesMy guests rely on me to come up with yummy finger foods like these crispy mushroom appetizers I made for a New Year's party. They vanish before your eyes. —Tina Coopman, Toronto, Ontario

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Spicy Beef SataySpices and flavors of North Africa make these ground beef finger foods a great way to start off a gathering. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Party ShrimpThe marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this Christmas finger food. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Almond-Bacon Cheese CrostiniFor a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida

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Calzone PinwheelsOnce you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty finger food bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio

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Buffet Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Buffet MeatballsI need only five ingredients to fix these easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every gathering. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada

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Stuffed Pizza BitesAfter trying a similar dish at a local restaurant, I came up with my own version of pizza bites. This delicious recipe is easy and fun for gatherings. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon

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Pepper PoppersThese creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular finger food I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

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Appetizer Tortilla PinwheelsA friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Air-Fryer Egg RollsMy mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she has passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you'll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts

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Chicken Crescent WreathHere's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

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Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry TomatoesBesides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada

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Bacon-Wrapped SmokiesThese cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

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Eggplant Parmesan SlidersI wanted something that was easy for guests to grab, and vegetarian friendly. The lemon ricotta spread really adds a level of flavor to these delicious bites. Be sure not to rush the eggplant; it’s important to cook it until it’s buttery and tender. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

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Shrimp TartletsFill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic finger food, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri

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Air-Fryer Mini ChimichangasMy family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the table! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio

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Salmon Mousse CupsI make these tempting little tarts frequently for parties. They disappear at an astonishing speed, so I usually double or triple the recipe. The salmon-cream cheese filling and flaky crust will melt in your mouth. —Fran Rowland, Phoenix, Arizona

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Marinated MozzarellaI always come home with an empty container when I bring this finger food to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Garlic Bread BitesThese garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time. Return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado

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Appetizer WreathI have lots of fun with this festive Christmas finger food wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center. —Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota

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Bacon-Stuffed MushroomsI first tried these bubbly finger food treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

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Almond Cheddar AppetizersI always try to have a supply of these finger foods on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a Christmas eve snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario

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Brie Cherry Pastry CupsGolden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

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Easy Coconut ShrimpGuests are always impressed when I serve these restaurant-quality shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland

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Champion Chicken PuffsMy guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs. This tender Christmas finger food is made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia

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Mediterranean Apricot Phyllo BitesApricot and almonds make these flaky little bites a delicious ending to a meal or a special evening snack. Try the tropical filling for another sensational treat.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Apricot WrapsI accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering Christmas finger food is one of our favorites, and we enjoy sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio. While you're at it, check out our collection of New Year’s Eve finger foods.

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Looking for more inspiration? Don't miss our easy Christmas appetizers everyone will love.