Looking for a festive finger food that’s ready faster than you can say holiday charcuterie? These Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers are fun, fast, and full of holiday spirit! With just a few ingredients—salami, cheese, and pickles—you’ll turn simple skewers into adorable Christmas tree snacks your guests will love.
Whether you’re hosting a party, filling out a holiday charcuterie board, or just want something quick and festive, these little trees deliver all the cheer with none of the stress.
Why You’ll Love These Salami Christmas Trees
- Minimal prep – Just slice, fold, and skewer!
- Festive & cute – They look like tiny edible trees!
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep and chill before guests arrive.
- Customizable – Swap in different cheeses or meats to fit your style.
Perfect for your Christmas party appetizers, holiday potlucks, or easy edible crafts with the kids!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 28 slices salami
Go with a firm, foldable variety like Genoa, pepperoni, or deli salami. - 1 ½ oz cheddar cheese
Cut into little stars using a mini cookie cutter. You can also try Colby Jack or Gouda. - 1 slice Gouda (for snowflakes, optional)
Adds a fun visual touch—just use a tiny snowflake cutter. - ½ pickle or gherkin
This becomes the trunk of the tree and adds a tangy crunch. - Optional extras: Fresh cucumber slices, mini mozzarella, or rosemary sprigs for serving.
How to Make Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers
These are so easy, fun, and adorable!
Step 1: Prep the “tree trunks”
Slice the pickle in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into 4 equal pieces. Pat dry to remove any extra moisture.
Step 2: Cut the stars & snowflakes
Use small cookie cutters to cut 4 stars from the cheddar cheese. If using, cut snowflakes from the Gouda for extra decoration.
Step 3: Fold the salami
For each tree:
- Fold 2 slices of salami in half and skewer them loosely to form the bottom tier.
- Fold 2 more with slightly smaller folds (about 1/5 inch) for the middle tier.
- Roll 1 slice and skewer for the top.
- Fold 1 slice into quarters for the “tip” of the tree.
Step 4: Assemble the trees
Slide a pickle chunk onto the skewer first for the base. Then stack the salami folds in tiers from largest to smallest. Finish with a cheddar star on top!
Step 5: Decorate & serve
Place finished skewers on a serving board and decorate with cheese snowflakes and fresh rosemary sprigs for a winter wonderland look.
Tips & Variations
- Use different meats like prosciutto or peppered turkey for variety.
- Want a vegetarian option? Use folded cucumber slices or cheese ribbons.
- Make ahead and keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Perfect For:
- Christmas Eve parties
- Holiday snack boards
- Kids’ school parties
- Festive potlucks or work events
📸 Don’t Forget the Photo Op!
These adorable tree skewers are almost too cute to eat. Snap a pic and tag @BiteSizedFun or use #BiteSizedFun so we can see your holiday creations!
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Caramel Apple Dip Board
- Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Pecan Praline Crispix Snack Mix
These Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers bring the merry and the meaty—perfect for every festive gathering!
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of easy holiday appetizers. Check it out for more bite-sized, crowd-pleasing ideas!
Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers
Ingredients
- 28 slices salami
- 1 1/2 ounce cheddar cheese
- 1 slice Gouda for snowflakes
- 1/2 pickle
Instructions
- Cut the pickle in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 4 equal pieces and press out any excess brine.
- Cut 4 stars from the cheddar cheese. Use a cookie cutter to form snowflakes from the Gouda slice for serving.
- Assemble a skewer. Slice the pickle. Fold the salami in half. Leave a 1/10-inch margin and prick. Prick the second salami in the same way to create a bottom tier.
- Make the next tier in the same way, but leave a 1/5-inch margin to make the branches slightly shorter. Then simply roll the salami and prick the center, repeating. The final tier of salami is folded in quarters. Finish with a cheddar star.
- Place the appetizer on a board and decorate with snowflakes and Christmas tree branches. Happy holidays!
Notes
The base is salami. Choose one that holds its shape and folds easily like an accordion. For example, Genoa, Pepperoni, or any thinly sliced deli salami. For the “trunk,” a pickled cucumber or gherkin is traditionally used. It adds crunch and balances the fattiness of the sausage. You can also use fresh cucumber. The “stars” can be cut from Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, or even Babybel. For a milder flavor, use Mozzarella or Provolone, but make sure the cheese is firm enough for the cutters. For a more upscale version, replace the salami with prosciutto or Spanish chorizo. You can even make vegetarian “Christmas trees” with cucumber, cheese slices, and paprika.
Serve the appetizer on a wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or fir, and your trees will look like they’re from a winter forest. Add a few snowflakes made of cheese or crackers, and enjoy the holiday season.