We celebrate holidays by spending time with family and of course, eating good food! Easter dinner is the star, but pre-dinner includes lots of snacking and that means appetizers!
A Charcuterie Board is a great way to include seasonal produce and some of our favorite recipes, and this Easter charcuterie board is perfect for your next holiday gathering.
It includes all of the favorites: crackers, cheese, fruits, veggies, dips and more. If you’re looking for a sweet version, be sure to check out our Easter Candy Charcuterie Board.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- SO easy. Most dips and produce can be prepped ahead of time, making assembly a breeze and leaving more time for family!
- Fill with your favorites. We’ve included our best-loved Easter charcuterie board additions, but you can easily change it up to your preference.
- On theme. It starts with the basics, but incorporating holiday-specific recipes like Easter Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Deviled Eggs adds a special touch.
Easter Charcuterie Board Ingredients
- Meat (3 types of meat, ham, prosciutto, pepperoni, etc.): Savory, salty bites that anchor the board and pair beautifully with cheese and fruit. Mix cured meats with a baked ham or turkey for variety.
- Cheese (3 types of cheese, cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, etc.): A mix of sharp, mild, and creamy gives different textures and flavors for stacking on crackers.
- Crackers/Bread (3 types of crackers/bread Ritz, pita, bradsticks, etc.): Crunchy vehicles for cheeses and dips; choose a buttery cracker, a sturdy pita or flatbread, and something crisp like breadsticks.
- Fruits (1-2 types of fruit, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, etc.): Juicy sweetness that balances the salty meats and rich cheeses, plus a pop of color.
- Veggies (1-2 types of vegetables, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, etc.): Fresh, crisp bites for dipping and a lighter option on the board.
- Cream cheese (1 (8-ounce) brick, softened): Creates a smooth, tangy base for the fruit dip that holds its shape on the board.
- Marshmallow fluff (7 ounces): Sweetens and lightens the dip for a fluffy, kid friendly texture.
- Whipped topping (1 cup): Folds in airy volume so the fruit dip is soft and dippable.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Adds warm sweetness that complements fresh fruit.
- Avocado (1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, skin removed): The creamy heart of the savory dip with mild flavor and silky texture.
- Sour cream (4 ounces): Adds tang and loosens the avocado for easy scooping.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens flavor and slows browning in the avocado dip.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (to taste): Seasons the savory dip quickly with salt, garlic, and a hint of herb.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle bite and rounds out the savory flavors.
Ingredient Tips
CHEESES: Use different kinds of cheese such as orange or white cheddar, brie, Colby, mozzarella, pepper jack, feta, Parmesan, or Swiss. You can also include a cheeseball like our Bacon Ranch Cheeseball and Pineapple Cheese Ball.
DIPS: Add a sweet Fruit Dip, honey or jam, and a savory vegetable dip like Homemade Ranch, Dill Veggie Dip, or Hummus Recipe.
How to Build Your Board
BOWLS. Place small bowls first. Use small bowls for dips and any produce that may leak juices. Or use Easter shape cookie cutters as a way to organize smaller-sized ingredients like fresh berries, nuts, and candies.
FILL. Place each grouping of meat and cheese in different spots on the board.
- Add the different groupings of crackers on the board.
- Fill in any empty spots with the fruits, vegetables, and sweet treats.
GARNISH. Decorate with green herbs and other festive Easter treats.
Easter Board Building Tips
- The board. A wooden board is often used, but you can use any large platter or tray. If you are hosting a large event, find a larger board or use a few regular-sized boards and place them in different areas of the room.
- The food. When deciding what to put on your board follow the 3-3-3-3 rule: 3 types of meat, 3 types of cheese, 3 types of crackers/bread, 3 types of accompaniments (one should be a fruit, one should be a veggie, and the third can be your choice).
- Consider contrasts. The most beautiful and delicious boards are ones that offer contrasting colors, textures, and flavors.
- Don’t set it all out at once. Only place a sampling of each of the different elements on the board and refill as needed.
- Building the board. Arrange the items so that there’s a pattern or symmetry, or make it look random. (See above for specific steps)
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Shape for the season, tuck small bowls and Easter cookie cutters on the board to corral berries, candies, or nuts.
- Build in clusters, place meats and cheeses in separate spots, then add crackers, fruits, and veggies to fill gaps for a full look.
- Smart refills, keep extra crackers, fruit, and veggies ready so you can refresh the board quickly during the party.
- Easter Elements:
- Use Easter candies to help the overall feel of the board. Bunny or Chick Peeps, Annie’s Bunny cookies, jelly beans, chocolate bunny, colorful Jordan Almonds, or chocolate eggs.
- Also use bowls in pastel pink, yellow, green and blue. Place colored Easter eggs on the board.
- Garnish with greenery. Adding fresh herbs is always a beautiful touch. Or use pretty plant leaves and the head of a flower like roses and tulips.
Easter Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- 1 wooden board, large platter or tray
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 types of meat, ham, prosciutto, pepperoni, etc.
Cheese
- 3 types of cheese, cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, etc.
Crackers/Bread
- 3 types of crackers/bread Ritz, pita, bradsticks, etc.
Fruits
- 1-2 types of fruit, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Veggies
- 1-2 types of vegetables, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, etc.
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
- 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, softened
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Avocado Dip
- 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, skin removed
- 4 ounces sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- garlic salt (with parsley flakes) to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
- Blend cream cheese, marshmallow creme and vanilla with a hand mixer until smooth and well combined. Fold in whipped topping and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Avocado Dip
- In a serving bowl mash the avocado, then stir in the sour cream and lime juice. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Build Your Board
- Place small bowls first. Use small bowls for dips and any produce that may leak juices. Or use Easter shape cookie cutters as a way to organize smaller-sized ingredients like fresh berries, nuts, and candies.
- Place each grouping of meat and cheese in different spots on the board.
- Add the different groupings of crackers on the board.
- Fill in any empty spots with the fruits, vegetables, and sweet treats.
- Decorate with green herbs and other festive Easter treats.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prepare the meats, cheese, produce, and dips 1-2 days in advance and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Gather the dry ingredients (crackers and candies) into one place.
Start building the board a few hours before the event. Place the bowls, meats, cheese, some produce, and select candies and garnish. Keep it covered in the fridge. Wait to add the crackers/breads and fruits that could brown easily until <hour before setting it out for guests.
I went into a sugar coma just looking at the picture of this board. My daughter’s 14th birthday is in April and I plan to make this for her party.
This is the cutest idea ever! Totally saving this idea to make for my family in a few weeks.
Thanks!! I sure hope they like it!
My kids went crazy over this dessert board! It was the perfect way to pull out all of our Easter candy and made a great movie night treat!
Mine do too!! Thank you so much!!
Ok, how fun is this?! I am so going to do this for my in-laws!! Love all the bright colors!!
The cutest Easter charcuterie board! Such a variety of different goodies combined to make the best treats ever. So adorable.