How to Put Together the Perfect Charcuterie Board

 Have you ever wanted to create your own beautiful and delicious charcuterie board for a party or event, but became immediately overwhelmed with all the options? Or maybe even doubted your creativity? It’s easier than you think and we are here to help! Follow this guide to building the perfect cheese platter for your next get together that is sure to impress your guests with its scrumptious flavor and eye-catching appearance.

The key to a well-balanced charcuterie board is to have a little bit of everything. A great board will include a good variety of meat, cheese, crackers/breads, spreads, and something sweet to tie it all together. The best part of this process is that you have full control and can make it with whatever you like, however you like!

To get started, you’ll want to get an idea of the different ingredients you want on your board before you head to the store so the overall preparation can feel less overwhelming. The meat and cheese section at the grocery store has a wide variety of options and can feel daunting when you are sifting through all of the choices and brands. I recommend putting together a shopping list ahead of time to make your trip to the market more efficient.

You will want around two to four options of cheese and meat each, depending on the size of the board you are looking to create.

Here are some yummy examples of cheeses and meats that taste delicious together on a charcuterie board:

Honey Goat Cheese and Pepperoni

White Cheddar and Roast Beef

Baked Brie and Prosciutto

Fontina and Turkey Salami

Mozzarella and Summer Sausage

Once you’ve gathered the main elements, it’s time to move onto picking out the crackers and breads for your board. I recommend having two to three different options, like breadsticks, pita crackers, and slices of French bread. It’s important to have different textures to mix and match with, that way the combinations of cheese, meat, and bread are essentially endless.

Next, you’ll want to find the perfect spread. The spreads are typically located near the cheese section, but you can also use the typical jam, jelly, or honey that you already have in your fridge if you like! Goat cheese and Brie pair amazingly with spreads like fig and apricot. The sweetness of the spread with the cheese creates a unique flavor combination that elevates the entire experience and is sure to wow your guests. If you aren’t in the mood for sweet, you can also find savory spreads, like pepper jelly or hummus instead (or add both, it’s up to you!).

After you’ve found your spread, you’ll want to add a sweet treat or two to the board to offer some diversity. This will offset all of the savory components going on and add something fun for those with a sweet tooth or the kids. I like to throw on some small snacks such as chocolate covered pretzels, gummy bears, or a fruit of some kind. Strawberries and blueberries work well, but dried fruit is just as good. This will add another layer of flavor to your board and can add a vibrant pop of color. The sweet and savory provides an array of flavor profiles that is deemed to satisfy everyone.

Lastly is the assembly, my favorite part. This part can be nerve-wracking for some, but it’s all about having fun and making it your own. All you need is a board and a few small bowls for the spreads/dips. Any wooden cutting board will do but if you don’t have one, don’t fret. You can use a large plate or serving dish if necessary. Start by placing your meats and cheeses in a straight or curvy path along the edge of the board and down the middle (you decide how you like it to look!) .Next, add your variety of crackers and breads alongside your rows of meat/cheese. These items should fill the majority of the board as they are the main event, leaving small spaces here and there. To fill the remaining spaces, you will place one to two small dishes filled with your spread, adding a small spoon so guests can drizzle atop their adult lunchable. Lastly, finish by adding a few sweet treats or pieces of fruit here and there. All of a sudden, you have a complete and beautiful charcuterie board, ready to be shared with friends and family.