How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Learn How to Make a Charcuterie Board in no time at all!  These beautiful boards are easy to assemble and make for fun, stress free entertaining…once they’re made, there’s nothing left to do but sit back and eat!

Snack boards are all the rage in entertaining, and I’m so glad they are!  There’s something so appealing about a board loaded up with all kinds olives, meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts and even desserts!  This no fuss entertaining is the best, and I’m here for it!

I put together this board using Bertolli Canada Olives, which are delicious!  While I was compensated for my time to share this charcuterie board with you, the images and ideas are my own.

I know that it’s hard to think that a snack board with so many ingredients is no fuss, but really they are.  They may look elaborate, but once you have gathered all of the ingredients it’s just a matter of laying everything out on a large wooden board, then letting your guests help themselves.  Then once the prep work is done, you can sit back with your glass of wine or punch, and enjoy the evening.

What Kind of Charcuterie Board to Make?

When it comes to charcuterie boards you can keep it simple or get elaborate.  It all depends on how you feel.  If you’re having a more casual smaller gathering, a small board with just a few choices is perfect…offer 2 or 3 types of meat and cheese, some olives and pickles and a selection of crackers or bread.  And if you’re having a larger gathering, a more elaborate board loaded up with food is best.

This simple board offers a few tasty treats…perfect for a small gathering

What Goes on a Charcuterie Board?

For a large board intended to feed 6 – 8 people, here are some ingredient ideas:

• 3 – 4 different cheeses (Brie, goat cheese, old cheddars, gouda)
• a selection of 3 – 4 different cured meats (specialty ham, capicola, salamis, roasted chicken or turkey)
• olives: I used Bertolli olives for this board: Sicilian Style,Tuscan Table Olives, Green Pitted Table Olives and Organic Black Unpitted Table Olives
• fruits:  figs, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, slices of apple or pear
• vegetables: grape tomatoes, slices of sweet peppers, carrots, celery
• nuts
• crackers
• slices of baguette
• small pots of honey and jam

Tips for Putting Together a Charcuterie Board

Here are some tips to keep in mind when putting together your charcuterie board:

• Use a food safe wooden board that is big enough to fill all your delicious finger foods!
• Offer a lot of delicious choices to your guests.
• Make sure to offer both sweet and savoury foods.  Balance cheeses and meats with fruits and even chocolate.
• Use small little bowls to hold things like olives.  Then place those bowls on your board first, before you add everything else.
• To make your board visually appealing, add little piles of the ingredients all around the board.
• Make 3 groupings of each element, and fill up that board!  The more there is, the more appetizing it looks!
• Put out little pots of jam and honey.  These are delicious on cheese!
• Don’t forget the cheese knives and spoons for serving.
• Fill blanks spots…leave no spot open!
• Don’t forget the plates and napkins.
• It doesn’t need to be perfect!

This larger, more elaborate board is perfect for bigger gatherings and parties.

The biggest tip though, is to enjoy your charcuterie!  Use ingredients that you love…the possibilities are endless, and there are no wrong ways to do it!  Enjoy.

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More Snack Plates to Make:

• A Kid-Friendly Snack Plate
• A Dessert Cheese Plate

Have a delicious day!