There’s something magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and of course, the food. My Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers (Turkey, Cheese, Olives) have become a must-have at our family gatherings; they’re the first thing to disappear from the table every year! These little skewers are my go because they’re quick to make but look so elegant, like you spent hours fussing over them. I love how the salty olives, creamy cheese, and juicy roasted turkey come together in one festive bite. They’re perfect for passing around at parties or setting out as a centerpiece appetizer. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become part of your holiday tradition too!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers Turkey
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with why these skewers are absolute holiday magic? Let me count the ways:
- Quick as Santa’s sleigh: You can whip these up in just 30 minutes flat, perfect when you’re juggling a million holiday tasks!
- Fancy looking, easy making: They look like you hired a caterer, but honestly? Just threading goodies on sticks, my kind of fancy.
- Customizable to your crew: Swap cheeses, use smoked turkey, add cherry tomatoes, make them your own holiday tradition.
- The flavors sing Christmas: That rosemary-roasted turkey with sharp cheddar tastes like holiday cheer in every bite.
- Party perfect: No plates needed! Guests can grab and mingle, a total lifesaver when you’re hosting.
Seriously, these have saved my bacon (or should I say turkey?) at more holiday parties than I can count. The colors alone, those green and black olives against the golden cheese, look so festive on the table!
Ingredients for Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers Turkey
Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun; they all come together like holiday magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g turkey breast, cubed: I cut mine into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes roast perfectly.
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed: The sharper the better! That tangy bite cuts through the richness.
- 100g gouda cheese, cubed: Its creamy, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- 50g green olives, pitted: Look for the big, meaty ones; they’re easier to skewer.
- 50g black olives, pitted: The color contrast makes your skewers look so festive!
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to give the turkey that golden glow.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Crush it between your fingers to wake up the aroma.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: That earthy holiday flavor we all love.
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water: Soak for at least 30 minutes; nobody wants burnt sticks!
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
Want to mix it up? Here are my favorite swaps:
- Turkey alternatives: Pre-cooked smoked turkey adds incredible depth, or try chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese dreams: Gruyère brings nuttiness, or go festive with red-waxed edam for color.
- Olive options: Marinated olives add zing, or use kalamata for a richer flavor.
- Diet tweaks: Lactose-free cheeses work great, and you can skip cheese entirely for veggie versions.
Pro tip: If you’re prepping ahead, cube everything first, but keep ingredients separate until assembly; nobody likes soggy cheese!
How to Make Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers Turkey
Okay, let’s get to the fun part: making these adorable holiday skewers! I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents (and way more delicious). Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a platter full of festive goodness in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
First things first, let’s get that turkey perfectly roasted! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), this is crucial for even cooking. While it’s heating up, toss those beautiful turkey cubes with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme in a bowl. I like to use my hands for this, really massage those herbs into every nook and cranny!
Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, no overcrowding! Pop them in the oven for exactly 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and juicy inside. Let them cool slightly before skewering. Hot turkey makes melty cheese, and while that sounds delicious, we want pretty skewers!
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Now for the creative part! Grab your soaked wooden skewers (you did soak them, right? No burnt sticks at our Christmas party!). Start threading your ingredients in whatever pattern makes your heart happy. My go-to is: turkey, cheddar, green olive, gouda, black olive, repeat! This creates such a pretty color pattern.
Leave about an inch at the bottom for easy grabbing. Pro tip: Don’t pack them too tightly; you want people to be able to bite easily without pulling everything off the skewer. I usually fit about 4-5 pieces per skewer, depending on their size.
Step 3: Serve & Garnish
The moment we’ve been waiting for, presentation time! Arrange your skewers on a beautiful platter. I love using a rustic wooden board or a festive holiday plate. For extra Christmas magic, sprinkle some fresh rosemary around them or add a bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can even tie little red and green ribbons at the top of each skewer. But honestly? They look so gorgeous just as they are; the colors alone scream holiday cheer!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers Turkey
After making these skewers for years (and learning from my fair share of mishaps), here are my can’t-miss tips for holiday skewer success:
- Skewer soaking is non-negotiable: I set mine in water before I even preheat the oven, at least 30 minutes prevents those embarrassing charred ends!
- Cube with care: Keep turkey and cheese pieces roughly the same size (about 1-inch) so they cook and look uniform on the stick.
- Mix olive colors: Using both green and black olives isn’t just pretty, it gives different flavor textures too.
- Thread strategically: Alternate soft ingredients with firmer ones to keep everything secure (cheese between turkey and olives works magic).
