Charcuterie Houses Are the Holiday Season’s Latest Trend
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023
Who needs Christmas cookies when there's charcuterie?
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
@thankyoucheesenj Bye gingerbread, hello charcuterie chalets 🏡
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
Love the pistachio Christmas tree in this front yard!
Charcuterie Chateau
View this post on Instagram
This chateau has an adorable snowman out front, made of creamy burrata.
Charcuterie A-Frame
@thatcheeseplate Behold… The CHARCUTERIE CHALET!!! #christmas #holidays #charcuterie #charcuteriechalet
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
View this post on Instagram
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
Festive Guacamole Appetizers
For 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
Mini Cheese Balls
These 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
Easy Spanakopita Appetizers
I 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
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges
We 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
Swiss Cherry Bruschetta
This 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
Air Fryer Tortellini with Prosciutto
This 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
Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Italian 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
Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs
These 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
Slim Deviled Eggs with Herbs
If 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
Air-Fryer Mushroom Roll-Ups
This 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
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cranberry 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
Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos
A 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
Air-Fryer Ravioli
While 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
Marinated Cheese
This 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
Cheesy Meatball Sliders
These 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
Swiss Cheese Chicken Puffs
My 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
Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings
My 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
Inside-Out Veggie Dip
Kids 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
Crisp Caraway Twists
This 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
Focaccia Barese
This focaccia recipe has been in my mom's family for several generations. It's one of my most requested dishes. In fact, some hosts tell me I can't attend their parties unless I bring this with me! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Air-Fryer Beef Wellington Wontons
These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal finger food size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
Holiday Appetizer Meatballs
These 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
Beef & Onion Piroshki
When 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
Party Franks
These 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
Mamma’s Caponata
Great 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
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders
I'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
Mushroom Bundles
My 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
Spicy Beef Satay
Spices and flavors of North Africa make these ground beef finger foods a great way to start off a gathering. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Party Shrimp
The 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
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For 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
Calzone Pinwheels
Once 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
Buffet Meatballs
I 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
Stuffed Pizza Bites
After 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
Pepper Poppers
These 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
Strawberry and Cream Bruschetta
This is a dessert take on bruschetta. Sweet, cinnamony toast slices are topped with a cream cheese mixture, strawberries and almond. They are like miniature cheesecakes and so yummy! —Christi Meixner, Aurora, Illinois
Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels
A 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
Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
My 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
Greek Deli Kabobs
For an easy Mediterranean-style appetizer, marinate broccoli and mozzarella, then skewer with sweet red peppers and salami. Everybody loves food on a stick! —Vikki Spengler, Ocala, Florida
Chicken Crescent Wreath
Here'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
Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Besides 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
Air-Fryer Greek Breadsticks
Get ready for rave reviews. These crisp breadsticks are twisted with Greek-inspired goodness and are best served warm with cool tzatziki sauce. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Smoky Bacon Wraps
These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Eggplant Parmesan Sliders
These party-ready eggplant parmesan sliders are easy for guests to grab (and are vegetarian-friendly!). The lemon-ricotta spread really adds a level of flavor to these delicious bites. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Shrimp Tartlets
Fill 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
Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas
My 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
Salmon Mousse Cups
I 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
Marinated Mozzarella
I 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
Garlic Bread Bites
These 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
Appetizer Wreath
I 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
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
I 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
Almond Cheddar Appetizers
I 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 snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario
Brie Cherry Pastry Cups
Golden 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
Easy Coconut Shrimp
Guests are always impressed when I serve these restaurant-quality shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland
Champion Chicken Puffs
My 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
Mediterranean Apricot Phyllo Bites
Apricot 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
Apricot Wraps
I 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 Looking for more inspiration? Don't miss our 70 easy Christmas appetizers everyone will love.
Originally Published: December 01, 2022
