Learn how to make a charcuterie board in minutes! This tutorial includes everything you need including meat and cheese pairings, food ideas, and how to build the best charcuterie board. Piled high with meats, cheeses, olives, sauces, and other snacks of your choice, this easy snack platter can be as extravagant or as simple as you like.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Total Time10 minutesmins
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizers, Charcuterie, crowd pleasing recipes, date night, meats and cheese pairings, Party recipes, snacks
Hard cheeses like manchego, cheddar, swiss, parmesan, Emmental, pecorino-romano, etc.
Soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie (try baking!), cream cheese (with pepper jelly on top!), burrata, mozzarella, etc.
Accoutrements
Spreads, dips, and condiments: high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, savory jams, mustards, olive oil, hummus, chutneys, etc.
Vehicles: crackers, bread, crisps
Sweet additions: dried fruits, fresh berries, apple slices
Savory additions: nuts, pickles, olives, marinated peppers or other veggies
Instructions
First, find a board or platter large enough for all of the ingredients. Alternatively, you can tape down a large sheet of butcher paper on your countertop for a larger crowd.
Next, begin layering the meats and cheeses in rows or small piles. I like to design the board so the meats and cheeses all come together in the center of the board.
Add the savory and sweet accompaniments to colorful ramekins and bowls.
Add jams, dips, spreads or oils in small bowls for dipping.
Add fresh, toasted bread or crackers for dipping and pairing with the other items on the board.
Notes
Please read the entire post for details, tips, and more!
Serve olives and pickles in a small bowl so the juices are contained and don’t run into other sections of the board.
Keep it familiar and simple! Have a variety for everyone, but don’t overload your board.Make sure the board is filled with ingredients you and your guests enjoy eating! When in doubt, avoid unfamiliar territory and keep it simple.
Finding ingredients. You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. If you are searching for something new to try, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and other specialty stores always have interesting options.
Serving size. Account for about 4 pieces of each item per person.You kinda have to eyeball this one. Take into consideration the number of people eating and if your charcuterie board is an appetizer or the main course.