Create a festive and visually stunning treat with this Christmas Board Recipe! This simple board includes sweet and savory bites like Hershey Pretzel Bites, Pretzel Reindeers, and Christmas Puppy Chow and is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Jump to RecipeThe best part is that the board is easy to assemble and fully customizable; it’s ideal for entertaining guests or as a delightful family treat. The mix of textures and flavors ensures something for everyone on this cheerful board.
Tips for the Best Christmas Board Recipe
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth preparation.
- Let chocolate-coated items cool fully before assembling the board to avoid mess.
- Arrange the ingredients symmetrically for a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
- Prep individual elements in advance to save time on the day of your event.
Personalizing this recipe
- Swap Hershey Kisses for Rolos or white chocolate melts for a different flavor profile.
- Add savory elements like crackers, cured meats, or nuts for a sweet and salty twist.
- Use themed cookie cutters to create festive shapes from cheese slices or fruits.
- Incorporate a small bowl of holiday dips, like cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce, for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Hershey Pretzel Bites
Sugar cookie (or peppermint) Hershey Kisses
Square pretzels
Red/green M&Ms
Pretzel Reindeers
Straight mini pretzel rods
Candy eyeballs
Mini red M&Ms
Brown chocolate melting wafers
Christmas Puppy Chow
Rice Chex cereal
Mini marshmallows
Square pretzels
White chocolate melting wafers
Red sanding sugar
Green sanding sugar
Powdered sugar
Red/green M&Ms
Additional Ingredients to create the board:
Charcuterie board (11in x 11in board was used)
Mini marshmallows
Raspberries
Strawberries
Green grapes
Red/Green M&Ms
Sliced mozzarella cheese
How to Make a Christmas Board Recipe
For the Hershey Pretzel Bites
Preheat the oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place pretzel squares on the baking sheet and top each with a Hershey Kiss.
Bake for 3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M onto each Kiss.
Set aside to cool completely.
To make the Pretzel reindeer
Melt the chocolate wafers according to package directions.
Dip two pretzel rods together about one-third of the way into the melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper to form pairs. Let them cool fully.
Once set, dip the pairs halfway into the chocolate, and while the chocolate is still soft but slightly set, add candy eyeballs and a mini red M&M for the nose.
Allow them to cool completely.
For the Christmas Puppy Chow
Mix Chex cereal, mini marshmallows, and pretzels in a large bowl.
Melt white chocolate wafers and drizzle over the mixture, tossing to coat.
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with red and green sanding sugar, and dust with powdered sugar.
Let it cool before transferring to a serving bowl. Top with M&Ms for a festive touch.
To assemble your Christmas Board Dessert Idea
Assemble your Christmas Board by placing the Puppy Chow in the center.
Arrange the Hershey Pretzel Bites and Pretzel Reindeers on the corners, and fill in the remaining spaces with fresh fruits, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and sliced mozzarella cheese for a beautiful, colorful presentation.
Different Methods of Serving
- Mini Boards: Create individual portions on smaller plates for personal serving.
- Snack Cups: Divide ingredients into festive cups or jars for grab-and-go options.
- Layered Platter: Use a tiered serving stand to separate sweet and savory items while adding height to your presentation.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep the Puppy Chow and chocolate-dipped items at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate fresh fruits and cheese separately to maintain freshness. Avoid assembling the board until ready to serve for the best results.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Christmas Board as a centerpiece for holiday parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. Pair it with hot cocoa, eggnog, or mulled cider for the ultimate festive experience. It’s also a wonderful addition to a dessert buffet or gift it wrapped in cellophane for a thoughtful treat.
FAQs
- Can I make the components ahead of time? Yes, prepare individual elements a day or two in advance and assemble the board just before serving.
- What can I use instead of Hershey Kisses? Try Rolos, caramel-filled chocolates, or even small pieces of peppermint bark.
- How can I make it more kid-friendly? Include fun extras like gummy candies, holiday cookies, or small chocolate bars.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free pretzels and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Christmas Board
Equipment
- 1 Charcuterie Board 11in x 11in board was used
- 1 Large bowl
Ingredients
Hershey Pretzel Bites:
- 20 sugar cookie or peppermint Hershey Kisses
- 20 square pretzels
- 20 red/green M&Ms
Pretzel Reindeers:
- 30 straight mini pretzel rods
- 30 candy eyeballs
- 15 mini red M&Ms
- ⅓ cup brown chocolate melting wafers
Christmas Puppy Chow:
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups square pretzels
- ¾ cup white chocolate melting wafers
- Red sanding sugar
- Green sanding sugar
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup red/green M&Ms
Additional Ingredients to create the board:
- Mini marshmallows
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Green grapes
- Red/Green M&Ms
- Sliced mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- First make the pretzel bites by preheating the oven to 200 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the pretzel squares onto the baking sheet with a Hershey kiss on each.
- Bake for 3 minutes. Once removed, immediately put an M&M on the top of each one and slightly press down. Set aside to cool.
- To make the reindeer pretzels, melt the chocolate according to the package directions.
- Dip two pretzel rods together into the chocolate about ⅓ of the way and place on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat to make 15 sets. Allow to fully cool.
- Once cooled, repeat the dipping process again for each set coating the pretzels half way.
- Once the chocolate has slightly set but is still soft, put the eyeballs and mini red M&M in place to make the face. Set aside to cool.**
- Lastly, make the Christmas Puppy Chow by combining the cereal, marshmallows and pretzels into a large bowl.
- Melt the white chocolate wafers according to the package and drizzle on top of the mixture.
- Once the pieces are coated, spread out onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle on the red and green sanding sugar.
- Dust on the powdered sugar and transfer into your serving bowl. Add the M&Ms on top.
- Assemble the board with the Puppy chow in center, the pretzel hugs and chocolate reindeers on each corner and fill in the extra space with marshmallows, M&Ms, raspberries, strawberries, green grapes and cheese.
Notes
More fun Chacurterie board Ideas on the blog to check out:
This Christmas Board Recipe is a delightful mix of flavors, textures, and colors that will make your holiday celebrations unforgettable. Enjoy the festive fun!
