It’s nearly Christmas, and life feels like a whirlwind. You’re rushing around buying presents, planning for the big day, catching up with friends over a glass of mulled wine, and just indulging- guilt-free of course! Because hey, it’s Christmas! But now, with just a few days to go, you’re hosting a festive get-together, and the pressure is on to figure out what to serve.
You don’t want to spend hours tied to the kitchen, there’s so much to organise before your guests arrive. Plus, your guest list includes meat lovers, vegetarians, and, let’s be honest, some pretty picky eaters, making it even harder to decide on what to cook. You’re starting to feel the stress and you’re drawing a total blank.
Then, as you’re snuggled up on the sofa next to your twinkling Christmas tree, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in hand, watching a Christmas movie that’s just come on TV- Christmas with the Karountzoses. Hunger strikes and your mind drifts to your favourite Greek dishes.
And then—lightbulb moment! You’ve got it. The perfect idea for your Christmas gathering: a charcuterie board! But not just any charcuterie board—a Greek-inspired charcuterie board, that’s as festive as it is versatile, guaranteed to delight even the pickiest of eaters.
Stress, solved. Let the Christmas magic begin!
When you’re hosting, nothing wows guests quite like a charcuterie board. It’s the perfect combination of delicious flavours and a stunning presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat—almost! But what if you could elevate your charcuterie game with a Mediterranean twist?
Enter the Greek charcuterie board, a tasty tribute to Greece’s rich culinary traditions, packed with amazing artisanal cheeses, succulent cured meats, and vibrant accompaniments like olives, honey, and pita bread.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas gathering or a cosy get-together, this festive board brings the taste of Greece right to your table.
The Greek Tradition of Sharing Food
Greek cuisine has always been more than just feeding people—it’s a celebration of togetherness, hospitality, and tradition. From ancient symposia where wine and small plates were shared, to today’s meze platters served in tavernas, Greeks know how to turn simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences!
A charcuterie board inspired by Greek flavours, channels this spirit perfectly. It’s all about variety, balance, and creating a sense of abundance. Plus, it gives you the chance to showcase unique Greek ingredients that bring bold flavours to the table. Let’s dive into the art of creating one that’s sure to impress your guests!
Steps to Building Your Festive Greek Charcuterie Board
There’s something so special about a well-crafted charcuterie board—it’s like a little feast for all the senses! The way the flavours and textures contrast and the colours pop, it’s pure magic! When we set out to create a Greek-inspired board, we wanted it to be more than just food. We wanted it to feel festive, vibrant, and full of flavour. Here’s how we put it all together, step by step, to bring a little taste of Greece to your table.
Step 1: Start with the Base
Every great charcuterie board begins with a strong foundation—literally! The base you choose sets the tone for your presentation, so take a moment to pick something that fits your vibe. A rustic wooden board, marble slab or ceramic platter can work well. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all your ingredients with a little room for styling but not so big that the board looks sparse. Once you’ve chosen your base, you’re ready to start layering!
Step 2: Select Your Greek Cheeses
Cheese glorious cheese! This is crucial to any and every charcuterie board out there. Greece boasts an incredible variety of options:
Feta: Greece’s most popular cheese- crumbly and tangy, serve it plain or drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
Kasseri: A semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour that is often fried or grilled.
Graviera: Sweet and nutty, this hard cheese pairs well with fruits and honey.
Manouri: Creamy and mild, it’s perfect for spreading on breadsticks or pita.
Arrange the cheeses across your board, cutting some into bite-sized pieces while leaving others whole for a rustic look.
A range of these authentic cheeses can be found here:
Feta: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/feta-cheese-pdo-1kg?_pos=8&_sid=83e8a2ebc&_ss=r
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/cretan-cheese-in-brine-1kg?_pos=16&_sid=83e8a2ebc&_ss=r
Kasseri: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/olympus-cheese-kaseri-250g-1?_pos=2&_sid=4855d2a5b&_ss=r
Graviera: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/cretan-graviera-cheese-300g?_pos=1&_sid=7abe314de&_ss=r
Manouri: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/manouri-cheese-pdo-200gr?_pos=1&_sid=946976ba3&_ss=r
Step 3: Add Cured Meats
Greek charcuterie isn’t complete without cured meats.
Pastourma: A highly seasoned cured beef with a punchy, aromatic flavour.
Salami: This slightly spicey and salty sausage is the perfect pairing for a range of Greek cheeses.
Smoked Ham: This savoury and smoky meat is tender and packed with flavour.
When arranging cured meats, play around with the shapes. Start by gently folding or rolling the slices to give them some height and a little personality. For something like salami, you can slice then fold them into delicate little fans. It’s those small touches that make the board feel a little more special and inviting.
