Charcuterie Board Preparation
Charcuterie board preparation is an easy, no-cook way to entertain with style. By combining a thoughtful variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers, and spreads, you can create a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing board suitable for any occasion.
Equipment
- large serving board or platter
- small bowls for spreads and olives
- cheese knives
- small spoons or spreaders
Ingredients
- 3–5 assorted cheeses (soft, semi-soft, hard, bold)
- 2–3 cured meats such as salami or prosciutto (optional)
- 2 cups assorted crackers and sliced baguette
- 2 cups fresh fruits (grapes, berries, apples, pears)
- 0.5 cup dried fruits (figs, dates, or apricots)
- 0.5 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews)
- 3 tbsp fruit jam or preserves
- 2 tbsp honey or hot honey
- 0.25 cup olives or pickles
- 1 small bunch fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Select a large wooden board, marble slab, or serving platter with enough space to arrange items without crowding.
- Position cheeses evenly across the board and place small bowls for spreads, olives, or nuts to anchor the layout.
- Fold, roll, or fan the meats and arrange them near the cheeses, using gentle curves instead of straight lines.
- Tuck crackers and bread into open spaces, keeping them grouped but easy for guests to reach.
- Fill remaining gaps with fruits and nuts, grouping items in odd numbers for a natural, balanced look.
- Finish with fresh herbs or decorative garnishes to elevate the presentation.
Notes
Scale ingredients based on guest count and dietary needs. Let cheeses sit at room temperature 30–45 minutes before serving. Use odd numbers and negative space for the most appealing presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 1.6mg
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