Charcuterie Board Recipe

Creating a stunning charcuterie board is easier than it looks and it’s always a crowd-pleaser! This beautiful spread of cheeses, meats, fruits, and accompaniments can be customized for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Cheeses (Choose 3, 5, or 7, depending on your group size)

• Hard cheeses: Manchego, cheddar, Swiss, gouda, gruyère, parmesan
• Soft cheeses: Brie, triple cream, goat cheese, havarti, burrata, or cream cheese topped with pepper jelly
• Optional additions: Blue cheese or gorgonzola for a bold flavor

Meats

• Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, ham, chorizo, capicola, soppressata
• Summer sausage (a more budget-friendly option)

Savory Accompaniments

• Nuts: Almonds, candied pecans, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts
• Pickled or marinated items: Olives, cocktail onions, cornichons, dill pickles, pepperoncini, olive tapenade, bruschetta
• Dips and spreads: Whole-grain mustard, hummus, ranch, balsamic dip, or romesco
• Optional veggies: Cold-cut vegetables like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or bell pepper strips

Sweet Accompaniments

• Fresh fruit: Grapes, apples, pears, oranges, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries
• Dried fruit: Apricots, cherries, figs, pineapple, mango
• Sweet spreads: Fig butter, orange marmalade, or berry jam
• Chocolate: A few pieces of high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate-covered nuts

Crackers and Breads

• Pita crackers, whole grain crackers, croccantini, or your favorite variety
• Toasted baguette slices or mini toasts

---

Instructions

1. Select the Board:
   Choose a wooden, marble, or slate board based on the number of guests. If serving a large group, use multiple smaller boards for variety and easy access.
2. Start with the Cheese:
   Place cheeses first to anchor your layout. Work in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) for an appealing arrangement. Cut some pieces and leave others whole to create texture and visual interest.
3. Add the Meats:
   Fold or roll cured meats for easy grabbing. Fan slices like a deck of cards, fold them twice for small stacks, or drape prosciutto in soft ribbons for a delicate touch.
4. Arrange the Accompaniments:
   Distribute savory and sweet items evenly across the board.
   • Pair savory items (mustard, pickles, nuts) near stronger cheeses and meats like salami or soppressata.
   • Place sweet accompaniments (fruit, jams, candied nuts) next to mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
5. Fill the Gaps:
   Add crackers and toasts, then use nuts, berries, or herbs to fill in any empty spots for a full, abundant look.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s completely customizable — perfect for any size, season, or budget.
• A show-stopping centerpiece that’s easy to assemble yet looks elegant.
• Offers a balance of flavors and textures — creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet, and savory.
• Ideal for holidays, parties, or casual movie nights.

---

Tips

• Room temperature cheeses: Let cheeses sit out for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Visual balance: Mix colors and shapes for a more appealing look — cubes, slices, wedges, and rounds.
• Layer textures: Combine creamy dips, crunchy nuts, juicy fruits, and crisp crackers.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave small pockets of space so each item stands out.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian board: Skip the meats and add grilled veggies, extra nuts, and plant-based spreads.
• Mediterranean twist: Use feta, hummus, olives, roasted peppers, and pita chips.
• Sweet board: Focus on chocolate, fruit, pastries, and sweet dips like hazelnut spread.
• Seasonal boards:
  • Summer: Fresh berries, citrus, light cheeses
  • Fall: Figs, apples, spiced nuts, aged cheddar
  • Winter: Cranberries, brie, rosemary, dark chocolate

---

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble most of the board a few hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add crackers and delicate fruits just before serving.

What if I don’t have a wooden board?
Use a baking sheet, large platter, or even a cutting board — anything flat works!

How much food do I need per person?
Plan about 3–4 oz (85–115 g) of cheese and 2 oz (60 g) of meat per guest.

---

Serving and Suggestions

Serve your charcuterie board at room temperature with small tongs, toothpicks, or cheese knives for easy serving. Pair with a glass of sparkling water, wine, or mocktail, and don’t forget small plates and napkins.

✨ For a stunning finishing touch, garnish the board with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or honeycomb — they make your creation irresistible!