Bonus trick: If prepping ahead, assemble skewers but wait to add olives until serving, they keep their perfect texture that way!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers Turkey
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop at just serving these skewers on their own, though they’re absolutely delicious that way! Here’s how I love to elevate them for holiday gatherings:
- Dipping delights: Offer small bowls of cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or a balsamic glaze for guests who love extra flavor.
- Wine pairings: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the salty olives beautifully, or go festive with sparkling cranberry cocktails.
- Appetizer buddies: Arrange them alongside mini quiches, spiced nuts, or a cheese board for an impressive holiday spread.
For Christmas morning, I sometimes serve them with warm croissants, the perfect savory counterpoint to sweet pastries!
Storage & Reheating
Good news, these skewers can hang out in your fridge for up to 2 days if you have leftovers (though in my house, that never happens!). Just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. One big “don’t”, never microwave them! The cheese turns into a melty mess. If you must reheat, a quick 5 minutes in a 150°C (300°F) oven brings back that perfect texture.
Nutritional Information
Now, I know we’re all about indulgence during the holidays, but it’s nice to know what’s in these festive bites too! Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. Here’s the breakdown per serving (that’s 2 skewers, because let’s be real – nobody stops at just one!):
- Calories: 180 – just enough room left for Christmas cookies!
- Protein: 15g – that turkey packs a satisfying punch
- Fat: 12g (5g saturated) – mostly from the good stuff like olives and cheese
- Carbs: 3g – perfect if you’re watching your intake
- Sugar: Just 1g – all natural from the ingredients
- Sodium: 450mg – the olives bring most of this, so rinse them if you’re reducing salt
Honestly, for an appetizer that tastes this good, I’d say that’s a pretty great nutritional profile! The combination of lean turkey and healthy fats from olives makes these a smarter choice than most holiday nibbles. But between you and me? At Christmas, I’m more concerned about smiles per bite than calories per serving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often prep everything the night before. Just keep the components separate: roasted turkey in one container, cubed cheeses in another, olives in their own bowl. Assemble the skewers about an hour before serving so the cheese stays fresh-looking. If you must assemble earlier, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but try not to exceed 4 hours assembled for the best texture.
Are there vegetarian options for these holiday skewers?
You bet! My vegetarian friends love it when I make a special batch just for them. Simply skip the turkey and add more goodies, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even small cubes of roasted butternut squash make fabulous substitutions. For protein, you could include chickpeas or small mozzarella balls. The possibilities are endless!
What’s the best way to transport these to a holiday party?
Oh, I’ve mastered this after many Christmas potlucks! Use a shallow plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Lay parchment paper on the bottom, arrange skewers in a single layer, then cover with another sheet of parchment before adding another layer if needed. Bring any dips separately in small jars. Pro tip: Keep them chilled until just before serving; nobody likes warm cheese!
Can I use different cheeses for these festive skewers?
Please do! Part of the fun is experimenting with flavors. My favorite swaps include smoked gouda for extra depth, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even brie (though it’s softer, so handle gently). Just remember to cube cheeses that hold their shape well; super soft varieties might slide right off the skewers!
How many skewers should I make per person?
At holiday parties, I plan for about 3-4 skewers per guest if they’re the main appetizer. But if you’re serving other nibbles too, 2 per person usually does the trick. They’re richer than they look, so people tend to pace themselves, unless they’re my Uncle Bob, who once ate a dozen before dinner!
I’d absolutely love to see how your Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers turn out! There’s something so special about seeing how different families put their own spin on holiday recipes. Did you try a new cheese combination? Maybe you added some roasted red peppers for extra color? Snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag me, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader!
And hey, if you discover any brilliant twists on the recipe, please share them in the comments below. Your ideas might just become someone else’s new holiday tradition. Nothing makes me happier than knowing these little skewers are bringing joy to kitchens around the world. Now go forth and skewer, your holiday guests are in for such a treat!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
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30-Minute Christmas Festive Charcuterie Skewers: Irresistible Holiday Bites
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Festive Christmas charcuterie skewers with turkey, cheese, and olives. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 200g turkey breast, cubed
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed
- 100g gouda cheese, cubed
- 50g green olives, pitted
- 50g black olives, pitted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toss turkey cubes with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
- Roast turkey for 15 minutes, then let cool.
- Thread turkey, cheese, and olives alternately onto skewers.
- Serve on a festive platter.
Notes
- Use different colored olives for a festive look.
- Soak skewers to prevent burning.
- Serve with cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg