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Browse our comprehensive list of unique charcuterie board ideas and find the perfect offering for every event or occasion!
More Collections: Finger Food Appetizers, Easy Appetizers, Cold Appetizers
Why We Love Charcuterie Boards!
A charcuterie board is an appetizer typically served on a wooden board or another base. It is generally eaten straight from the board or served on flatware or appetizer plates. It features a variety of items, depending on the theme.
- Customizable. Make anything from a holiday board to a movie night board to a board just because!
- Easy. All you need to do is prep (if needed) and fill the board with on-theme items!
- Fun. Who wouldn’t want to graze a board filled with sweet and savory munchies, especially with such a huge variety?
We’ve rounded up several Charcuterie Board Ideas, perfect for any occasion!
Charcuterie Ingredient Ideas
There is no way to list every ingredient that can be used, but here are a few categories with suggestions to get you started:
- Meat. Plan about 3-4 slices of meat per person.
- Hard and soft cheese. About 2-3 ounces per person. Try to mix soft cheese with harder cheese.
- Breads and crackers. Ritz, pita, grissini breadstick, Parmesan crisps, toasted crostini, Artisan crackers, baguette, pretzels, wheat thins, or Triscuits.
- Snacks. Popcorn, trail mix, Puppy Chow, or Homemade Chex Mix.
- Nuts. Can be raw, roasted, salted, or candied – pistachio, almonds, macadamia, or pecans.
- Fresh fruits. Blueberries, grapes, raspberries, apples, raisins, cranberries, strawberries, pears, cherries, or cherry tomatoes.
- Vegetables. Carrots, broccoli florets, cucumber, snap peas, olives, mini pickles, or bell peppers.
- Desserts. Cookies, brownies, cookie bars, Blondies, or Rice Krispies.
- Candies. Candy corn, marshmallows, white chocolate bars, Andes Mints, Reeses, Chocolate Squares, Cadbury Bars, licorice, Hershey Kisses, or M&M’s.
- Cheese ball. Like this savory Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball or a sweet Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball.
- Savory dips. Ranch Dressing, Veggie Dip, Hummus, Fruit Dip, dijon mustard, olive oil, Pesto, jams, or pepper jelly.
- Sweet dips. Nutella, Caramel, Oreo Fluff, peanut butter, jam, Cream Cheese Fruit Dip, or honey.
- Garnishes. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, mint leaves, or thyme.
The Art of Preparing
- Pick the theme of your board. One of the most traditional Charcuterie Boards is a meat and cheese board. However, any type of board may be curated.
- Choose a board. Choose a classic wooden board, a festive platter or tray, or even a metal baking sheet. Use a large board, or a small one, depending on the number of expected guests.
- Arranging the board. There is no wrong or right way to arrange the board, but the following tips may help:
- Bowls are useful to place on the board to hold dips and sauces or smaller items like small candies or nuts. Place the bowls evenly spaced on the board.
- Next, place larger items and then fill in spaces with smaller items.
- Arrange items so that different types of ingredients are evenly spaced. Factor in different flavors, textures, colors, and temperatures of the items.
- Side items. Have plates and napkins available near the board. Provide toothpicks, forks, tongs, and spoons to transfer items from the board to a plate.
- Ingredients to use. Choose a theme, then decide what types of food to include. Note that only a sampling of each item will be placed on the board so have extras on hand to refill the board as needed.
- Make ahead of time. Prep and store items ahead of time until assembling the board.
Best Charcuterie Board Ideas
With step-by-step instructions and plenty of ideas, you’ll look like a pro! From movie night to any night – we’ve got you covered.
1 How to Make a Charcuterie Board
2 Breakfast Charcuterie Board Ideas
3 After School Snack Board Recipe
4 Burrata Board Recipe
5 Movie Night Charcuterie Board Recipe
6 S’mores Charcuterie Board Recipe
7 Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
8 Yogurt Parfait Board Recipe
Holiday Charcuterie Board Ideas
Who doesn’t love appetizers during the holidays?! A charcuterie spread is a great way to include a variety of munchies to enjoy all day long.
9 Valentine’s Charcuterie Board Recipe
10 Easter Candy Charcuterie Board
11 Halloween Charcuterie Board Recipe
12 Halloween Candy Charcuterie Board Recipe
13 30+ Thanksgiving Appetizers – Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
14 Christmas Charcuterie Board Recipe
15 Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe
A Board For Every Occasion!
No matter the occasion you’re sure to find inspiration to create the perfect charcuterie appetizer to impress your guests with the recipes on this list!
More Collections: Italian Appetizers, Summer Appetizers, Mexican Appetizers
These are all so amazing!! I made the Halloween board for a party and it was a huge hit!! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m excited to try the other boards you have!
These are brilliant boards that are sure show stopper! Tried making the breakfast charcuterie board, and kids super loved it. It’s a great way to prepare for the trick or treat activity! Also tried the Halloween candy charcuterie board and it was a hit!
this was the best thing I could have asked for! The movie night board, halloween boards, and christmas wreath board are all going to be happening! thank you so much for sharing this post!