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Learn How to Make a Charcuterie board for your next party and totally impress your guests. You will be pleasantly surprised how simple it is to make the best ever charcuterie board.

Charcuterie Board made with fruit, cheese, crackers and meats
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If you have been hesitant to make one of these, don’t be. I am going to show you how to make a charcuterie board that is so quick and easy. Plus, it will look so amazing and put together. If you love this make sure you try our Summer Snack Charcuterie board too. Both are perfect for an Easy New Year’s Recipe.

They are perfect for parties and they look absolutely gorgeous. However, they are easy enough for any night of the week. You will see just how simple it is. Now if you love cheese and crackers you might also like our Pepperoni cheese ball or our Garlic and Onion Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe.

What Is Charcuterie?

Charcuterie is a french word that references prepared and cured cold meats. It is often paired with cheese, fruits, nuts and crackers when served on a charcuterie board.

Supplies Needed:

You can use a cutting board or wooden tray. We like the charcuterie boards here that are designed just for these. They are so handy and many of them have grooves for the crackers and such.

I spotted a few with places for cheese knives. They definitely will make putting one of these boards together easier if you are new to making these.

Ingredients:

Charcuterie Board ingredients - Meats, cheeses, fruit, crackers, nuts, fruit spread, bread

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom to see the recipe card.

Charcuterie Board Ideas:

Now that you know how to make a charcuterie board, try other ideas. It is fun to use other types of cheese, meat and crackers. Each board really is a masterpiece and it is fun to see how they turn out.

Use your favorite type of cheese. You don’t have to use the exact cheeses that I used in this recipe. I love making it with a mixture of soft cheese and firm cheese. Also, people love seeing blue cheese, goat cheese, gouda, and asiago cheese on a charcuterie board too.

Sometimes, I will make a charcuterie board just for the kiddos. They love when I do this for movie night. I use a few slices of deli cheese, crackers, pepperoni and ham, crackers and fruit. They love cherries, strawberries, blueberries, dried apricots, mango pears, and grapes.

Also, you can make a healthy board by just filling it up with your favorite berries and veggies. Add olives, marinated artichoke hearts, almonds, pistachios, pecans and hummus.

They think it is the coolest snack try ever and love when they their own charcuterie tray. Find even more ideas with these 51 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas.

How to Make a DIY Charcuterie board:

Place bowl of nuts, cheese and jam on the board

Step 1 – Start with large board. One with edges is the easiest to use. Place bowls on first, then add brie cheese.

Placing cheese, crackers, fruit and nuts on the board

Step 2 – Next, fill small bowls with fruit spread and mixed nuts. Add larger crackers and pita bread.

Placing cheese, crackers, fruit, meats on the board

Step 3 – Then add the largest items like the strawberries, large round crackers and baby bel cheese.

Placing cheese, crackers, meats on the charcuterie board

Step 4 – Add a section of medium size items like sliced hard cheese and smaller crackers.

Placing nuts, cheese, crackers, meats on the board

Step 5 – Add the meats with fruits and veggies. To form meat fans simply fold each piece of salami and ham into quarters.

Placing nuts, crackers, cheese, meats on the board

Step 6 – Fill holes with blackberries and red raspberries. Then fill in with smaller items like cheese and summer sausage. Add the smallest items like crackers. You can also fill in any empty space on the board with fresh herbs. Serve immediately

Tips for Charcuterie Board Assembly:

  • Use a board with an edge. It will make it SO much easier to put together and get the ingredients to stay in place. If you don’t have one, there are several charcuterie boards here for a good price. We have used a wooden cutting board or large board to make a charcuterie platter and it was perfect.
  • These are best served immediately or fairly soon after putting together.
  • Try to include a variety of meats, cheeses and fruit. Not only does it look pretty to have a nice selection but it will ensure your guest have options to choose from. Everyone will enjoy several variety of cheeses and sliced meats.
  • Use fresh fruit that is in season to enhance the flavor of your board. Plus, they will be priced better at your grocery store if you purchase in season.
  • Use different types of crackers with the meat and cheese board. Include gluten free options so all guests can have an option.
  • Make sure to use high quality ingredients in your assortment of cured meats cheeses.
  • Add some kid friendly cheeses and crackers and the entire family will enjoy this tray. Children love a cheese plate and dried fruit. My kids love cream cheese so you can also include that in a small bowl as well.

What Crackers should I use?

I recommend using a variety of different crackers so there are some for everyone.

Also, I like to get different shapes, flavors and colors so that the board looks pretty as well.

Plus look to see how the crackers are stacked on each other to make sure that they will work on your board.

What types of nuts to use:

Generally, I use mixed nuts as I always have those on hand. However, you can use any nuts that you prefer.

That’s why making your own charcuterie boards are so fun. You can easily make them based on your preferences.

Charcuterie Board made with fruit, cheese, crackers and meats

What type of fruit spreads to use:

Again, this is really based on your personal preference. You can use a jam, preserves, fruit butter or chutney.

I also love using a spicy fruit spread to give a spicy option on the board as well.

What to Serve with a Charcuterie Board:

This is a popular appetizer recipe and I love serving it with wine. Meat and cheese just go great with your favorite type of wine in my opinion.

If you’re not a wine drinker, it’s also great to serve with your favorite easy punch recipe.

Generally, I serve this board as an appetizer but it can be very filling, so you can easily serve this board for dinner as well.

Charcuterie Board made with fruit, cheese, crackers and meats

More Charcuterie Board ideas:

More Appetizer Recipes:

We love hearing from you. If you make this easy charcuterie board, please leave us a comment.

Charcuterie Board

4.94 from 16 votes
Learn how to make a Charcuterie board for your next party and totally impress your guests. You will be pleasantly surprised how simple it is to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10 – 15
Cuisine American
Course Appetizer
Calories 668

Ingredients

  • Meats used – ham summer sausage, salami and prosciutto
  • Cheeses used – brie apple smoked gruyere, green onion white cheddar, cranberry cheddar, babybel
  • Fruit – strawberries blackberries, red raspberries
  • Crackers
  • Mixed Nuts
  • Fruit spread
  • Bread
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Instructions

  • Start with large board, using one with edges is easiest
  • Place bowls on first, then add brie cheese
  • Fill bowls with fruit spread and mixed nuts
  • Add larger crackers
  • Then add the largest items like the strawberries, large round crackers and babybel cheese
  • Add a section of medium size items like sliced cheese and smaller crackers
  • Add the meats. To form meat fans – fold each piece of salami and ham into quarters
  • Fill holes with blackberries and red raspberries
  • Then fill in with smaller items like cheese and summer sausage.
  • And last, add the smallest items like crackers.
  • Serve immediately

Nutrition Facts

Calories 668kcal, Carbohydrates 99g, Protein 20g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 52mg, Sodium 993mg, Potassium 397mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 53g, Vitamin A 115IU, Vitamin C 9mg, Calcium 137mg, Iron 4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.94 from 16 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie says:

    Yes, it’s so fun to make! We love them!

  2. Eden says:

    5 stars
    We loved this recipe! I changed it up a little to better match our families tastes and the seasons. Overall 10/10 though.

  3. Virginia Higle says:

    5 stars
    Made this for my brother in law Birthday it was a hit

  4. Vicki Richards says:

    So easy to do. Great for parties, holiday, outdoor entertaining. Such a variety of food.

  5. Brenda Higgins says:

    5 stars
    This would be great for a large gathering of people, simple to make and put together.