23 Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas For Your Next Party

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Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas

If you love a good party then you know that the key to any great gathering is good food. And what easier way to serve a variety of deliciousness than by putting together a simple charcuterie board?

Charcuterie board recipes are all the rage these days and for good reason. They’re easy to put together, they look impressive, and they allow your guests to customize their snack or meal.

If you’re new to the grazing board game or just need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with 23 of the best charcuterie board ideas around but first let’s learn more about this delicious appetizer cuisine.

What Is a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board is a collection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, crackers, and dips that are served together on one large platter or board.

The word “charcuterie” is French and comes from the french word “to stuff.” So technically speaking, this type of board is a “board of stuffed meats.” But these days, the term has come to encompass any type of board including a cheese plate.

How Do You Pronounce Charcuterie?

It’s pronounced (shahr-koo-tuh-ree). It’s as simple as that!

What Is Typically On A Charcuterie Plate?

A good grazing board is filled with different foods and you can fill your platter with several different types of sliced meats and cheeses served with bread, nuts, vegetables, sourdough crackers, fresh herbs, and other accompaniments for dipping or eating.

This board can be made with any type of meat or cheese that you want to serve such as prosciutto or turkey kielbasa summer sausage on a cracker!

You can make an easy charcuterie board however you like. The chances are, you’ll have a handful of items in your cabinet that can be used however, a standard plate usually includes meats and spreads, bread, soft and hard cheeses, and pickles.

How To Make A charcuterie board

Now that you know what a charcuterie board is and what items usually go on one, it’s time to learn how to make your own!

Creating a grazing board is simple. All you need is a large cutting board or platter and your favorite meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, and dips.

You can create easy recipes or combinations but always start by placing the larger items on the board first and then fill in the gaps with the smaller items. Be creative and have fun with it!

A delicious platter can be assembled in minutes with just a few ingredients. Don’t forget the cheese knives!

What To Put On Your Charcuterie Board

We’ll now share a few traditional foods that go well on a charcuterie platter:

Let’s Start with the Cheese!

There are lots of cheeses that you can display on a good charcuterie board.

Hard and firm cheeses go best on meat boards, while soft cheeses go better with fruit-based boards.

Start with arranging the largest items on your board. Build around, starting with the bigger items. Then set medium size items like cured meats and sliced cheese, followed by fresh fruits, dried fruit, nuts, or vegetables.

I love both soft cheese and hard cheese on cheese boards:

• Gouda
• Parmesan
• Cheddar
• Brie
• Provolone
• Pecorino Romano
• Mozzarella
• Cream cheese
• Babybel cheese
• Goat Cheese
• Blue Cheese

Harder cheeses may better withstand long-term storage and go further into recipes such as dips or sauces.

Hard cheese that works well and includes manchego, cheddar (white or orange), swiss, gouda, gruyere, and parmesan.

Soft cheeses such as brie cheese, triple cream, goat cheese, havarti, and burrata work well but should be added to the board last minute as soft cheese is not best left out at room temperature.

Allow plenty of prep time to create the ideal platter for your party guests

Charcuterie Board Cheese Pairings

Here are some amazing cheese and meat pairings!

• Gouda + Salami
• Parmesan + Prosciutto
• Cheddar + Chorizo
• Brie + Bacon
• Provolone + Sopressata
• Mozzarella + Pepperoni
• Babybel cheese + Ham

You really can’t go wrong when pairing the above combinations.

What Crackers Should I Use?

Crackers are meant to be fun, so get a variety of different shapes and colors. Choose different flavors and shapes to make the board look nicer.

Use different crackers such as whole-grain crackers, lavash, rice crackers, or water crackers.

You can also use:

• Breadsticks
• Pretzels
• Chips
• Bagel chips
• Veggies and Dip
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Snap Peas
• Bell Pepper

What type of fruit spreads to use

The type of fruit spread you use on your platter is a personal preference.

Spiced spreads can be served with meats, cheeses, and bread. Fruit preserves are good options to add texture to the board. They also go well with nuts, pickles, and olives.

Place small bowls with different fruit spreads are used to add variety and aesthetic appeal.

What types of nuts to use:

Nuts are a classic grazing ingredient and there is such a variety to choose from. Nuts pair well with crackers and meats.

