Charcuterie Board Step-By-Step Tutorial
This charcuterie board tutorial is ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or anytime you want a visually appealing, balanced spread. With a few simple ingredients and toughtful arrangement, you can delight guests, provide options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, and celebrate food in a joyful, inclusive way.
Servings 8 people
Ingredients
Cheeses (choose 3 or 5 varieties)
- Soft cheese (Brie, Camembert, ricotta, chevre, feta cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, or plant-based soft cheese spreads.)
- Semi-soft cheese (Havarti, Monterey Jack, Colby, Muenster, pepper jack, Gorgonzola, or Stilton.)
- Semi-firm cheese (Provolone, Gruyere, Emmental, cheddar, or Gouda.)
- Hard cheese (Asiago, Parmesan, Romano, Manchego, or sharp aged cheddar.)
Spreads and Condiments (choose at least 1 of each)
- 1 Sweet spreads and condiments (honey, fruit preserves)
- 1 Savory spreads and condiments (hummus, pesto, mustard, tapenade)
- 1 Small bites (nuts, olives)
Proteins (choose 3 types)
- 3 Sliced cured meats or meat alternatives (prosciutto, salami, tofu jerky, plant-based deli slices)
Crackers and breads (choose at least 3)
- Crackers (whole grain, seeded, gluten-free)
- Bread (baguette slices, breadsticks, crostini)
Fruits and vegetables (choose at least 3)
- Fresh (grapes, apple slices, pear slices, cherry tomatoes)
- Pickled (cucumber, onions, radishes, carrots)
- Dried (figs, dates, apricots)
- Roasted (red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
Garnishes and Extras
- Herbs and garnishes (rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, edible flowers, additional nuts)
Instructions
Arrange the cheeses:
- Place each cheese on the board spaced apart. Include a variety of wedges, sliced cheeses, and soft spreads.
Add spreads and condiments:
- Arrange bowls of spreads and bowls of nuts or olives around the cheeses.
Add proteins:
- Fold or roll cured meats and arrange them near cheeses. Include vegetarian proteins on a separate area if desired.
Arrange crackers and breads
- Fan or stack crackers and bread slices. Place any crackers or breads that pair well with specific cheeses or meats nearby to guide guests.
Add fruits and vegetables
- Fill gaps with fresh, pickled, and roasted/dried fruits and vegetables. Aim for color and texture variety.
Finish with garnishes
- Finish with garnishes like fresh herbs, edible flowers, or additional nuts for visual appeal. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Vegetarian-friendly: Keep vegetarian items separate from meats.
- Making-ahead and storage: Many components can be prepped or sliced a day ahead, including pickles, spreads, and sliced cheeses. Store prepped ingredients wrapped in airtight containers until ready to assemble. Assemble charcuterie board the day you plan to serve it for optimal freshness. If needed, assemble the board up to six hours ahead. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Assembly tips: Use varying textures, colors, and heights to make your board visually appealing.