Pin It I'll never forget the year I decided to turn our holiday charcuterie board into something magical. It was two days before Christmas, and my nieces were coming over for our annual family gathering. I wanted to create something that would make their eyes light up the moment they walked through the door. That's when Santa's Beard and Hat Board was born—a whimsical creation that turned our appetizer table into edible art. Now, every December, someone asks, 'Are you doing the Santa board again?' and I know I've created a tradition.
The first time I made this board, my neighbor actually gasped when she saw it. She brought her three kids over, and watching them giggle at the olive pom-pom and try to gently pull pieces of the 'beard' without destroying the design was pure joy. That's when I realized this wasn't just food—it was a moment of holiday magic that everyone could participate in together.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese, sliced (200 g): The star of the beard—creamy, luxurious, and spreads beautifully on crackers. I learned to slice it just slightly thicker than you'd think so it holds its shape on the board.
- Goat cheese, crumbled (200 g): The tanginess here balances the richness of the brie and adds a sophisticated textural contrast that keeps people reaching back.
- White cheddar, cubed (150 g): This firm cheese adds visual dimension and a sharp bite that wakes up your palate between bites of softer cheeses.
- Mozzarella balls or bocconcini, halved (150 g): These little spheres add playful texture and a mild flavor that appeals even to kids at the party.
- Cream cheese, shaped into small balls (100 g, optional): I treat these like little treasure pieces scattered throughout the beard for an extra creamy surprise.
- Assorted white crackers (200 g): Rice crackers, water crackers, and delicate wafers are your canvas. Mix textures—some crispy, some more delicate—so there's variety with every bite.
- Genoa salami, sliced (150 g): The deep red here becomes your hat's foundation. Its subtle garlic flavor is nostalgic and essential to the whole composition.
- Prosciutto, rolled (100 g): These elegant little rolls add sophistication and a delicate saltiness that makes the hat feel special.
- Pepperoni slices (100 g): The bright red color is crucial, but so is their peppery kick that cuts through all the creamy cheeses.
- Roasted red bell peppers, sliced into strips (2 large): These add natural sweetness and visual brightness. I buy the jarred ones to save time—no shame in that shortcut.
- Cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers (1 cup): These jewel-like garnishes add freshness and prevent the board from feeling too heavy or meaty.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: The fragrance alone says 'holiday,' and they frame the whole creation beautifully while adding a subtle piney note when you eat them.
- Black olive (1, for pom-pom): This single olive is the punctuation mark that makes the whole design work—don't skip it.
Instructions
- Plan Your Canvas:
- Start with your large wooden board or platter in front of you and imagine Santa's face. With your finger or a piece of chalk, lightly outline a triangle at the top for his hat and a rounded bottom section for his fluffy beard. This takes just a minute but makes the whole assembly infinitely easier.
- Build the Fluffy Beard:
- This is where the magic happens. In that bottom rounded section, arrange your white cheeses with the generous hand of someone who believes abundance equals joy. Lay down those brie slices first, overlapping them slightly like you're creating soft waves. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese between them, then scatter your cheddar cubes and mozzarella halves throughout. Think of it like you're creating texture and color variation—smooth brie next to crumbly goat cheese next to firm cheddar. Tuck those cream cheese balls throughout like little surprises waiting to be discovered.
- Frame with Crackers:
- Along the base and sides of the beard section, arrange your assorted white crackers in gentle rows. They should look almost like they're cradling all those beautiful cheeses. This also serves a practical purpose—it gives people an obvious place to start building their perfect bite.
- Create the Festive Hat:
- Now move to that triangle at the top. This is where your cured meats become art. Layer your salami slices and pepperoni in overlapping rows, tilting them slightly so they cascade down like a rich, crimson hat. It should feel abundant and generous. Weave in those rolled prosciutto pieces for elegance and variation in texture.
- Add Brightness and Balance:
- Arrange your roasted red pepper strips around and through the hat—they should glow like ribbons of silk. Then scatter those cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers, especially at the tip and along the edges. These little pops of brightness keep the board from feeling too heavy.
- Garnish with Festive Details:
- Take your fresh rosemary sprigs and use them to outline where the hat meets the beard, like framing a masterpiece. Let a few sprigs rest on the cheese and meats for that fresh, herbal visual pop. This is the moment when your board transforms from 'nice arrangement' to 'holiday magic.'
- Crown with the Final Touch:
- Place that single black olive at the very tip of the hat like Santa's pom-pom. Step back, admire your work, then serve immediately with small cheese knives and serving tongs nearby.
Pin It Last year, my mom actually teared up when she saw this board. She said it reminded her of the joy we bring to the holiday season—how something simple like cheese and crackers arranged with intention becomes a memory. That's when I understood that this isn't really about the ingredients at all. It's about showing up with creativity and care.
Making It Vegetarian
If you're serving vegetarian guests or want to skip the cured meats entirely, this board absolutely works—and honestly, it's even more elegant. Remove the salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni from the hat section and replace them with a beautiful arrangement of roasted red peppers (you'll need about three large ones), sun-dried tomatoes for deep color and intensity, and consider red-hued cheeses like Red Leicester or even a cranberry-studded cheddar. Add some roasted red onions for sweetness and sophistication. The hat becomes almost jewel-like, and vegetarian guests finally get a board that feels made specifically for them.
Perfect Pairings and Timing
I've learned that this board is best served with light, festive beverages. A crisp sparkling wine cuts through the richness of the cheeses beautifully, or offer cranberry spritzers for a non-alcoholic option that complements the holiday aesthetic. Set this board out about 15 minutes before guests arrive so everything reaches a comfortable eating temperature and people can graze throughout your gathering without feeling rushed.
Customization and Flexibility
Over the years, I've realized the beauty of this board is how personal it becomes. Swap in your favorite cheeses—maybe you love a sharp aged gouda or creamy burrata. Use gluten-free crackers if that matters to your guests. Add candied nuts, dried cranberries, or fig jam for unexpected pockets of sweetness. The structure stays the same, but the flavors become uniquely yours.
- Keep small cheese knives nearby so guests can properly serve themselves without destroying the design
- Fill any gaps that emerge as people graze—it keeps the board looking generous and intentional all evening
- Arrange everything on a board with a bit of height variation; a simple wooden cutting board works beautifully, but even a large platter elevates the presentation
Pin It This board has become my favorite way to say 'the holidays matter' without saying a word. Every time someone smiles at the creation before taking their first bite, I'm reminded that food is really just an excuse to gather and create moments together.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the festive holiday board?
Outline a triangle at the top for the hat and a rounded bottom section for the beard, arranging each component accordingly for a clear festive design.
- → What cheeses work best for the beard section?
Use a mix of brie slices, crumbled goat cheese, cubed white cheddar, and mozzarella balls for a fluffy, creamy texture.
- → Can I make vegetarian modifications?
Yes, omit cured meats and substitute with roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and red-hued cheeses like Red Leicester for the hat.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs add a festive touch outlining the shapes, while a single black olive acts as a pom-pom at the hat's tip.
- → How to serve and store the board during gatherings?
Serve immediately and replenish ingredients as needed to keep the display fresh throughout your event.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Light sparkling wines or cranberry spritzers complement the blend of cheeses and cured meats beautifully.