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pistachios
• Walnuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans

Easy Charcuterie Board Recipes

So here are some easy no-fail platter ideas and appetizer recipes for your next party:

Summer Grazing Charcuterie Board – Pizzazzerie

This board is full of summery items like watermelon, cantaloupe, feta cheese, nuts, and delicious blackberries

Add some sliced baguette to the mix and you have the perfect Summer Grazing Charcuterie Board for your next outdoor party!

Vegan Charcuterie Board – Family Focus Blog

Looking for a Vegan Inspired food platter? Then look no further.

This platter is filled with sliced vegetables, manzanilla and kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red pepper hummus, and a selection of whole wheat crackers!

What’s not to love with a Vegan Charcuterie Board.

Mexican Inspired Platter- Sense and Edibility

This platter is a great party pleaser and comes with plenty of Mexican flavors.

There is such a good variety of foods to choose from including, panela cheese, Serrano ham, Spanish mole salami, and chipotle cheddar.

Combine mangos, pineapple, nuts and carambola, and this platter makes great Mexican cuisine.

Mexican Inspired Charcuterie Board

Rainbow Board – Sarah Hearts

If you need a rainbow platter for Saint Patrick’s Day or another fun occasion then here are a few ideas.

This board has an assortment of Irish cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, and brie. Then add some color with green grapes, pear slices, olives, nuts, mango, and blackberries.

Get the full list of ingredients here! Rainbow Charcuterie Board

Chicken Wing Charcuterie Board – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Why not try a chicken wing-themed platter at your next bbq.

This board has a variety of dipping sauces such as blue cheese, ranch, and buffalo. Then add in some crackers, celery, carrot sticks, and whole wheat pita bread! So good.

Get the recipe here! Chicken Wing Charcuterie Board

Winter Cheese Fondue Charcuterie Board – Foxes Love Lemons

This winter fondue board is the perfect way to use up any cheese scraps you have in the fridge. Simply add them to a pot of melted Gruyere and add whatever else you fancy.

Enjoy this Winter Cheese Fondue Charcuterie Board today!

Rainbow Brunch Charcuterie Board – Nellie Bellie

This rainbow-themed party board is simple and has a variety of colorful foods to choose from.

From red onions, rainbow radishes, beets, and cabbage slaw, to green onions, nuts, capers, and jalapenos, you’ll love the fantastic flavors that have been assembled in small dishes for you to enjoy.

Dip your crackers into a small bowl of honey mustard or green goddess dressing for a tasty treat. Rainbow Brunch Charcuterie Board.

Stone Fruit and Cheese Charcuterie Board – The Curious Plate

This stone fruit platter is the perfect summer sharing board. Filled with a variety of fruits, cheeses, meats, and bread, this perfect charcuterie board will be a hit at your next party!

Get the recipe for the Stone Fruit and Cheese Charcuterie Board here!

Spanish Charcuterie Board – My Kitchen Love

I love Spanish flavors and this platter of sliced meats, dried fruit, and yummy Spanish-inspired treats is a real winner.

Make a Spanish Charcuterie Board today and watch your guests love it!

Breakfast Charcuterie Board – Homemade Hooplah

Have you made a Breakfast Charcuterie Board before? Fill the board with your favorite breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs, sausage, and bagels.

Easy Vegetarian Charcuterie Board – Darn Good Veggies

This Easy Vegetarian Charcuterie Board is a great recipe and has step-by-step photos to show you just how to create it! Enjoy healthy vegetables and make this perfect charcuterie board today!

Meat and Cheese Board – Easy Every Day

This simple charcuterie board has blue cheese, goat cheese, smoked gouda, and fontina.

Accompanied by cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni, this is a filling and delectable board. Don’t forget to add dill pickles, green olives, and crackers to your serving platter.

Get the full list of ingredients for this Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Board here!

Harvest Charcuterie Board – The Curious Plate

If you love grazing food then you will love this harvest-themed platter.

Filled with fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, pretzels, crackers, and hearty grain bread, you’ll love this fall-themed platter.

Don’t forget to add a small bowl or jar of apple butter for extra flavor!

Visit the Curious Plate for this Harvest Charcuterie Board recipe and other ideas.

Sweet and Salty Snack Charcuterie Board – Amanda Wilens

Try this sweet and salty grazing board next time you’re entertaining guests.

