Charcuterie Board For Beginners

Charcuterie boards – the adult version of a kid’s lunchable. Best part is that they are fun to make and a really easy appetizer option to entertain friends and family. If you want to create a charcuterie board but overwhelmed trying to create one, then this is for you!   I’ve made simple spreads and even some Pinterest and Instagram inspired spreads that cost me big at the register. The possibilities are endless but let’s start with the basics.

Create Dimension

Levels create the ultimate presentation and cake stands are not just for cake. So, if you have a cake stand here’s the time to use it. Don’t worry if it doesn’t match – it’ll all be covered with food. You can also use other items in your house that will add another level.  You can also stack asmall cutting board on top of a bigger cutting board to add a very subtle level.  I am using a flat cutting board with a black inset and a white owl cake stand.

Don’t Over-Complicate It

Every good host keeps their guest in mind. What’s the point of serving expensive fancy cheeses when your guests likes basic cheese? My most successful charcuterie boards have been where I take all of our  tastes into consideration. I love soft cheeses, Olivia dislikes spicy cheeses and Grayson prefers orange cheddar over white. Floyd likes the white extra sharp cheddar cheese and Teigan loves grapes and strawberries.

You will want a variety of cheeses to meet the multi-dimensional taste of your audience…My go to cheeses are:

• Brie
• Muenster
• Cheddar
• Extra sharp cheddar

I love to pre-cut my cheese for easier handling and more grab and go style for my family. I also like the flexibility with cut cheese over uncut.

Add Fruits And Meats To Create A Sweet And Savory Display

Adding fruit adds a sweetness that pairs well with cheese. I stick with grapes, strawberries and blackberries but the sky is the limit. You can add whatever fruit you love to eat or that are in season.

You can drape the grapes from your cake stand or fill in gaps on your board. I love how draped grapes look. It adds a bit of fancy and reminds me of those paintings at the art museum. Since I was using chocolate covered strawberries I but my grapes on my board this time. Charcuterie boards are very flexible and there is no right on wrong.

Then add a couple variations of cured meat because it adds savory flavors and balances all the sweetness –annnd charcuterie means cured meat so you can’t really have a charcuterie board without meat.  On this board I used a peppered salami. I recommend adding a couple meat options unless your audience loves one particular meat like mine (in that case don’t spend money you don’t need to spend). The board will look great whether it has no meat, one meat or a few different kinds of meats. Stay away from smoked meats as they tend to overpower all the other flavors. My go to meats are:

• Genoa Salami
• Peppered salami
• Italian Dry Salami
• Prosciutto

Add Nut Options For A Great Filler

I save my nuts for last because they fill in those little empty spaces quite well. I love adding different varieties of nuts for that little touch of saltiness. Since my husband ate my almonds I only had pistachios but usually I add 2 different kinds of nuts. Some of my go to nuts are:

• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts

Add Some Fancy

For this board I poured some honey I got from a local bee farmer on top of my brie and topped it with crushed pistachios. The honey and brie combination is amazing! You can also add sprigs of rosemary for a really rustic feel.

There You Have It!

That is it my friends, the basics to creating a beautiful charcuterie board. I promise you will have your guests feeling so welcome and admiring your hosting skills after creating this spread for them. Enjoy!

Your Supply List To Re-create This Basic Charcuterie Board

• Cutting board(s) and cake stand(s) of your choice
• 1 package of brie
• grapes (red, black or green)
• 2 different varieties of cheese
• peppered salami
• 2-3 cracker varieties
• pistachios
• almonds
• honey
• rosemary (optional for garnish)

Common Questions Answered

Q. What size is a charcuterie board?

A. Standard size is about 9×13 inches, but cutting boards can be as large as 12×18 inches and come in a variety of shapes such as circular, square or rectangular.

Q. Charcuterie board and wine pairing

A: Light to medium-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Franc – The wine has a bright acidity and fresh berry flavors that pairs well with fatty offerings and creamy textures.

Q. Where to buy charcuterie boards?

A. You can find wooden boards at Home Goods, Target, Walmart, Amazon and Etsy small business shops. Here are some boards that I’m looking at buying in the near future and range from $20-$40. Click the picture to go directly to the item page.