Festive and Fun Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board

Wow your guests this winter with a hot chocolate charcuterie board! Piled high with fluffy marshmallows and yummy hot chocolate toppings, this hot chocolate charcuterie will be a hit at your snowy celebration!

Winter is here, and there’s nothing cozier than gathering around with loved ones and enjoying a warm mug of hot chocolate. But why stop at just the drink? Take your hot chocolate game to the next level with a hot chocolate charcuterie board. This festive and indulgent setup is perfect for holiday parties, family nights, or even a self-care evening. Here’s how you can create the ultimate hot chocolate charcuterie board that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

Why we love this hot chocolate grazing platter

Dessert charcuterie boards are a fun way to use up all the chocolate, cookies and other sweets left over from the holiday season! It takes your cup of hot chocolate to the next level, and is the sweetest way to warm up this winter! It’s a perfect centerpiece for your next holiday party or Valentine’s Day!

Crazy about charcuterie? Check out my other dessert charcuterie board ideas like this New Year’s Eve dessert board or Valentine’s Day Breakfast Board!

What you need for a hot cocoa charcuterie board

Hot cocoa mix- store bought or homemade

Regular sized marshmallows

Mini marshmallows

Hershey Kisses Holiday Hot Cocoa

Mini candy canes

White chocolate chips

Whipped cream

Toasted sweetened coconut flakes

Candy Cane pieces

Dark Chocolate wafer cookies

Peppermint bark

Peppermint sticks or chocolate stir sticks

Holiday M&Ms

Pepperidge Farm Rolled Wafers Pirouette Creme Filled Chocolate Fudge

Caramel sauce

Chocolate sauce or chocolate syrup

Take this hot chocolate charcuterie to the next level with peppermint Schnapps, coconut rum or other alcoholic mix-ins!

Other fun ideas include: peanut butter, cookies for dipping, chocolate bars, biscotti, caramel candies, oreos, or chocolate covered pretzels! It would even be fun to add some fresh elements like berries to balance the decadence! Think Strawberries, sliced bananas, and raspberries. They pair beautifully with chocolate and add a pop of color to your board.

Should you Make your Board with Milk or Water?

Whether to make hot chocolate with milk or water depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here’s a breakdown of both options to help you decide:

Hot Chocolate with Milk

Pros:

• Creamier Texture: Milk creates a rich, velvety base that enhances the drink’s indulgence.
• Enhanced Flavor: The milk’s natural creaminess complements the chocolate, making the flavor fuller and more decadent.
• Customizable Options: You can use whole milk, 2%, skim, or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk.

Best For:

• Luxurious, dessert-like hot chocolate.
• Pairing with rich toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle.

Tips:

• Avoid boiling the milk, as it can scorch and alter the taste. Warm it gently on low heat and place in a coffee carafe next to the board.

Hot Chocolate with Water

Pros:

• Lighter Option: Perfect if you prefer a less rich and calorie-conscious drink.
• Highlighting Chocolate Flavor: Water lets the chocolate’s pure flavor shine without the added richness of milk.
• Easier Preparation: Water heats quickly and is more accessible.

Best For:

• Dairy-free or vegan diets when milk alternatives aren’t available.
• A lighter, simpler drink for everyday enjoyment.

Tips:

• Use high-quality chocolate or cocoa mix to ensure the drink isn’t too thin or bland.
• Add a splash of non-dairy creamer for extra creaminess if desired.

Hybrid Approach

For the best of both worlds, consider using a mix of milk and water. For instance, use half milk for creaminess and half water to balance the richness.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and dietary requirements. If you’re hosting, offering both options ensures everyone can enjoy their hot chocolate just the way they like it!

How to arrange a hot chocolate charcuterie board

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keuM_V5s4DQ

Start with small bowls or mugs

Your hot chocolate charcuterie board may include a variety of toppings, sauces, or mix-ins. Starting with the bowls acts as an anchor for the rest of the ingredients on the board. Use various sizes to create some interest for your guests. The rest of the ingredients will be built around these items to create an aesthetically pleasing experience for your eyes.

Fill in the empty spaces

Next, alternate colors and fill in the empty spaces between the bowls with hot chocolate toppings. Start with mini marshmallows in one corner, then place colorful M&Ms next to them. Next to that, fill in peppermint bark, etc. I like to alternate white, color, chocolate, then white again.

Place a coffee carafe of hot milk or hot water next to the platter, with mugs for easy grabbing.

What kind of platter should I use?

If you’re entertaining a crowd, a large platter is the best option. A round platter like this one here, here or here. A large cutting board or wooden tray would also work well for this hot chocolate dessert board.

FAQ and Expert Tips

Want to make this ahead of time? If you’re not serving it right away, cover it with plastic wrap so the marshmallows don’t dry out and become stale.

Use High Quality Ingredients! Invest in premium hot chocolate mix or create your own from real chocolate. Pair this with high-quality toppings like artisanal marshmallows or freshly whipped cream for a luxurious experience.

Make it Seasonal! For a holiday theme, include items like mini gingerbread men, candy canes, or peppermint bark. For other seasons, tailor the flavors and decorations accordingly (e.g., pumpkin spice for fall, floral accents for spring).

Additional Recipes to Try

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies –These chewy chocolate cookies have crisp edges, gooey centers and are loaded with chocolate chips. Topped with a pinch of flaky sea salt for the best chocolate chip cookies ever!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies – your favorite sandwich from childhood in cookie form! 

Pfeffernusse Holiday Cookies – these Pfeffernüsse Holiday Cookies taste just like Christmas!  They are easy to make, and will be a family favorite for years! 

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