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Charcuterie Board Recipe

How to make a Charcuterie Board - the perfect appetizer for holiday dinners, gatherings and events. Easy, beautiful and impressive!

4.8 from 156 votes
30 mins
Total Time
12
servings
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Charcuterie Board

How to Make the Best Charcuterie Board

A stunning charcuterie board is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering, from intimate holiday dinners to large celebrations. The beauty of this classic French-inspired presentation lies in its simplicity - quality ingredients artfully arranged to create an edible work of art that guests can enjoy throughout the evening.

The secret to a memorable charcuterie board is balancing flavors, textures, and colors. Pair rich, savory cured meats with creamy and sharp cheeses, then add pops of sweetness from fresh and dried fruits. The crunch of crackers and nuts provides contrast, while small bowls of honey, mustard, and preserves offer guests the chance to create their own perfect bites.

Don’t stress about making it look perfect - the rustic, abundant nature of a charcuterie board is part of its charm. Start with your bowls and larger items, then fill in the spaces organically with smaller elements and fresh herbs. The result is always impressive, and your guests will appreciate both the visual feast and the delicious flavors.

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board

How to make a Charcuterie Board - the perfect appetizer for holiday dinners, gatherings and events. Easy, beautiful and impressive!

4.8 from 156 votes
CourseAppetizer
CuisineFrench
Keywordcharcuterie board, cheese board, meat and cheese platter, charcuterie plate, holiday appetizer
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings12 servings
Calories348kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Main Components

Optional Additions

Instructions

Assembly

  1. Begin by lighting candles. Play some music. Relax and take your time and enjoy this fun creative process.
  2. Using an extra large cutting board or platter, place bowls and jars where the olives, jam, mustard, nuts and pickled things will go. Fill those first.
  3. Next tuck in the charcuterie and cheeses around the bowls.
  4. Tuck in the fruit, and finish with the herbs, tucking in and filling in the space.
  5. If there is any more room for the crackers, add them too, otherwise place them in a bowl or basket on the side.
  6. Enjoy your beautiful creation.

Notes

  • Choose a variety of textures and flavors for your cheeses - try a creamy brie, aged cheddar, and tangy goat cheese.
  • Fold or roll your charcuterie meats for visual appeal and easier grabbing.
  • Prepare your board 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving to allow cheeses to come to room temperature.
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