How To Make An Easy Charcuterie Board
Hosting a party or family get-together this weekend? Learn how to build the perfect charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, fresh fruit, and different meats. Easy, elegant and ideal for the holiday season or any special occasion!
Easy Charcuterie Boards.
Creating a charcuterie board is a great way to impress guests, celebrate a special occasion, or just enjoy a relaxing evening with a glass of wine and your favorite cheeses.
What I love most is how easy it is to cater to everyone’s tastes. Have a friend who loves bold flavors? Add some blue cheese or spicy Genoa salami.
Someone who prefers sweet? Toss on some fresh berries, fig jam, or apple slices. For kids, mild cheddar cheese and crunchy crackers are always a win.
Assembling A Good Charcuterie Board.
A good board balances different textures, flavors, and colors. Creamy and hard cheeses, salty and sweet pairings, soft meats with crisp crackers, and pops of color from seasonal fruits.
Use small bowls or little dishes for spreads and condiments to keep things tidy, and don’t be afraid to fill in the empty spaces with herbs like fresh rosemary or a few nuts for that finished look.
The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. The best boards are the ones that feel a little organic and rustic.
Ingredients:
Assorted Cheeses
Brie (wheel)
Gouda (cubed)
Blue Stilton
Cured Meats
Prosciutto
Genoa Salami
Nuts & Fruits
Cashews & Pistachios
Green Grapes (bunches)
Dried Figs
Accompaniments
Fig Jam
Crackers & Bread
Scalloped Crackers
Cheese Crackers
Instructions:
1. Start with a Variety of Cheeses
Prepare the Cheeses: Arrange the Brie wheel as the centerpiece. Cube the Gouda for easy snacking. Crumble the Blue Stilton.
One of the most important things to remember is to choose a mix of 2–4 different types of cheese. This gives your board balance and variety:
Soft cheeses like creamy brie or goat cheese add a rich, spreadable texture.
Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or cheddar cheese offer bold, sharp notes and contrast beautifully with fruits and jams.
Add a blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
Try different shapes and styles: wheels, cubes and crumbled to make your board visually dynamic.
Use cheese knives or small spreaders so guests can serve themselves easily. It’s also helpful to label each cheese, especially if you’re serving multiple kinds of cheese.
2. Add a Variety of Meats
Assemble the Cured Meats: Roll up the prosciutto into tight rolls. For the salami, place slices over a narrow glass, folding them over each other to create a rose-like appearance.
No good charcuterie board is complete without an assortment of meats. Choose a few different meats to suit a range of tastes:
Genoa salami (folded or rolled into slices of salami) is always a hit.
Thinly sliced prosciutto adds elegance and a salty component.
Soppressata or spicy chorizo can add a little kick.
3. Don’t Forget the Fresh Fruit & Seasonal Items
Fresh and dried fruits are the perfect addition to balance the richness of the meat and cheese. They can add different colors and flavors, and help refresh the palate between bites.
Some seasonal items and fruit options include:
Fresh berries (like raspberries and blackberries)
Red grapes and green grapes
Fresh figs or dried figs
Apple slices or pear wedges
Seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or persimmons
4. Bread, Crackers & Spreads
Use a mix of:
Sliced French bread
Crackers in different shapes
Crostini or thin breadsticks
Offer spreads like fig jam, fruit chutney, or even honey in little dishes or small bowls. They add a nice touch of sweetness to the board.
5. Filling Empty Spaces & Final Touches
Here’s a pro tip: fill empty spaces with fresh rosemary, nuts, or olives. Not only do they add texture and aroma but they also help your board look full and lush. Consider adding:
Roasted almonds or cashews
Marinated olives
Pickles or cornichons
A few good things to keep on hand: cheese knives, cocktail napkins, and small tongs for serving.
Assembly Tips
Start with large items (Brie, meats, grapes), then fill in with smaller elements (nuts, figs, crackers).
Use symmetry or an organic, flowing layout.
Play with height: stack a few items or use small ramekins for elevation.
To accompany a charcuterie board, you could serve easy party appetizers like stuffed mini peppers, bruschetta, caprese skewers, or a warm spinach artichoke dip.
📌 Save this recipe card or pin it for later - and let me know in the comments if you try them! I’d love to see how yours turn out!
