Simple Charcuterie Board

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This simple charcuterie board is perfect for entertaining! Try making your own charcuterie board at your next party for super easy entertaining!

I love making a beautiful charcuterie board for the holiday season. It's one of my favorite appetizers. It's the star of the show of any party! My guests love one every single time, and yours will too!

Recipe Inspiration

This is more of a formula than a recipe. To make a cheese board, you'll need a few cheeses, crackers, and some add ons.

But first, you'll need a board. You can use a large cutting board, a small board, or even a serving tray.

I recommend using a combination of soft cheese and hard cheese, with a variety of different types, like goat cheese, brie cheese, blue cheese. A good rule of thumb is to have one kind of cheese per two people. So if you're hosting 6 people, starting with three types of cheese will be good.

For the sides, you can use fresh fruit, dried fruit, fresh herbs, nuts, olives, cured meat, summer sausage, or whatever you think your guests will like. You can also use honey or fig jam.

Finally, for the last step, add in crispy crackers or baguette slices. The perfect charcuterie board has a wide variety of items. The fun part is getting to choose what you want to include!

The key is to have different kinds of cheese and different textures to suit palates of a lot of people. Also, having different shapes on your board makes for a more interesting mix and match bite.

If you're looking for other delicious appetizer recipes, check out our Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Whipped Goat Cheese and Tomato Tart, or Easy Tomato Crostini!

Cheese, crackers, meat, and honey on a board

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Here are some ideas for various ingredients that you can include on your charcuterie board.

Cheese - all and any! Some of my favorites are from Cypress Grove. You can choose to pre-slice your cheese on the board or let your guests dig in. There's no right or wrong way, just based on preference!
Berries - strawberries and blueberries are great
Red Grapes
Green Grapes
Nuts
Olives
Pickles
Honey - regular or hot honey
Mustard - I love a grainy mustard!
Baguette
Focaccia
Cured Meats
Fresh herbs
Jam - any flavor you like
Crostini

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy charcuterie board:

Hard Cheese - I used Aged Gouda
Soft Cheese - I used Blue Cheese
1 Block Your Choice - I used Burrata, but you can use many kinds of cheeses ranging from slices of cheese or a special cheese you think your good friends would love.
Add-Ons - Place add ons in small bowls on the board. I used Castelvetrano olives, honey, and pecans for this board, but you can use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Meat Slices - I used prosciutto, but you can use hard salami, deli meat, or whatever you prefer. A general rule of thumb is a few ounces of meat per person, keeping in mind how hungry your guests are. You'd want more meat, for example, if you have hungry kids or are feeding a lot of men.

Step by Step Instructions

Let's make this small charcuterie board together!

Step 1

Start by laying out your board. I like to cover mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup, but this is totally optional. Lay out your cheese on the board. You want to start with larger items and fill the board in with smaller items.

Step 2

Place your add-ons throughout the board. Place them in small bowls or in empty spaces on the board.

Step 3

Add in your meat (or meats!) to the board in any remaining spaces. Fill in the rest of the board with an assortment of crackers and bread. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips and tricks to make a good charcuterie board.

Variety - A variety of cheeses, add ons, meats, and crackers is the best way to guarantee a delicious cheese board. Some might like firm cheeses, while others soft. Variety is great because you can mix and match elements on the board, creating a new bite every time.

Stock Up - I love having ingredients for a cheese board on hand. It's such a great appetizer if I have to unexpectedly throw something together and totally stress free! Trader Joe's has a lot of great options for cheeses, meats, and add ons. Or visit your local Italian grocery store!

Make it a Meal - I love a simple board car date night. Is there anything more romantic than a simple cheese board, good wine, and quality time? Plus, it's so easy to clean up!

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Wooden Board - I love serving an epic charcuterie board on a large board. This one is great and is perfect for special occasions and casual date nights alike.

Cheese Knives - I love this set of cheese knives for charcuterie boards. They add so much character and are great for a variety of cheeses!

Small Plates - Set out these small plates for your guests to use as they enjoy your epic cheese board!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.

Spice it Up - Add in a spicy cheese or meat for spice lovers. You can also add in hot honey for a kick.

Make a Sauce - Adding a sauce like a chimichurri or roasted red pepper sauce is a great way to bring unexpected flavor to your board.

Make a Theme - Give a theme to your cheese board for extra fun! This is especially great for themed parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about cheese boards:

What are the basics of a charcuterie board?

Charcuterie boards contain meat, cheese, crackers, and some add ons. There is no right or wrong to what you include on a charcuterie board. Some examples are dried fruit, olives, pickles, jam, honey, or mustard.

How do you set up a small charcuterie board?

Set up a small charcuterie board by placing three cheeses on the board. Add in some add ons like olives, pickles, fresh or dried fruit, mustard, or honey. Add in some meat, and finish by filling in the remaining spots with crackers.

Is charcuterie an appetizer?

Yes, charcuterie boards are typically served as an appetizer for at home entertaining or in restaurants. Charcuterie is typically served on a long wooden board so the various cheeses and meats can be displayed.

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover charcuterie items in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze cheese in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy.

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