These amazing, cured meats can be found here:
Pastourma : https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/lakis-beef-pasturma-sausages-275g?_pos=1&_sid=04dfae1eb&_ss=r
Salami: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/ifantis-salami-dry-lefkada-180g?_pos=2&_sid=43f74f705&_ss=r
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/ifantis-salami-dry-milano-200g?_pos=3&_sid=43f74f705&_ss=r
Smoked Ham: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/fouantre-smoked-pork-ham-sliced-120gr?_pos=1&_sid=de52af446&_ss=r
Step 4: Bread and Crackers
A good charcuterie board needs a sturdy vessel for all the delicious dips and spreads.
Breadsticks: Crisp and golden, perfect for dipping into hummus or enjoying with cheese.
Pita Bread: Soft, warm, and versatile! Pita is a must-have for scooping up dips and layering with cured meats, and cheeses to create your perfect bite.
Rusk Bread: Crunchy twice-baked bread that pairs beautifully with cheeses and jams.
When it comes to adding breads like pita, rusk, and breadsticks, keep things simple. Start by ripping up some pitta, this makes it easier to grab and adds a casual feel to the board. For the rusk bread, arrange it in small stacks or scatter it in a few spots around the board. The breadsticks can be placed upright in small clusters or laid down neatly along the edge of the board.
You can find a great selection of the breads here:
Breadsticks: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/breadsticks-with-sesame-no-sugar-added-180g?_pos=1&_sid=78ffb6c8b&_ss=r
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/cheese-breadsticks-180g?_pos=2&_sid=78ffb6c8b&_ss=r
Pita Bread: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?type=product&q=pitta
Rusk Bread: https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?q=rusk
Step 5: Dips and Spreads
Bring the taste of the Mediterranean with some classic Greek dips:
Hummus: Creamy, nutty and garlicky, this chickpea dip will be devoured in a heartbeat.
Tzatziki: A refreshing cucumber-yoghurt dip with a hint of garlic and dill.
Aubergine Salad: Smoky eggplant dip with a rich, savoury taste.
Serve these in small bowls or ramekins, placing them around the board for easy access.
Find your delicious dips here:
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/humus-saladno-preservatives-400gr?_pos=1&_sid=c7be15fa1&_ss=r
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/tzatziki-400gr?_pos=1&_sid=a79705c81&_ss=r
Step 6: Sweet and Savory Additions
This is where your board comes alive with exciting extras that add bursts of flavour:
Greek Honey: Drizzle it over cheese or serve in a tiny bowl for dipping bread. Greek thyme honey is especially fragrant and pairs very well with Graviera.
Jams: A variety of jam flavours will complement the salty tang of Greek cheeses, just take your pick.
Olives: Whether it's green, mixed, or stuffed, olives will bring a punch of flavour to your board.
Baklava: Adding this sweet buttery layered, honey and nut treat to the charcuterie, will balance the savoury and salty elements of the board.
Liven up your charcuterie board here:
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/honey-thyme-400g?_pos=1&_sid=2f650ed72&_ss=r
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?type=product&q=jam
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?q=olives
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/products/baklava-500g-3?_pos=1&_sid=6a402e884&_ss=r
Final Touch: Wine Pairing
Who can forget? No Greek charcuterie board is complete without a bottle of wine! Serve a crisp white, or a bold red, for something sparkling, try a Greek rosé—it’s festive and refreshing!
Check out some great selections of wine here:
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?q=white+wine
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?q=rose+wine
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/search?q=red+wine
Tips
- Garnish with Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano can add fragrance and a touch of greenery.
- Customize Based on Guests: If you know your guests love sweet flavours, add more honey, dried fruits, or baklava. For those who adore savoury snacks, pile on the cured meats and olives.
- Think Beyond the Board: Offer small plates and utensils nearby to encourage sampling. Adding other Greek drinks such as beers or ouzo, enhances the experience even further.
- Fruits and Nuts: Add some walnuts and almonds to the board, you can lightly toast them for extra flavour. Fruits such as fresh grapes and dried figs can also be added. Arrange these in bunches around the board.
A Greek charcuterie board isn’t just food, it’s a vibe! Think Greek hospitality at its finest: warm, welcoming, and packed with something for everyone. Got vegetarians? No problem. Meat lovers? Sorted. That one guest with a sweet tooth who pretends not to eat much but secretly lives for the baklava? You’ve got them covered, too.
The best part? It’s interactive. Guests can mix and match their way through salty feta paired with sweet jam or a crispy breadstick dunked in creamy tzatziki. Every bite is a chance to discover a new favourite combo, and the possibilities are endless!
Putting together a Greek-inspired charcuterie board isn’t just about piling up food—it’s about sharing a little piece of Greek tradition, where food brings people together. Add colours, rich flavours, and variety to this board and it's guaranteed to outshine even the Christmas tree!
So, pop over to your trusted and much-loved Greek grocery- Hellenic Grocery! Grab the authentic goodies and get creative. One bite and your guests will feel like they’ve been transported to a festive taverna by the Aegean, filled with holiday cheer. Yammas!
https://hellenicgrocery.co.uk/
