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Creating a charcuterie board is the perfect way to satisfy your guests and leave you with more time to mingle.
A Feast for the Eyes and Mouth!
Charcuterie boards, pronounced shahr-koo-tuh–ree, are essentially a fancy meat and cheese board or a more grown-up version of a Lunchable!
It can be served as an appetizer, side dish, main dish, or filled with treats as a dessert.
We love to serve them at most get togethers, parties, holidays because they’re always a hit!
We love these because:
- A wide variety. Not only does it include different meats and cheeses, but often includes nuts, fruits, crackers, and dips. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth.
- Effortless entertaining. This easy appetizer requires minimal prep, perfect for last-minute guests or low-key gatherings. Just assemble your favorite ingredients and let everyone graze!
- Budget-friendly. Create a luxurious spread or a budget-conscious board. Focus on seasonal ingredients and adjust portions to fit your needs.
What to Put on A Charcuterie Board
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
Honestly, the options are endless!
Be mindful of textures as well as colors. It’s good to include a variety of flavors, and textures and showcase the beautiful pops of color throughout the board.
Here are a few items you might consider:
- 2 dips – I include one sweet dip and one savory dip such as Homemade Ranch, Fruit Dip, Hummus Recipe, dijon mustard, olive oil, Basil Pesto Recipe, honey, Jalapeno Jelly and jams, Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip, Yogurt Fruit Dip, Nutella Dip.
- 12 slices each of assorted deli meats – such as salami, ham, pepperoni, pastrami, peppered beef, Spanish chorizo, cured sausage, pate, prosciutto, Italian bresaola, or Spanish jamon (ham). Have enough for about 3-4 slices of meat per person. Have enough for about 2-3 ounces per person
- 2 cups cheese cubes or 12 slices each assorted cheeses – Mix softer cheese (Brie, mozzarella, feta, swiss, blue cheese) with firm cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper Jack, Parmesan, Italian Piave, provolone, Gouda)
- ½-1 cup soft cheese – such as cream cheese or goat cheese
- 1 cup each of assorted crackers, chips, bread – Ritz, pita, Grissini breadstick, Parmesan crisps, toasted crostini, Artisan crackers, baguette, pretzels, wheat thins, or Triscuts.
- 1 cup each of assorted chopped or diced vegetables – such as baby carrots, broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, olives, or mini pickles.
- 1 cup each of assorted dried, chopped, or diced fruit – such as apples, blackberries, strawberries, raisins, dried apricots, craisins, blueberries, raspberries, pears, grapes,
- ½ cup each of assorted nuts – such as almonds or pistachios, macadamia, or pecans.
How Much to Include
- Start by estimating the number of guests and plan accordingly.
- Ensure you have enough meats, cheeses, and accompaniments to cater to everyone.
- You can create 2-3 boards or one large board. Either way, keep extra food on hand to refill the board as needed.
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
- BOARD. Most often a wooden cutting board is used. The rustic look of the wood helps give a beautiful feel to the overall dish. A standard cutting board is about 9×13 but you can use a smaller or larger one depending on the size of your party.
- If you don’t have a wooden cutting board any flat-surfaced serving tray can be used.
- DIPS. Place dips in small bowls on opposite sides of the board.
- MEAT + CHEESE. Fold or roll the deli meats and place them around the board. Add the different cheeses on opposite sides from each other.
- CRACKERS. Place the different types of crackers and pretzels around the board.
- FRUIT + VEGGIES. Fill in any empty spots with vegetables, fruit, and nuts.
- SERVING. Be sure to set out serving tongs or toothpicks near the tray.
Change it Up!
Easily change up boards for different occasions like parties, get-togethers, and holidays.
