How to Make the Ultimate Charcuterie Board

Take your entertaining to the next level with antipasto favorites with a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Learn how to make the ultimate charcuterie board.

the ultimate charcuterie board

Making a charcuterie board is like a work of art. It should be colorful and full of unique flavors that pair together. Personally I love having a charcuterie board when I entertain. First, its buffet style, so guests can serve themselves. Items are served at room temp. No need to cook! Lastly, the color food spread is a table centerpiece all on its own.

Tools

Select a Surface

Traditionally, a Napa style Charcuterie board is a butcher block style cutting board or a wood serving board. I’ve added some of my Amazon favorites below for you.

Although wood is the tradition, it certainly doesn’t have to be on wood. I’ve used a three-tiered server to add height to a buffet table (see picture below) and I’ve even served it on slate and marble. I’ve even done it strait on kraft paper for a backyard party.

wine & cheese
My Charcuterie Board

Cheese Knives / Markers

Your guests will need something to help them dig into the cheese. Some cheese knives can also serve as markers / labels as well. The cheese knives seen in the picture above, are from Pottery Barn. They have the name of the cheese engraved on them which makes it easier for your guests, but regular cheese knives are perfectly fine. Just make sure they have some way of serving themselves.

Dishes

Charcuterie boards are designed to be finger foods. Therefore, it saves you the hassle of having to deal with cutlery at a party. Instead I suggest putting out toothpicks for those who don’t actually want to use their fingers. If you’d like to keep it classier, try using disposable tasting forks (see my photo above). I’ve including links to the ones I use for parties.

You want to make sure you provide napkins and plates for your guests. Place them near the charcuterie board with your tasting forks or cocktail picks. The smaller the party, the more appropriate it is to use glass or china plates. I prefer using plain white appetizer plates, They always look elegant and they go with every occasion. I’ve linked to my favorite ones on Amazon, including my favorite disposable ones.

How to Make the Ultimate Charcuterie Board

This is where it gets fun. Making a charcuterie board is fun to pair. I recommend picking a few favorites from each category I have listed. When placing it on the board, I recommend putting it next to a different food of contrasting color. It really makes the board pop.

Cheese

Cheese is the headliner on a charcuterie board. A complete charcuterie board should have at least three cheeses from the main cheese categories: soft, hard, and semi-soft.

Hard Cheese

  • Aged Gouda
  • Parmesan
  • Pecorino
  • Romano
  • Parmesan-Reggiano

Soft

  • Mozzarella
  • Brie
  • Saint Andre
  • Humboldt Fog

Semi-soft

  • Gouda
  • Jarlsburg / Swiss
  • Havarti

Semi-Hard / Firm

  • Manchego
  • Provolone
  • Gouda (some types)
  • Gruyere
  • Cheddar
  • Fontina
  • Edam
  • Taleggio
  • Emmentaler

Bleu

  • Stilton
  • Gorgonzola
  • Roquefort
  • Castello Danish Blue

Goat

  • Feta
  • Chèvre
  • White Mold Goat
charcuterie board

Meats

  • Dry Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Genoa Salami
  • Chorizo
  • Prosciutto
  • Ham
  • Coppa
  • Soppressata
  • Smoked salmon
  • Caviar

Breads & Crackers

  • Crostini
  • Water Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Baguette
  • Entertaining Crackers

Condiments & Spreads

  • Honey
  • Seasonal Jams
  • Fig Spread
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Pesto
  • Olive Tapenade

Fruits & Nuts

Fruits can be fresh, candied, or dried. Nuts can be salted or raw. Both fruits and nuts can act as a palette cleanser from the richness of strong cheeses and cured meats.

  • Cherries
  • Cranberries
  • Red Grapes
  • Green Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Apricots
  • Figs
  • Apples

Other

  • Herbs
  • Olives
  • Artichokes
  • Sun dried Tomatoes
  • Cherry Tomatoes

I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how to put a charcuterie board together for your next party. Once you do it a few times, you’ll be able to whip it up quickly! If you’re looking for other entertaining ideas, take a look at my post where I show you how to make a hot chocolate bar! It’s great for the holidays.

Herbaceous Green Wifi Sign

Friends don’t let friends be without wifi. Save time for you and your guests by placing this Herbaceous Green Wifi Sign so your guests don’t don’t have to ask you.

Herbaceous Green Wifi Sign

Hey there, friend. Today, I’m introducing something I think will really help you. Let’s be honest, everyone looks for wifi when we are in a new spot and guests are no exception when they enter into your house.

I host a lot! You are trying to set food out and keep up with the ever ringing door bell and in the midst of it all people are asking you for your wifi password! It happens all the time. Our wifi password isn’t the easiest to remember either.

That’s why over the last few years, I’ve become a little smarter. A few years ago I created a sign that had our network name and wifi password. I put it in a cute frame and have it prominently displayed at parties near the food station. No more asking!

Get Your Herbaceous Green Wifi Sign

Click Here To Visit My Etsy Shop

Herbaceous Green Wifi Sign

So today, I’m introducing you to that same sign I made now FOR SALE on my Etsy shop. The best part about it is I’ve made completely editable. That’s right. If you buy it now, you’ll be able to edit it yourself FOREVER! Buy it once and never again. If you move or if your network name or password changes, you’ll have forever access to edit it again and reprint it at home. How awesome is that?

If you purchase it, it you’ll get access to two sizes:

  • 8×10″
  • 5×7″

You can print it off at a home computer or you can email it a local print shop or photo center to print for you. You’ll also be able to choose from additional fonts.

Also, take a look at how you can use this sign in a guest room in my post How To Create A Guest Room They Won’t Want to Leave. Thanks for reading. Until next time friends! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog before you leave.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.