Easy Charcuterie Board (+ tips for cutting different cheese)

This Easy Charcuterie Board is perfect for holidays, wine nights, or dinner parties, creating a beautiful centerpiece with something for everyone. This guide will help you assemble a stunning spread and master cheese-cutting techniques to perfect your presentation.

A charcuterie board is a go-to for gatherings, whether for holiday celebrations, casual wine nights, or elegant dinners. With an array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and condiments, it caters to all tastes, making it both a crowd-pleaser and an eye-catching centerpiece. While arranging ingredients is key, mastering how to cut and display cheese adds the finishing touch to a stunning spread. This guide will walk you through selecting and cutting cheeses, choosing accompaniments, and assembling a charcuterie board that impresses.

Charcuterie boards can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like. Here’s everything you need to know, from choosing cheeses to creating balanced flavors and beautiful presentations. Ready to dive in? Let’s start!

Jump to:

• What to Put on a Charcuterie Board
• How to Choose Cheese for a Charcuterie Board
• How Much Cheese to Serve Per Person
• How to Cut Different Cheeses
• When Does a Cheese Board Become a Charcuterie Board?
• What Tools Do You Need for a Charcuterie Board?
• How to Assemble the Perfect Charcuterie Board
• Variations
• What Wine to Serve with a Charcuterie Board
• FAQ's
• Easy Charcuterie Board (+ tips for cutting different cheese)

What to Put on a Charcuterie Board

• Cheese: Choose 3-5 types of Cheese like Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Parmesan, Chevre.
• Cured Meats: Choose 3- 5 meats: Prosciutto, Salami, Chorizo, Bresola, or Pâté.
• Bread and Crackers: Baguette slices, rustic crackers, breadsticks, and seeded crisps. Try our easy no knead bread recipe.
• Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, figs, strawberries, and dried apricots.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts.
• Something Sweet: Honeycomb, chocolate pieces, dried figs, or jams or preserves. Try our homemade apricot jam.
• Savory Items: Olives, pickles, mustard, and roasted peppers.
• Garnish: Edible flowers, fresh herbs, and microgreens for a pop of color.

How to Choose Cheese for a Charcuterie Board

A well-rounded charcuterie board starts with a variety of cheeses to create contrast in taste and texture. Aim for 3-5 types of cheese

• Fresh Cheeses: Soft and mild cheeses like Ricotta, Mascarpone, or Burrata for a creamy texture.
• Soft Cheeses: Smooth and spreadable options like Brie, Camembert or Gorgonzola dolce.
• Semi-Soft Cheeses: Versatile, mild cheeses such as Havarti, Colby jack, and Fontina.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Firm, flavorful choices like Gouda, Cheddar, Stilton, and Edam.
• Hard Cheeses: Bold, aged varieties like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Gruyère.
• Goat Cheeses: Tangy and unique, ideal for variety (e.g., chèvre, Charolais).
• Blue Cheeses: Pungent, crumbly cheeses like Roquefort or gorgonzola for those who enjoy bold flavors.

How Much Cheese to Serve Per Person

• Appetizer: Plan for 1-2 ounces (30 - 60 grams) per person.
• Main Feature: For a larger gathering, plan for 3-4 ounces (90 - 120 grams) per person.
• Post-Dinner Cheese Course: Keep it light with about 1 ounce (30 grams) per person.

Chef’s Tip: Let cheeses sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving to enhance their flavors.

How to Cut Different Cheeses

Use different cutting techniques for each type of cheese to create visual appeal and make serving easier

• Round Cheeses: Cut into wedges, like a pie. Examples: Brie, Camembert.
• Square Cheeses: Slice into triangles or squares. Examples: Cheddar, Havarti.
• Log Cheeses: Slice into ¼-inch coins or smaller triangles. Examples: Chèvre.
• Pyramid Cheeses: Halve from corner to corner for small, elegant pieces. Examples: Bûchette, Valençay.
• Triangular Wedges: Slice into triangles or slices from top to bottom. Examples: Parmesan, Gruyère.
• Crumbly Cheeses: Break into chunks or crumbles for a rustic look. Examples: Parmesan, aged gouda.

When Does a Cheese Board Become a Charcuterie Board?

While a cheese board focuses on a variety of cheeses, a charcuterie board includes cured meats, adding layers of flavor and texture. The term “charcuterie” traditionally refers to cured meats, and combining these with cheese, fruits, and accompaniments creates a true charcuterie experience.

What Tools Do You Need for a Charcuterie Board?

• Choose Your Board: A beautiful  wood, marble, or slate board, depending on the look and feel you want. Or simply use your favorite large platter.
• Pretty Jars and Bowls: Use small jars and bowls for condiments, olives, nuts, or dips.
• Other Utensils: Cheese knives, spoons and forks for serving.

How to Assemble the Perfect Charcuterie Board

Arranging ingredients thoughtfully can make the board feel abundant and balanced, but also make serving easier. Here’s how to assemble it for maximum appeal:

• Start with Cheese: Place cheeses evenly across the board.
• Add Small Bowls and Jars: Arrange jams, preserves and condiments and savory items in small bowls.

• Place the Meats: Fold or roll cured meats and layer around cheeses.
• Add Bread and Crackers: Fan out crackers or place in stacks for easy access.

• Arrange Fruits and Nuts: Scatter fresh or dried fruit and nuts for color contrast.
• Finish with Garnish: Add herbs or flowers to complete the presentation.

Variations

• Larger Parties: Consider creating several small boards so guests can gather around different spots.
• Vegetarians and Vegans: Replace meats with plant-based proteins like marinated tofu or add extra fruits, nuts, and plant-based cheese.
• On a Budget: Use fewer premium ingredients or choose budget-friendly cheeses like cheddar and gouda.
• Seasonal Boards: Incorporate seasonal fruits and garnishes, such as cranberries and rosemary in winter or berries and basil in summer.

What Wine to Serve with a Charcuterie Board

• Chenin Blanc: Pairs well with Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Gruyère, Emmental.
• Riesling: Ideal for Brie, Camembert, Goat’s cheese, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, Prosciutto, Jamón Ibérico, Mortadella, Salami.
• Chardonnay: Complements Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Gruyère, Emmental, Bresaola, Country pâte, Jamón Serrano.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Best with Goat’s cheese, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, Prosciutto, Jamón Ibérico, Mortadella, Salami, Chorizo, Coppa, Pastrami.
• Pinot Noir: Matches nicely with Brie, Camembert, Goat’s cheese, Gouda, Gruyère, Emmental.
• Cabernet Franc: Pairs with Gouda, Gruyère, Emmental, Prosciutto, Jamón Ibérico, Mortadella, Salami, Chorizo, Coppa, Pastrami.
• Sangiovese: Great with Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pecorino, Grana Padano.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Compliments Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pecorino, Grana Padano.
• Malbec: Best paired with Bresaola, Country pâte, Jamón Serrano.

FAQ's

A charcuterie board is more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. With the right cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, you can create a delicious spread that will impress guests at any gathering.

Use this guide to perfect your cheese-cutting skills, build balanced flavors, and make a charcuterie board that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Ready to create your board? Grab your ingredients, follow these tips, and get creative!

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