Make this simple Charcuterie Board with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and vegetables for your next party or celebration. This meat and cheese board is not only fun to make and serve, but very easy to make!
Add my Veggie Dip to the board and Creamsicle Mimosas for a fun drink!
Charcuterie boards are not only fun to serve but actually a great way to serve appetizers. You can easily create a selection of meats, cheeses on a board, filled with fruits, vegetables, and crackers that make it colorful and appetizing. This trend is popular not only for parties and get-togethers but any celebrations or simply just movie nights. You can now buy a platter with pre-sliced cured meats (with 3 or more types) which makes creating the board even easier. Just remember to keep it simple and colorful!
Ingredients:
- cheese: a mix of both soft and hard; cheddar, Swiss, goat cheese, cream cheese spread, brie,
- meats: cured meats, preferable pre-sliced; salami, prosciutto,
- fruit: grapes, berries, sliced apples and pears, segmented citrus, dried fruit etc.
- vegetables: pickles, mini peppers, cornichons, olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices or sticks, sliced radishes, etc.
- crackers and breads: sliced baguette, pumpernickel, grain crackers, round crackers, pretzel crisps, artisan crackers
- spreads: jams, jellies, mustards, dips, honey,
- nuts: pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts,
How to make a Charcuterie Board?
- Start with a large base. Any wooden cutting board works, really.
- Create a meat river by folding each slice of meat and arranging it in a strip across the board.
- Add 2 to 3 little bowls and fill them with spreads, jams, olives, cornichons.
- Add cheese. Fold or roll large slices and use toothpicks to keep them together. Bite-size pieces can be placed in groups.
- Add veggies in groups.
- Fill the gaps with fruit, nuts, crackers, baguette slices.
What is a charcuterie board?
A Charcuterie board is essentially a cheese board with cured meats. It is common to add pickled veggies, olives, spreads, fruits, veggies, nuts, and crackers.
Why is it called a charcuterie board?
The name pronounced [shahr-koo-tuh-ree] refers to the art of preparing cured or smoked meats. It’s a sister to a cheese board, just a little fancier.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese board can be assembled hours before serving. It is best to cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can also prep the cheese and meats by slicing them and keeping them wrapped until you are ready to assemble the board.
Best tips:
- First and foremost, do not over-buy and get overwhelmed. There is a ton of beautiful photos of charcuterie boards on the Internet, but remember, you do not need to have every cheese, meat, fruit, etc. Keep it simple and add what you like. Start with 3 kinds of cheese and meats. Make it colorful with fresh veggies and fruits. Add breads and crackers and you are set!
- Use a large platter, wooden cutting board, marble board for the base. You do not need a special charcuterie board.
- Fold the slices of meats and cheese for added texture.
- Use small bowls or jars for spreads, jams, etc. Ramekins work well too!
- Bite-size fruits are the best but you can slice apples, pears, and segment citrus.
- Don’t forget the tools! You will need cheese knives, small forks, and toothpicks to make it easy to serve the board contents.
More appetizer recipes:
For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Appetizer category.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!
Simple Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb cured meats salami, prosciutto, ham, etc.
- 1 ½ lbs cheese
- 1 cup cornichons
- ½ cup jam or fruit spread
- 5 mini peppers sliced in half or quarters
- 1 cup grapes
- ¾ cup nuts
- 1 baguette sliced
- 12 oz crackers
Instructions
- Select your base: any wooden cutting board, large platter or marble board works.
- Create a meat river by folding each slice of meat and arranging it in a strip across the middle of the board.
- Add 2 to 3 little bowls and fill them with spreads, jams, olives, cornichons. Place them on the opposite corners and one towards the center.
- Add cheese. Fold or roll large slices and use toothpicks to keep them together. Bite-size pieces can be placed in groups.
- Add veggies in groups.
- Fill the gaps with fruit, nuts, crackers, baguette slices.
- Add tools: cheese knives, spoons, toothpicks, mini forks.
Notes
- The cheese board can be assembled hours before serving. It is best to cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can also prep the cheese and meats by slicing them and keeping them wrapped until you are ready to assemble the board.
- Bite-size fruits are the best but you can slice apples, pears, and segment citrus.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
wilhelmina says
I love these grazing boards! It is just such a fun way to spend an evening, especially if it involves wine and friends!
Katie says
Cold cuts with varieties of cheeses has to be one of my favorite things!
Melissa says
Such a fun way to have a yummy lunch or dinner!