Filled with an assortment of both sweet and savory snacks, this easy charcuterie board is sure to please everyone. Learn how to make this Sweet and Salty Snack Charcuterie Board here.

Easter Charcuterie Board – The Inspiration Edit

Why not try a dessert-themed Easter platter filled with sweet treats, chocolate eggs, and marshmallows?

This Easter Charcuterie Board is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Visit The Inspiration Edit for this recipe and other ideas!

Gluten-Free Charcuterie Board – Simplifying Family

A Gluten-Free platter is a perfect way to entertain guests with dietary restrictions.

Get the full list of ingredients and instructions on how to make this Gluten-Free Charcuterie Board over at Simplifying Family.

Fall Charcuterie Board – The Fresh Cooky

More fun fall platter ideas include this one from The Fresh Cooky. Filled with an assortment of fall-themed treats, this easy charcuterie board is sure to be a hit at your next party!

Enjoy this Fall Charcuterie Board this autumn!

Dessert Charcuterie Boards

Now we come to the fun part….desserts! Who doesn’t love charcuterie boards filled with amazing sweet treats and desserts? Here is a list of fantastic sweet platters to try!

A Dessert Charcuterie Board – Cookie and Cups

Make a Dessert themed Charcuterie Board like this one using fresh fruits, red grapes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and chocolate salami. Serve immediately after dinner or use as a grazing table during a family get-together!

Pancake Charcuterie Board – Devour Dinner

Create a Pancake Charcuterie Board for the whole family to enjoy. These pancakes are smothered in syrup and butter and can be garnished with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and chocolate chips.

Hot Cocoa and Treats Grazing Charcuterie Board – Amanda Wilens

Have you tried a hot chocolate grazing table? Filled with goodies like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and more. This is the perfect winter treat!

Gather all of your favorite hot cocoa toppings and make this Hot Cocoa and Treats Grazing Charcuterie Board today!

Smores Charcuterie Board – Homemade Hooplah

A Smores Charcuterie Board is super popular and a real treat for any party, bbq, or camping trip! This platter has all of the classic smores ingredients like graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows.

Pavlova Grazing Charcuterie Board – Sugar Salt Magic

If you love Pavlova then why not try this Pavlova Grazing Charcuterie Board today? It’s a platter of mini pavlova shells and pavlova toppings to suit everyone!

Tropical Fruit Board – Mom Endeavors

Tropical fruit and nuts platters are always popular and this Tropical Fruit Charcuterie Board is no exception!

This grazing board is filled with fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, strawberries, and kiwi. There are also some delicious chocolate-covered pretzels for a little something sweet!

Waffle Charcuterie Board – Made to Be a Momma

Create a Waffle Charcuterie Board for dessert and see how much your family enjoys it!

This waffle-themed platter has all of your favorite toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and strawberries. It’s divine.

Prep and Storage Tips

If you are using a wooden board, make sure to prep it ahead of time by coating it with olive oil. This will help protect the wood from staining and absorbing flavors from the foods.

You can also line the board with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

If you are using a glass or metal board, there is no need to prep it ahead of time.

Store your platter boards in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.

When storing your leftovers, make sure to wrap the board tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the food fresh and prevent it from drying out.

How Much Charcuterie per do I serve per person?

As a general rule of thumb, plan on ½ pound (8 ounces) of meat and cheese per person. This will give your guests plenty of food to enjoy without being too much.

If you are serving other snacks or appetizers, you can reduce the amount of meat and cheese to ¼ – ½ pounds per person.

What To Use For A Board

Any kind of cheese board can be served on any type of flat surface, including:

• Wooden boards
• Porcelain plates
• Slate boards
• Glass cutting boards

More Cheesy Appetizers to Try

If you want to make the perfect cheese board filled with cheesy appetizers then try the following ideas:

• Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans
• Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
• Cheese Balls
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Crab Rangoon Dip
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates
• Stuffed Jalapeños
• Cream Cheese Wontons
• Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels
• Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Smokies
• Apple Brie Crostini

There are so many different types that you can use. The sky is the limit, but use all the cheeses you want!

Enjoy these amazing food platters at your next Party

Easy charcuterie boards are a great way to feed a crowd without having to do too much cooking. They are perfect for appetizers or even light meals.

What is your favorite thing to add when you make a charcuterie board? Let us know in the comments below!