How to make a good charcuterie board

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I can tell you straight up that I am not the hostess with the mostess.

When it comes to cooking and creating, I’m golden, but if I’m asked to host something sweet and swanky, I just don’t do that well.

I don’t like to plan parties, and I typically just make a mess of everything.

When I do get to become a host, my best efforts are usually in my charcuterie board.

I’m going to teach you how to make a good charcuterie board that any party guest will fawn over.

Charcuterie is the best way to show off your tastes, but also show your guests that you are in tune with what they like.

This board is usually a love letter to my friends, most of whom are from completely different places.

I also like to take a little liberty with my boards and make them fun and eclectic.

Flavors should complement one another

Charcuterie is for grazing

One of the best parts about charcuterie is that you don’t have to eat the same foods over and over.

Your board may seem like a bunch of random pairings, but stop that thought, IMMEDIATELY!

It sounds so cheesy, but your charcuterie board should take you on a journey.

What you place there should be complementary to everything you decide to add to the board.

When you decide on your pairings, think of things that really bring out the best in each other.

Sweet meets salty. Tangy meets fragrant. Soft meets crunchy. It’s all about making pairs that raise some eyebrows and letting people choose the journey they’d like to take.

Don’t be afraid to do something unconventional.

Charcuterie doesn’t always have to be perfectly placed cuts of meats, and cheeses

I once made a charcuterie board that I called “the southern mess.” It had pickles and fried chicken on it. My friends laughed, but it became a really interesting part of our conversation.

I have foodie friends, so of course, we talked about our favorite Fried Chicken, and they loved making mini sandwiches with mustard, coppa and fried chicken on rosemary toast.

Make it easy for your guests

Cut things into shareable pieces so your guests don’t have to do much work

If I’m grazing one at a party, I don’t want to have to do much work to put my plate together. Get things into bite-sized pieces ahead of time, so your group can graze without too much effort.

Consider your drink pairings

Your drink pairings are a highly important part of your charcuterie board prep. Are you serving red, or white wine? Bubbles? Sparkling water?

Your choices should be in sync with what you’re serving. Granted – you won’t be able to make everything work together, but you can get multiple pairings out of a charcuterie board.

How do you plate charcuterie?

It honestly don’t have to be fancy. Some people will use a marble slab, or a wooden cutting board.

I actually use a pizza stone. They’re super easy to clean, neutral in color, and absorb water and oils well.

The anatomy of my favorite charcuterie board.

The best part about charcuterie is that it caters to just about everyone. You can include items from many different food groups.

Fruit adds a nice sweetness and a dessert feel. I sometimes line my boards with fruits and cheeses as people work their way around the board.

Strawberries, blueberries and grapes are always crowd pleasers. Consider adding other fruits on the size like figs, or plums.

Cheese is where things get fancy and fun. I like to have 2 or three different cheeses on my board of varying texture. I like cubed cheddar or a nice pile of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, but also spreadables like Boursin or brie.

Crackers are pretty basic, but you can make them shine on your board. get sweet options for neutral cheeses and spreads, or herbed options if you want that extra kick or spice.

Breads are also a nice addition if you have room, and they go with a lot of different things!

Meats can be just about anything. I love salami and prosciutto. But in some cases, I liked cubed chicken. on my board just as much!

Spreadables like jams, mustard or other sauces are a must. They compliment some of the other textures and ingredients.

Nuts and seeds also had some lovely texture and are filling!

I hope that this helps you decide what to do with your next charcuterie board! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you use any of my tips to make your perfect board!

What’s your favorite way to make your board?