This charcuterie chalet is a fun twist on the classic gingerbread house. A charming creation that merges the savory goodness of a charcuterie board with the festive cheer of a gingerbread house.
It is truly the perfect edible centerpiece or display for the Christmas table. Especially when paired with our charcuterTREE. Learn how to make a charcuterie tree here.
Although I love making a classic Christmas charcuterie board or a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, there's something special about going that extra mile. This charcuterie chalet is surprisingly easy to put together, but will wow your guests on a whole other level.
This edible centerpiece is made with salami, creamy cheeses, crunchy crackers, and seasonal fruits and vegetables making it the perfect appetizer for Christmas dinner. Pair with festive hot cocoa or a cranberry mocktail to complete the experience.
Whether you're looking to spice up a cozy night in or you're hosting a holiday party, this charcuterie chalet is easy enough to put together in minutes but a guaranteed show stopper.
Why you'll love this cheese chalet
- Although it's a delicious snack, it makes for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
- While it's visually impressive, it's surprisingly very easy to piece together.
- You can customize this cheese house with your own fruits, dips, cheeses, and meats.
- It's guaranteed to be a great conversation starter and an eye catching centerpiece.
The ingredients
- Gingerbread house - A store-bought gingerbread house put together with Boursin cheese instead of frosting creates the best base.
- Cheese - Boursin cheese is a creamy and flavorful type of cheese that acts as the glue holding the house together.
- Meat - I like to use salami for the shingles, adding a savory element to this edible house.
- Parmesan powder - Adds a snowy element, enhancing the festive theme.
- Mozzarella - Little mozzarella balls make for the cutest, and easiest, little snowmen.
- Seasonal produce - Pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and any other seasonal fruits or vegetables add a touch of color.
How to make a charcuterie Chalet
Step 1: Assemble
Put together a store bought gingerbread house using Boursin cheese instead of frosting as the "glue."
Step 2: The roof
Add salami slices to the roof in rows like shingles.
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Step 3: Details
Add parmesan cheese to the ground for snow, then top with mozzarella ball snowmen and pomegranate seeds for house decor.
Step 4: Final touches
Add nuts and crackers around the house where you see fit.
Pro tip: Ensure the gingerbread house is on a sturdy base to support the weight of the ingredients. A wood cutting board, baking sheet, or cardboard will do.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, like this fall charcuterie board, you can make it in advance but it's best enjoyed fresh. I do not recommend making it more than 3-4 hours in advance. However, if you do prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
Expert advice
- Handle the ingredients delicately to avoid breakage. Although this house is easy to assemble, it is tedious.
- You can save time by preparing ingredients in advance. Nuts, cheese, salami, etc. can be cut and refrigerated ahead of time.
- Customize this cheese house with your favorite types of meats, cheeses, fruits, etc. Charcuterie boards are versatile so make it to your liking.
Storage
Storage - It is best to put all items that need refrigeration, such as cheese, the house itself and extra meats into containers. They can then be refrigerated until you want to enjoy them again.
Or you can wrap the whole house and refrigerate it. It will only last a day in the refrigerator. Crackers can be placed in containers and bags and stored at room temperature.
Freezing - We don't recommend freezing after assembling the board.
Charcuterie Chalet
Ingredients
- 1 prebuilt gingerbread house
- thin sliced salami
- 1 package Boursin cheese
- parmesan powder
- sprigs of rosemary and other green herbs
- mozzarella balls
- seasonal produce and fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds and cranberries
- nuts, crackers and anything else you like
Instructions
- Get a prebuild gingerbread house and spread the top, sides and front as well as the cardboard it is on with a thin layer of Boursin cheese
- Add salami slices to the roof in rows like shingles
- Add the powdered parmesan to the bottom "ground" near the house for snow
- Add pomegranate seeds or cranberries to the front of the house for decor
- Make a mozzarella ball snowman for the front "yard" and use a tiny peice of carrot for the nose and pepper for the eyes
- Finish with nuts for rocks and crackers for serving
Ryann says
My family loved this twist on a gingerbread house! It was fun to make something savory to balance out the sweet😉 it turned out cute and snacking on it was delicious!