How to Make a Charcuterie Board

You’re obsessed with charcuterie boards, I’m obsessed with charcuterie boards. I know it and you know it. But what makes the perfect charcuterie board?

As self-proclaimed cheese and meat connoisseurs, Patty and I worked on building a well-rounded charcuterie platter for every occasion. Or if you’re like us, you can make a meal out of it (which is insane but who cares).

Anyone can do cheese and crackers, but a well-crafted, well thought out charcuterie board is so much more than that. It’s like the Rolls-Royce of cheese platters.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

Ultimatly, a charcuterie board is a broad assortment of cured meats, both hard and soft style cheeses, bread and crackers, fruits, purees, spreads, and jams.

There are no rules to building your meat and cheese plate, but below are a few of our favorite combinations to get the inspiration juices flowing. My personal philosophy is all about mixing and matching complementary and savory flavors. 

I would choose two or three (or more) options from each of the categories below for starters. A wide range of cured meats and hard cheeses transforms cheese and crackers into an elegant cheese board.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list and it’s all about preference—we switch up variations every time. A final note; my absolute favorite combo and one worth trying is brie cheese drizzled with honey on a crispy bagel chip. I’m addicted, and I think you will be too.

What Kind of Board Should I Use?

Any large wooden cutting board or surface should work. This one here is very similar to what I have pictured. It’s a little bigger at 24×8 inches (excluding the handle). Make Sure you get the 30-inch as it includes the handle.

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Salty

• Baby dill pickles
• Pickled onions and peppers
• Fresh green olives
• Spanish almonds
• Regular almonds

Fruits & Spreads

• Raspberries
• Honey
• Truffle honey (truffle oil and honey)
• Sliced fresh fig
• Fig jam spread
• Hot pepper jelly
• Grapes
• Sliced pears and apples
• Dried fruits
• Dipping oil (olive oil and spices such as garlic, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano)

Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese

• Gruyère—firm, mild, sweet, and salty cheese from Switzerland.
• Cheddar—everyone knows what cheddar cheese is.
• Brie—rich and creamy cheese from France.
• Fresh mozzarella—go with the 8-ounce ball of mozzarella.
• Manchego—a firm, nutty-tasting cheese from Spain made from sheep’s milk.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano—hard Italian cheese similar to Parmesan.
• Pepperjack—American cheese flavored with hot chili peppers.
• Port wine cheese—creamy spreadable cheese flavored with port wine.

Bread and Crackers

• Sea salt bagel crisps/chips
• Thinly sliced toasted French bread
• Pretzel chips
• Rosemary crackers
• Your favorite crackers

Meats

• Prosciutto
• Genoa Salami
• Cappocola
• Mortadella

The recipe below is the board we made pictured here. Good luck!

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