Lisa
Charcuterie boards are all the rage. What’s not to love? Meats, cheese, veggies, nuts, fruits, crackers, and more. It’s a feast for the senses – interactive, abundant, and inviting, with contrasting colors, flavors, and textures.
Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or an elegant soirée, a great charcuterie board is sure to wow your guests. I make a charcuterie board every time I host. I simply vary the size and items based on the number of guests.
Truthfully, I often make myself a mini-charcuterie board for a “girl dinner”. But the TikTok snacky trend of women having a meal of charcuterie boards and visually pleasing snack plates, featuring bread, cheese, olives, pickles, nuts, and colorful fruits and vegetables isn't just for the ladies. Deliciousness is for everyone!
The Foundation
Start with a wooden, marble, slate, or ceramic board large enough to display all elements without overcrowding. Round, rectangular, or tiered boards work well. Add small bowls, ramekins, or mini boards for spreads to create depth and structure.
Funny Charcuterie Board with Placement Guide – Large Decorative Wood Cheeseboard
Original price was: $37.99.$35.99Current price is: $35.99. -5%
The Main Event
Cured Meats – Select at least 3-4 different meats for variety in flavor and texture
- Salami (mild or spicy) – Fold into rosettes for a decorative touch.
- Prosciutto – Thin and delicate, perfect for draping or rolling.
- Chorizo – Offers a smoky, bold kick.
- Soppressata – Coarse, flavorful, and slightly spicy.
- Coppa or Bresaola – Adds an elegant, tender bite.
Pro Tip: Arrange meats in ribbons, folds, or rolls to create movement on the board.
Cheeses – Aim for 4-5 cheese varieties, representing different textures and intensities
- Soft & Creamy: Brie, Camembert, Goat Cheese, Burrata
- Semi-Soft: Havarti, Fontina, Gouda
- Hard & Aged: Cheddar, Parmesan, Manchego
- Blue: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort
- Flavored: Cranberry Stilton, Truffle-infused, Herb-rubbed cheeses
Pro Tip: Pre-slice some cheese into triangles, cubes, or sticks while keeping larger wheels whole for a varied presentation.
The Accents
Sweet Additions
- Fresh Fruits: Grapes, figs, berries, sliced apples, pears
- Dried Fruits: Apricots, cranberries, dates
- Honeycomb or Honey Drizzle: Perfect for drizzling over brie or blue cheese
- Fruit Jams & Preserves: Fig jam, raspberry jam, apple butter
Savory Additions
- Pickled Veggies: Cornichons, pickled onions, olives
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios for a crunchy contrast
- Spicy Mustard: Complements meats and cheeses
Breads & Crackers
- Crusty Baguette Slices – Perfect for spreading soft cheeses
- Seeded Crackers or Crostini – Adds texture and contrast
- Grissini (Thin Breadsticks) – Aesthetic and functional
Pro Tip: Fan out crackers in small stacks or semicircles to make them easy to grab.
The Presentation
Color & Texture Balance:
- Place large items first (cheeses, meats, ramekins of spreads)
- Fill in gaps with smaller items like nuts, berries, and crackers
- Use fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for pops of green
- Edible flowers can add an elegant pop of color
- Add themed elements (holiday decor, mini pumpkins, gold accents, etc.) for special events and celebrations
Pair it Up:
- Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Merlot (great with cured meats)
- White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (ideal for creamy cheeses)
- Cocktails & Sparkling Water: Serve with citrus garnishes for a refreshing touch
