When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing beats a cozy cup of hot chocolate—except, maybe, a whole board dedicated to making the ultimate mug!
A hot chocolate charcuterie board is not only festive but also interactive and fun for guests of all ages.
Imagine a table filled with toppings, candies, and cookies, all ready to elevate your cocoa game. Let’s build one together step by step!
DIY Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
What is a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board?
A hot chocolate charcuterie board is a creative, colorful spread filled with all the goodies you could want in a cup of cocoa.
From marshmallows to peppermint candies and chocolate chips, this board is all about customization.
Plus, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday party. Just set out your board, add a pot of hot chocolate, and let everyone make their perfect mug of cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Board
- Perfect for Parties: It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes your gathering extra special.
- Easy to Assemble: No baking or complicated recipes required.
- Customizable: You can mix and match toppings to fit your theme or guests’ preferences.
- Festive and Fun: A beautiful way to serve hot cocoa and create memories.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the board in the image above:
- Marshmallows: Classic mini marshmallows and festive pink ones.
- Peppermint Candy: Candy canes, crushed peppermint, and red-and-white candies.
- Cookies: Butter cookies, vanilla wafers, and bear-shaped pretzel cookies.
- Pretzels: Regular salted pretzels for a sweet-and-salty option.
- Chocolate Chips: Milk, dark, and semi-sweet.
- Holiday Candies: Red, green, and white chocolates, plus mini M&Ms.
- Chocolate Wafers: Perfect for melting in hot cocoa.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Use them as stir sticks!
Want more charcuterie inspo? Check out 26 Christmas Charcuterie Boards That’ll Wow Your Holiday Guests
Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
- Start with a Board or Tray
Grab a large wooden board or tray to serve as your base. - The circular board in the image works beautifully to create a balanced, eye-catching display.
- Place Small Bowls in the Center
Start by arranging a few small bowls in the middle of your board. Fill them with loose items like crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, or M&Ms. Bowls create structure and make smaller items easier to scoop. - Add Larger Items Around the Bowls
Surround the bowls with your larger toppings, like chocolate wafers, candy canes, and cookies. Group similar items together for a neat, visually appealing look. - Fill in with Smaller Treats
Add colorful candies, chocolate chips, and festive marshmallows to fill any gaps. Scatter them evenly to create a vibrant, full board. - Finish with Decorative Touches
Add a few holiday-themed accents, like ornaments or greenery, around the board for extra flair. This not only adds to the festive vibe but also ties everything together.
Tips for the Perfect Board
- Offer Variety: Include a mix of flavors and textures, like crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolate, and chewy marshmallows.
- Make it Kid-Friendly: Add fun holiday-themed treats, like bear-shaped cookies or snowflake marshmallows.
- Set Up a Hot Cocoa Station: Place your board next to a pot of hot chocolate and a stack of mugs. Consider dipping the mug rims in chocolate and sprinkles for extra fun.
- Add an Adult Twist: For grown-up gatherings, include a few small bottles of Bailey’s, Kahlúa, or flavored syrups.
Hosting Tips
You can prep this board ahead of time! Simply wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.
When it’s time to serve, place it next to a slow cooker of hot cocoa and let the fun begin.
This is such a fun way to turn a simple drink into a memorable holiday tradition.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of a hot chocolate charcuterie board is that it’s totally customizable. You can swap out candies based on your guests’ favorites or even add a theme.
For example, you could create a “winter wonderland” board with all-white treats or a colorful kid-friendly board with gummy bears and sprinkles.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Arrange your board the night before and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep everything fresh.
- Pre-scoop smaller toppings into mini bowls for easy assembly on the day of your event.
- Keep cookies and pretzels in airtight containers until right before serving.
Let the Cocoa Fun Begin!
This DIY hot chocolate charcuterie board is more than just a holiday dessert—it’s an experience.
Your family and friends will love customizing their mugs, and the board itself is sure to be the star of your holiday table.
Gather your goodies and get ready to create the most festive cocoa station ever.