Date published: November 11, 2023

Build Your Best Charcuterie Board

Want to elevate your entertaining game? Learn how to build your own crowd-pleasing charcuterie board! Game day appetizer, award night nosh, family dinner dessert—with so many meats and cheeses to choose from, along with an endless array of sweet and savory extras, we’ll show you how to make the perfect board for any bash.

What Is a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board is a spread of sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers and more, thoughtfully arranged on a platter. This delectable display is perfect for parties, special occasions or any time you want to impress guests. Traditionally served as an appetizer, charcuterie boards also make scrumptious sides, cheese plates and even desserts, offering a versatile and visually appealing option for elevating your dining experience.

What Is on a Charcuterie Board?

A classic charcuterie board features a mix of sliced meats, cheeses and an assortment of accompaniments. Meats like salami and prosciutto take center stage, while cheeses offer a rich, creamy contrast. Savory accompaniments like olives and pickles add a tangy twist, and the addition of fruits, nuts and sweet treats provide a harmonious balance. To complete the ensemble, a selection of crackers and bread acts as a sturdy canvas for this palate-pleasing presentation.

Meats for a Charcuterie Board

When it comes to selecting the best meats for your charcuterie board, diversity is key. Start with dry-cured pork options like Serrano ham or prosciutto, which offer a delightful combination of rich flavor and saltiness. Bresaola, a beef option, adds a deeper flavor, while various salami, such as soppressata and Genoa, bring versatility to the board with a variety of seasonings. And don't forget fun additions like mortadella, or explore meat spreads like rillettes and pâtés. By mixing and matching, you'll create a charcuterie board that's sure to please every palate.

Cheeses for a Charcuterie Board

When it comes to cheese for your charcuterie board, aim for a harmonious balance of textures and flavors to complement the meat. Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese offer rich, spreadable options, while semi-soft choices like Havarti strike the right balance. Firm cheeses such as cheddar and Gruyère bring robust flavors, and hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano add a salty punch. Mix and match to create a delightful cheese ensemble that complements your meat selections.

Savory Charcuterie Board Extras

Enhance your charcuterie board with an array of savory extras that add flavor and texture. Briny delights like olives, caper berries and marinated artichokes provide a zesty punch, while spiced or candied nuts bring a satisfying crunch. Savory dips and spreads, such as mustard, pepper jelly and chutneys, provide a delightful sauciness, and fresh vegetables such as cucumber and bell pepper offer a refreshing balance to the rich meats and cheeses.

Sweet Charcuterie Board Extras

Add a touch of indulgence to your charcuterie board! Dried fruits like apricots, cherries and figs bring natural sweetness and chewy texture, while spreads such as jams, honey and marmalades infuse a burst of fruity flavor. Don't forget a few quality pieces of dark chocolate or chocolate-covered nuts for a decadent finish, making your board a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

Charcuterie Board Crackers & Breads

For a versatile selection, choose from a range of crackers, sliced baguette or mini toasts of various shapes, sizes and flavors. You can't go wrong with classic water crackers and the simplicity of a saltine, but feel free to jazz things up with fruit and nut crisps. Crostini, grain crackers or thin, toasted baguette slices are perfect for spreading and scooping, ensuring every flavor on your charcuterie board finds its ideal match.

How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board

1. Choose Your Board:
Choose one that's visually appealing and offers enough space to arrange your ingredients without overcrowding.

2. Gather Containers and Utensils:
For a polished presentation, transfer your spreads and accompaniments from their store packaging into charming jars and bowls.

3. Start with the Cheese:
Place cheeses strategically across the board, creating a balance of flavors and textures and encouraging pairing with the various meats.

4. Fold and Arrange Your Meats:
Divide your board into quadrants and position one type of meat in the center of each quadrant. Consider folding them into shapes, such as a rose-like spirals or standing rolls.

5. Add Sweet and Savory Accompaniments:
Utilize small bowls and jars for items like jam, honey or olives, and consider placing them near complementary meats and cheeses to encourage pairing.

6. Fill in with Bread and Crackers:
Fill any remaining spaces on your board with an assortment of bread and crackers.

Pro Tips for Your Best Charcuterie Board

Can You Make Charcuterie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare much of your charcuterie board in advance. Meats and cheeses can be sliced and arranged a few hours before your event. However, for the freshest results, it's best to add the more delicate items like fresh fruits and bread just before serving to maintain their quality.

How to Make a Charcuterie Board on a Budget

To create a budget-friendly charcuterie board, focus on a few key items and get creative with what you have. Select economical cuts of meat and affordable cheese options. Incorporate pantry staples like crackers and bread. Instead of purchasing an array of spreads, consider making your own with simple ingredients like honey and mustard. A well-thought-out, budget-friendly board can still be visually appealing and full of flavor.

How Much Food Do I Need on My Charcuterie Board?

The quantity of food you need depends on the number of guests and whether the charcuterie board is the main course or an appetizer. As a general guideline, plan for about 2–4 ounces of cheese and 2 ounces of meat per person. Add an assortment of accompaniments and a variety of bread and crackers, ensuring there's enough for everyone to sample and enjoy.

What Is the 3-3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Boards?

The 3-3-3-3 rule is a handy guideline for creating a well-balanced charcuterie board. It suggests including three types of cheeses, three types of meats, three accompaniments (sweet or savory) and three types of bread or crackers. This rule helps ensure a diverse and visually appealing spread while offering a variety of flavors and textures. However, don't be afraid to get creative and adjust these numbers to suit your preferences and the number of guests you're serving. The goal is to create a board that everyone will enjoy!

Classic Charcuterie Board Recipe

Elevate game day or any day with a gourmet charcuterie board bursting with savory meats, rich cheeses and an array of tempting extras.

By World Market | @worldmarket

  • ● Prep time: 20 min
  • ● Cook time: n/a
  • ● Total time: 20 min.
  • ● Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

Meats (allot 2–3 oz meat per person):

  • 8 oz Genoa salami
  • 8 oz prosciutto
  • 8 oz soppressata salami

Cheeses (allot 3 oz cheese per person):

  • 6 oz aged gouda
  • 6 oz Manchego
  • 6 oz brie
  • 6 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano

Extras:

  • 8 oz fancy mixed nuts
  • 6 oz marcona almonds
  • 6 oz assorted olives
  • 4 oz Divina Peruvian Pepper Jam
  • 4 oz fig jam
  • 5 oz dried apricots
  • 5 oz fresh grapes
  • 1 package Olina's Date & Apricot Artisan Crackers
  • 1 package CaPeachio's Original Water Crackers
  • 1 baguette, sliced

Directions

Step 1

Choose your board, depending on your party size. You can use multiple boards if needed.

Step 2

Slice, cube or chunk cheeses and place throughout board.

Step 3

Fold and add meats.

Step 4

Add extras: Remove foods from their packages and add smaller amounts into ramekins or bowls.

Step 5

Fill in any spaces with crackers and bread.

Charcuterie Boards for Every Occasion

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Seasonal cookies, candies, fruits and nuts—i.e., the ideal dessert board.

Fall Charcuterie Board with Baked Brie

Creamy brie topped with apple butter sets the stage for autumnal abundance.

Tinned Fish Board

Serve up an assortment of this tasty trend.

Holiday Candy & Chocolate Board

Sweets and treats to sleigh the season.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Bring a classic holiday motif to life.

Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board

A savory, centerpiece-worthy spread.

Taco Board

Build-your-own tacos are always a winner.

Halloween Charcuterie Board

Creepy critters make for spooky snacking.

S'mores Board

The classic taste of summer, no campfire required!