A charcuterie board doesn't have to be the same meat-and-cheese spread every time. Some of my favorite boards are built around just one idea: a single meat done really well, a French cheese plate, a lazy Sunday bagel board, or a dessert board in place of a cake.
I've been entertaining friends and family for almost 30 years, and a board is still my go-to for everything from holiday parties to a friend stopping by. Every post below tells you what to buy and how to put it together, so you can pick an idea and get started. And if you still have questions, feel free to reach out to me anytime.
If you're new to making boards, start with How to Make a Charcuterie Board, my step-by-step guide to building a board that looks as good as it tastes.
Newest Boards
Meat and Cheese Boards
These boards keep the focus on the classics. Each one shows you how to build a gorgeous board around a single meat or cheese star.
- All-Meat Charcuterie Board: A board for the carnivores, with the best meats to choose and how to arrange them.
- Salami Charcuterie Board: Proof that you don't need five kinds of cured meat. One meat, done well, is all it takes.
- French Cheese Plate (Plateau de Fromage): A simple, elegant cheese course that's perfect for a dinner party or a romantic night in. It can work for "dessert," too!
Boards Beyond Charcuterie
Try making something fun for brunch, dessert, or whenever you want to try something new. As a butter lover (who isn't?), the butter board is my personal favorite.
- Bagel Board: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers and fresh dill for an easy brunch with friends.
- How to Make a Butter Board: The viral TikTok trend that combines charcuterie and butter, with ideas for making it your own.
- Dessert Charcuterie Board: The easiest way to serve dessert to a crowd. There's no cake to slice, and everyone picks their favorites.
Single-Serving and Portable Boards
Sometimes a full board is too much. These smaller versions are perfect for picnics, gifts, kids, or a date night.
- How to Make a Charcuterie Box: Beautiful boxes to take on a picnic, bring to a gathering, or give as a gift (I gift these to my immediate neighbors every Christmas).
- Snackle Boxes: Tackle-box-style snack boxes that work for everyone, from busy adults to kids to parties.
Easy and Budget-Friendly Boards
A beautiful board doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Shop smart, buy the right amount, and let the arranging do the work.
- Trader Joe's Charcuterie Boards: Complete shopping lists for $25, $50, $75 and $100 boards.
- Grazing Table Ideas on a Budget: Where to spend, where to save, and how to make a big spread look full.
- How Much Charcuterie Per Person: Serving amounts plus a calculator that builds your shopping list by guest count.
Holiday and Theme Boards
Planning for a holiday? My Christmas charcuterie board ideas include trees, wreaths and other festive shapes you can make ahead. For Valentine's Day, Easter, the 4th of July, color boards and themed party menus, visit Party & Theme Board Ideas.
Make It Your Own
The little extras are what make for a memorable board. Browse these collections to finish yours:
- Jams, Spreads & Accompaniments: Homemade jams, onion confit, marinated feta and more.
- Dips & Whipped Cheese: Whipped feta, brie, ricotta and other creamy dips.
- Crostini & Easy Appetizers: Quick bites that work on a board or on their own.
Charcuterie Board FAQ
What do you put on a charcuterie board?
A classic board has cured meats, two or three cheeses with different textures, something to put them on like crackers or bread, and extras like fruit, nuts, olives, and a jam or spread. My guide to how to make a charcuterie board walks you through what to buy and how to build it step by step.
What's the difference between a charcuterie board and a cheese board?
Charcuterie technically means prepared and cured meats, so a true charcuterie board is built around meat. Today, the term covers almost any board with meats, cheeses and snacks. A cheese board, like a French cheese plate, focuses on cheese.
How do I make my board look full?
Place the largest items first, like cheeses and bowls of dip or jam. Then add the meats (folded or rolled, don't just stack them), and fill every gap with fruit, nuts and crackers. Grouping ingredients in clusters and using a board that's slightly smaller than you think you need both make a board look nice and full.