How To Make A Charcuterie Board

We love easy yet impressive appetizers around here. If you’re looking for more no-bake favorites, don’t miss Garlic Herb Cheese Log, Key Lime Cream Cheese Fruit Dip, Guacamole and Italian Chex Mix.

How to Make a Charcuterie Board Video

What Goes on a Charcuterie Board?

The beauty of DIY charcuterie boards is they are 100% customizable. The base of any charcuterie board is a variety of cured meats and cheeses. From there, you can mix and match the following to your heart’s content: The key to success, however, is to include a variety of tastes and textures. Add items that are sweet, salty, savory, briny, crunchy, crispy, juicy, and creamy. See the full list of items and quantities in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

The best meats for a Charcuterie Board

To select your meats, head towards the deli department. You’ll find the meats either at the deli counter or pre-packaged with the specialty deli meats and cheeses. Purchase different types of meats for contrasting flavors and textures so every bite is interesting! You can often find variety packs that are less expensive than buying a few meats.
My favorite meats as pictured:

Other tasty meats:

The Best Cheese for a Charcuterie Board

I recommend at least two types of cheese for your charcuterie board, preferably one soft or spreadable cheese and one semi-soft or hard cheese. If you are making a larger board, it’s ideal to have one of each: one spreadable cheese, one soft cheese, and a couple semi-soft and hard cheeses (all outlined below). Again, you want to keep the complementary textures and flavors of every item in mind when building the board.

Spreadable cheeses

These are ideal for spreading on toasts and crackers:

Soft cheeses:

These are also fabulous for spreading on toasts and crackers, and pair well with a drizzling of honey, nuts and fruit. My favorite bite is crostini smeared with brie, topped with a strawberry slice and a drizzle of honey. Marinated mozzarella balls also pair famously with brined olives. Here are a few soft cheese options:

Semi soft and hard cheeses:

There are so many fabulous options! It really depends on your favorite cheese and what your pairing it with on the charcuterie board. My personal favorite cheeses are Gouda and Havarti, so I will always add those, but others may prefer Manchego and white cheddar. Here are my top recommendations:

top recommendations

Other Tasty Options

The Best Fruit for a Charcuterie Board

Fruits’ natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty, savory meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board. Grapes, apples, strawberries and blueberries are meat and cheese board favorites, but I also love cantaloupe or honey dew melon balls paired with prosciutto and Burrata. Make sure to wash and dry the fruit ahead of time and slice or pre-cut any larger pieces, such as apples or melons.

Fresh fruit:

Dried fruit:

The Best Dips and Spreads for a Charcuterie Board

Typically honey, fruit preserves and mustard are served on a cheese and meat board in individual containers. Depending on the theme and ingredients of your board, you may also wish to include other dips/spreads like bacon jam, pesto, hummus, etc. Make your own spreads or save time with store-bought. I’ve linked my favorite dips and spreads below:

The Best Nuts for a Charcuterie Board

Nuts add a savory, salty crunch to the charcuterie board. I always like to add at least two for flavor contrast. Purchase roasted, salted nuts so they are stand-alone scrumptious! Check the nut section of your grocery store for not only traditional nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, cashews, cocktail peanuts, and mixed nuts, but for flavored nuts as well.

The Best Bread and Crackers for a Charcuterie Board

Bread and crackers are the vehicle to inhale all of those tasty meats and cheeses! I like to toast French baguette slices and serve with at least two different cracker options for a variety of texture, flavor and shape. Go for gluten-free options if necessary.

The Best Add-Ons for a Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are the ideal home for a briny treat to cut through the rich meats and cheeses. Our favorites include Kalamata olives, picked veggies, and adorable cornichon (mini pickles). Serve the nibbles in individual bowls with toothpicks nearby.