A party isn’t complete without an epic Charcuterie Board! It’s a good thing they’re super simple to make in basically no time at all. The ultimate meat and cheese board doesn’t have to be boring and it’s a hit at every gathering.

Overhead shot of charcuterie board on a blue background.

I’m currently pulling together the last minute details for Christmas….shopping…wrapping…Christmas morning brunch menu.  I want to have everything locked down by the end of the day tomorrow because this month totally got away from me. I just want one weekend to sit back and enjoy the season for a bit with the new boots I just gifted myself. 🙂

So far, I have this amazing Panettone French Toast on the menu along with the standard baked bacon. But while I’m getting all the hot stuff ready for brunch I like to set out an amazing Cheese Board for people to nibble on so they don’t get toasted from too many mimosas.

Charcuterie board on a walnut cutting board.

EASY CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Cheese and charcuterie boards are like my favorite thing to make ever. I made one year’s ago on a budget and while the photos could use a total refresh, the elements and “rules” are there for your to check out if you want. I used the same method for my Summer Charcuterie Board a few months ago and it turned out so fresh, fruity and perfect.

We, also, love making these mini PERSONAL Cheese Boards for parties so everyone gets their own board…..no germ-y hands touching all your cheese!

Honey being drizzled over a log of goat cheese.

For the holidays, I like to add more elements that speak to the season like sliced persimmons and candied walnuts. You can really add just about anything you want to your cheese platter. 

WHAT IS A CHARCUTERIE BOARD

It’s a tricky word…..charcuterie. And it’s pronounced “shahr-koo-tuh–ree”. 

Charcuterie is the art of preparing meats that are often smoked or cured, such as bacon, ham, sausages, terrines and pates, primarily from pork. People often use the term charcuterie to describe an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheese, and condiments.

It’s, actually, more correct to say ‘charcuterie board’ if you’re presenting an arrangement of cheese and meats on a board or platter at parties than just a blanket statement charcuterie.

A Charcuterie Board is a large display of those same meat products served alongside assorted accoutrements like pickles, cheese, olives and fruit. There are really not many rules to what you can add to your charcuterie plate but emphasis should always be on including fresh high quality products.

Close up of cranberry gorgonzola cheese.

WHAT TO PUT ON A CHARCUTERIE BOARD

The sky is the limit with your charcuterie tray and you’re only limited by your imagination. I like to include a variety of meats and cheeses on my charcuterie board so there’s a little something for everyone. 

You can come up with your own charcuterie board ideas to suit both your guests and your own preferences…..that’s why these are always a hit.

Close up of charcuterie board.

CHARCUTERIE BOARD INGREDIENTS

  • Smoked Gouda
  • Prosciutto
  • Seasoned Goat Cheese (I like to roll mine in Everything Spice Blend)
  • Parmesan Wedge
  • Manchego
  • Persimmon Slices
  • Marcona Almonds
  • Green and Red Grapes
  • Honeycomb
  • Salami

Proscuitto and cheese roll being sliced on a board.

HOW TO BUILD A CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Arranging your ingredients on the board artfully is an easy task, just be sure to find a board large enough to hold all your meats and cheeses. I love this one from Mevell Cutting Boards.

The Walnut Cutting Board with juice groove is a stunning looking dark & rich hue – dark grained walnut wood gives a mix of rustic charm and elegance to your kitchen, making it ideal to use as a serving platter for guests as well as a durable cutting board.

Durable and long lasting hardwood cutting board sustainably sourced and manufactured from black walnut wood in North America. You get an American made product that is inspected twice to make sure you get the best board, a thick and solid reversible walnut cutting board with juice drip groves.

If you don’t have a cutting board big enough to use as your cheese board display, you can just grab a standard sheet pan and arrange everything on there. It works just as beautifully!

Kellie Hemmerly of The Suburban Soapbox in an olive grove with a charcuterie tray.

You’ll also want to be sure you have enough nibbles for everyone at the party to enjoy so here’s a quick breakdown on how to calculate how much meat and cheese you’ll need for your board.

  • Meats – Include a variety of textures and flavors when selecting your meat like  salami and proscuitto. And plan for 3-4 slices of meat per person at a minimum.
  • Cheese – I like to include a sharp cheese like parmesan or cheddar, a soft cheese like goat cheese, a mild cheese like manchego and then a few extra favorites like cheddar or a buttery Butterkase to round out the cheese board. You’ll want to include enough for about 2 ounces of cheese per person at a minimum and be sure to slice the harder cheeses because they’re easier to serve that way.
  • Crackers and bread – Multigrain crackers or buttery crisps always go first so be sure to have a few extra but you’ll also want to include something seasonal like a fig crisp. I like to include thin, crispy bread sticks for a lighter option and visual interest.
  • Fruit – Dried and fresh fruit work well on a charcuterie board and this is your chance to amp up the color. Think of bright, vibrant fruits, like persimmon, to add some much needed color to your spread.
  • Nuts – I love to add nuts to my board and I usually just sprinkle a few around but if you have guests with allergies, it’s best to keep them in a separate bowl.
  • Olives, dips, spreads – My go-to here is an olive medley and honey but you can also include bowls of your favorite cheese dip or savory spread.  A light marmalade or fig jam is also amazing on your charcuterie board.

Overhead shot of charcuterie items on a stainless steel board with a red and white paper under the cheese.

 

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MORE EASY ENTERTAINING IDEAS

Overhead shot of charcuterie board on a blue background.

Get the Recipe: How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
A party staple, this easy Charcuterie Board is a must have for every occasion.
5 from 4 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 lb Prosciutto
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese
  • 1/2 lb Manchego
  • 1/2 lb Butterkase
  • 1 Persimmon , sliced
  • 1 lb Grapes
  • 1/4 cup Almonds
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • 1 cup Dried Apricots
  • 1 cup Olives
  • 1 Honeycomb
  • Assorted Crackers

Instructions 

  • Use a food safe board or line with parchment paper before arranging your charcuterie board.
  • Arrange the cheeses on the board and slice hard cheeses for easier serving.
  • Fan out the meats and arrange around the cheeses on the board.
  • Wash and pat dry fruit. Cut into bite sized pieces, if necessary. Place the fruit in the spaces remaining on the board.
  • Sprinkle the almonds and apricots around the board or place in small bowls on your board. You can also fill with olives, nuts, honey and dips.
  • Place the crackers around the board.
  • Fill in any open spots with proscuitto pieces twisted into little piles.

Video

Calories: 455kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 686mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 1047IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 517mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, French