Go Back
+ servings
Save This Recipe Form

Don’t lose this recipe!

Put in your email, and we’ll deliver it straight to your inbox. You’ll also get weekly recipe suggestions based on what you love. Opt-out anytime – no strings attached!

A diverse charcuterie board featuring assorted cheeses, cured meats, grapes, breadsticks, crackers, pickles, and jam on a light-colored tablecloth provides the perfect spread for any gathering.

The Perfect Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is my go-to when I want to impress guests without the hassle of cooking. It's the perfect mix of meats, cheeses, and fruits that everyone loves to snack on, whether it's a holiday gathering or just a casual wine night. Super easy to throw together and totally customizable with your favorites, it's great for any occasion. No stress, just delicious bites that make any get-together feel special.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe [btn-google-source]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Charcuterie board
Servings: 8
Calories: 466kcal

Ingredients

Breads

  • 12-16 slices Crostini same recipe we shared with you
  • 1-2 cups Bread sticks chips

Acid elements

  • ½ cup pickles small pickles or sliced
  • ½ cup olives mixed of your choice

Cheeses

  • 6-8 ounces Brie
  • 4-6 ounces blue cheese
  • 4-6 ounces goat cheese

Cured Meats

  • 4-6 ounces cured ham or prosciutto about 6-8 slices
  • 4-6 ounces salami about 8-10 slices
  • 4-6 ounces smoked loin

Sweet elements

  • 1-2 peaches sliced thin
  • 1-1 ½ cups grapes mixed red and green
  • ¼ cup orange Jelly
  • 2-4 tablespoons honey

Decoration

  • Fresh herbs
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Select a large serving board or platter that provides plenty of space for all your ingredients. You want enough room for everything to be laid out in a way that's visually appealing and easy for guests to pick from.
  • Start by placing the cured meats and cheeses on opposite sides of the board to create balance. For extra flair, drizzle honey over one of the soft cheeses or add a spoonful of orange jelly to top it off.
    6-8 ounces Brie, 4-6 ounces blue cheese, 4-6 ounces goat cheese, 4-6 ounces cured ham or prosciutto, 4-6 ounces salami, 4-6 ounces smoked loin, ¼ cup orange Jelly, 2-4 tablespoons honey
  • Next, place the crostini and breadstick chips around the board, arranging them close to the cheeses for easy pairing. Use a mix of textures, like crunchy chips and softer bread slices, to make the board more interesting.
    12-16 slices Crostini, 1-2 cups Bread sticks chips
  • Scatter the pickles and olives in small groups across the board. Their sharp, briny flavors will complement the sweetness of the fruits you'll add next.
    ½ cup pickles, ½ cup olives
  • Now, add the sliced peaches and grapes, grouping them together for a pop of color and sweetness. These fruits pair perfectly with both the cheeses and the meats.
    1-2 peaches, 1-1 ½ cups grapes
  • Finish by garnishing the board with fresh herbs for added color and a touch of fragrance. If you want, sprinkle a little pepper over the board to enhance the overall flavor.
    Fresh herbs, Pepper
  • Serve and enjoy! Be sure to offer small plates so your guests can easily sample different combinations.

Notes

  • Perfect Pairing: Place meats and cheeses close to one another for easy pairing, allowing guests to experiment with different combinations. Try mixing salty meats with creamy cheeses for a satisfying balance of flavors.
  • Balance the Flavors: Include both sweet and acidic items like fruits, pickles, or olives. The sweetness from the fruits will cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses, while the acidity adds a refreshing tang.
  • Visual Appeal: Arrange ingredients in small, grouped clusters rather than spreading them out evenly. This creates visual interest and makes it easier for guests to find what they’re looking for.
  • Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme as garnish to bring a pop of color and fragrance. It not only looks beautiful but also adds a subtle aromatic touch to the board.
  • Texture Variety: Incorporate a variety of textures—such as crunchy breadsticks, soft crostini, juicy fruits, and creamy cheeses—to keep every bite interesting. Texture variety ensures that your charcuterie board never feels one-dimensional.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Resist the urge to overload the board. Leaving some space around the items will make everything more accessible and give the spread a cleaner, more professional look.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1233mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 515IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!