Here are some of our favorites to make throughout the year:
- S’mores Charcuterie Board
- Breakfast Charcuterie Board
- Movie Night Charcuterie Board
- Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
- Yogurt Parfait Board
- Valentine’s Charcuterie Board
- Easter Charcuterie Board
- Easter Candy Charcuterie Board
- Halloween Charcuterie Board
- Halloween Candy Charcuterie Board
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
More Like This
- More appetizer charcuterie boards: Easter Charcuterie Board, Burrata Board, Christmas Charcuterie Board
- More finger foods: Cheese Ball Bites, Spinach Puffs, Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups
More collections: Charcuterie Board Ideas, Cold Appetizers, Finger Food Appetizers
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
We all love to graze during parties. Learn how to make a charcuterie board and fill it with all of your favorites!
Ingredients
- 2 dips, such as Homemade Ranch, Cream Cheese Fruit Dip or hummus
- 12 slices each assorted deli meats, such as pepperoni, prosciutto or salami
- 2 cups cheese cubes or 12 slices each assorted cheeses , such as Colby Jack, provolone or Swiss
- ½-1 cup soft cheese, such as cream cheese or goat cheese
- 1 cup each assorted crackers, chips or pretzels
- 1 cup each assorted chopped or diced vegetables, such as baby carrots, broccoli, cucumber or snap peas
- 1 cup each assorted chopped or diced fruit, such as apples, blackberries or strawberries
- ½ cup each assorted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios
Instructions
- Place dips in small bowls on opposite sides of the board.
- Fold or roll the deli meats and place around the board.
- Add the different cheeses on opposite sides from each other.
- Place the different types of crackers and pretzels around the board.
- Finally, fill in any empty spots with the vegetables, fruit and nuts.
- Be sure to set out serving prongs or toothpicks near the tray.
Video
Notes
Make ahead of time. Depending on the size of your board, you may want to prepare the items ahead of time. Most items can be prepared and stored separately until you’re ready to arrange your tray.
Choose the right balance. As you are choosing items, be mindful of textures as well as colors. You want there to be beautiful pops of color throughout the board. The amount of each ingredient can be adjusted according to the size of your board.
DILL DIP: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1½ tablespoons dried dill weed, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, ½ tablespoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and a dash of pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 217kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 463mg, Potassium: 191mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1571IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 85mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Using Bowls on A CHarcuterie Board?
- Sauces, dips, and wet fruits like pineapple, should be placed in a small bowl or cup. Use different-sized dishes for different dips/sauces.
- If you have one bowl place it in the center of the board. If you have 2 or more, space them evenly on the board. Now you can arrange your other items around the bowls.
How to place deli meats on a charcuterie board?
- The meats should be pre-sliced and can be rolled, folded, or stacked. To make it easier, have hard cheeses pre-sliced, or cubed. If you use softer cheeses don’t forget to have small cheese knives available.
How to arrange a pleasing charcuterie board?
- Arrange the items in a pattern or symmetry, or make it look random. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or other greenery.
Can I make a charcuterie board ahead of time?
- Depending on the size of your tray you may want to prepare the items ahead of time. Most items can be prepared and stored separately until ready to arrange your tray.
- Have extra items stored to replenish the tray as the evening progresses.
How to store leftover charcuterie board foods?
- Leftovers can be stored in separate containers to be eaten later.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips for this!! I’ve been so intimidated to make my own but this makes it so much easier. It’s beautiful.
This turned out great! Made a charcuterie board for my grandpa’s birthday yesterday and it was beautiful! Guests loved it! Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!! So glad it was a hit!
I could not get the turkey appetizer tray picture to print.
I love all your recipes and have tried and loved every one.
I know this is a customizable recipe, but thanks for sharing what you put on your board. It looks beautiful! I’ll have to change up some of my traditional ingredients for some of yours next time I create one.
Thanks for making this so easy!
You are so welcome 🙂 Thank you!
My hubby & I love going out with friends to enjoy charcuterie boards & cocktails but with covid it’s been nearly impossible to do so. This recipe made this possible in our home! It’s easy, delicious & fun to eat.
Charcuterie boards are the best! There is always something for everyone! We are making one for our Thanksgiving get together!
Perfect for entertaining or on the counter for an after school snack! Love that you can customize with all your favorites!
I love these cute and delicious boards that can be made to your liking. So fun and festive.
I get so excited when I see these at gatherings & they have been so fun putting together!! They are so yummy & versatile!