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The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends and as we come together, food often takes center stage. This year, why not try something different and create an African-inspired Christmas charcuterie board? These meat and cheese boards are loved by many, but giving it an African twist makes it even more special.
For those unfamiliar, a charcuterie board is an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, jams, pickles and bread. Though European in origin, the concept can easily be adapted to celebrate flavors from around the world.
Africa has a diverse culinary landscape, with each region offering its own unique ingredients. Building an African charcuterie board allows you to sample flavors from across the continent and turn a simple appetizer into a culinary adventure.
The key is choosing ingredients that represent the complex tastes of African cuisine. Smoky, spicy and herbaceous flavors pair nicely with rich meats and creamy cheeses. Dried fruits and nuts also make an appearance, along with sweet and savory jams.
Served on a rustic wooden board, this African-inspired spread makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Read on to learn how to assemble your own.
How to Make an African Christmas Charcuterie Board
Base and Board
Start with a quality charcuterie board made from wood, marble, slate or bamboo. Look for one with a ridge to prevent food from sliding off. For an African feel, seek out hand-carved boards or etched patterns and designs. Place the board on a tray to catch any crumbs.
Meats
Charcuterie boards traditionally contain cured meats like salami, prosciutto and ham. For an African spin, look for spiced, smoked or dried meats. Options include:
- Biltong – Spiced and dried beef strips from South Africa, with a texture like jerky. Flavors include coriander, black pepper and vinegar.
- Chorizo – Spicy Spanish-influenced sausage from countries like Mozambique, Namibia and Angola. Contains paprika and garlic.
- Suya – A Nigerian skewered meat dish. Opt for ready-made sticks or mix beef, lamb or chicken with peanut powder, or the main suya spice paprika and chili peppers.
- Merguez – Spicy lamb sausages from North Africa, seasoned with garlic, cumin and harissa.
- Landsbendel – South African beef sausage with coriander, nutmeg and allspice.
- Ndagaa – Tiny dried sardines and anchovies from Lake Victoria. Provides a salty kick.
Cheeses
For variety, include an assortment of soft, hard and blue cheeses. Try:
- Chèvre – Tangy, soft goat cheeses. Select natural, herbed or peppered.
- Halloumi – Salty, firm Cypriot cheese that can be fried or grilled.
- Feta – Crumble creamy feta over other ingredients.
- Blue cheeses like gorgonzola or stilton to add bold flavor.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables add color, textures and flavors. Good options include:
- Dried apricots, mango, pineapple, banana chips
- Roasted beets, butternut squash, sweet potatoes
- Olives
- Roasted red peppers
- Carrot sticks
- Grape tomatoes
- Pomegranate arils
Nuts and Seeds
For crunch, incorporate:
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Pecans
- Peanuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
Breads and Crackers
Serve an assortment of crispy breads and crackers on the side:
- Pita chips
- Wasa crackers
- Water crackers
- Bagels
- Flatbread
- Puff pastry crackers
- Biltong sticks
Spreads and Dips
Include spreads for spreading on breads and crackers:
- Babaganoush – Smoky eggplant spread
- Hummus – Chickpea dip with tahini
- Labneh – Thick strained yogurt cheese
- Muhammara – Red pepper and walnut dip
- Olive tapenade
- Spicy harissa
Jams and Chutneys
Add a dollop of sweet and savory jams:
- Fig jam
- Apricot jam
- Caramelized onion jam
- Mango chutney
- Tomato jam
Garnishes
Finish with fresh herbs and spices:
- Mint
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Harissa powder
- Za’atar seasoning
Beverages
Quench your thirst with:
- South African wines like Pinotage red and Chenin Blanc white
- Ethiopian honey wine
- Moroccan mint tea
- Tusker beer from Kenya
- Amarula cream liqueur
- Jungle juice punch with tropical fruits
Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with:
- Coconut macaroons
- Almond florentines
- Baklava
- Dates stuffed with almonds
- Turkish delight
- Shortbread cookies
- Hot chocolate truffles
How to Assemble Your African Christmas Charcuterie Board
With your ingredients selected, it’s time for the fun part – assembling your African Christmas charcuterie board! Follow these tips:
- Arrange ingredients from largest to smallest down the board. Place meats and cheese at the top, followed by fruits, nuts, jams and garnishes.
- Aim for color variety – don’t cluster all red or orange foods together.
- Alternate textures – crunchy, creamy, juicy.
- Stack and overlap ingredients for height.
- Keep bites accessible by slicing larger items.
- Use rosemary sprigs between ingredients to mimic pine needles.
- Drizzle jams, oils and sauces artistically.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and spices.
- Chill completed boards until ready to serve.
African Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas
With so many wonderful ingredients at your disposal, the possibilities are endless for African inspired Christmas charcuterie board! You can get these ingredients in marts or supermarkets in your locale. Here are combination ideas to get you started:
The Spice Route – biltong, merguez sausage, chorizo, manchego, peppers, olives, tomato jam, za’atar pita chips
A Taste of North Africa – hummus, babaganoush, labneh, feta, Moroccan dried fruits, toasted nuts, herbs
Safari Sunset – thinly sliced kudu loaf, springbok salami, dried apricots, dates, pumpkin seeds, gooseberry chutney
Cape Town Classic – droewors sausage, pickled fish, halloumi, naartjies, melktert squares, koeksisters
The Zanzibar Feast – mishkaki sticks, kachumbari salad, chapati crisps, passionfruit curd, pistachios, coconut chips
The Veld Gathering – biltong, boerewors rolls, gem squash, sweet potato chips, prickly pear jam
The Pan-African – suya, ndagaa, pimento cheese, plantain chips, peanut stew, ginger beer
After you assemble your Christmas charcuterie board, You can now relax and enjoy. Sip wine, enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration with friends and savor the rich diversity of African flavors. Let me know if you try this African Christmas charcuterie board – I’d love to see pictures and hear how it turned out. Happy holidays and eating!
