Perfect Charcuterie Board (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Spreads
01 -
Hummus
02 -
Tapenade
03 -
Whole-grain mustard
04 -
Whipped cheese
05 -
Pepper jelly
06 -
Salted butter
→ Cheeses
07 -
Soft cheese (Brie, chèvre, camembert, fontina, Saint-André)
08 -
Hard or semisoft cheese (Manchego, Gruyère, Comté, aged cheddar, fontina, gouda)
09 -
Crumbly cheese (Blue, aged goat, Parmesan)
10 -
Marinated or flavored cheese (Marinated feta, marinated fresh mozzarella, herb-and-garlic cheese)
→ Meats
11 -
Cured and sliced meats (Salami, ham, prosciutto, serrano, Spanish chorizo)
12 -
Pâtés and terrines
13 -
Rillettes and 'ndjua
→ Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
14 -
Small grape clusters
15 -
Fresh berries
16 -
Sliced apples or pears
17 -
Quartered figs
18 -
Cherry or grape tomatoes
19 -
Sliced cucumbers
20 -
Sliced or quartered radishes
21 -
Edible flowers
→ Breads and Crunchy Elements
22 -
Assorted crackers
23 -
Sliced artisanal bread
24 -
Crostini
25 -
Pita chips
26 -
Mixed nuts
27 -
Corn nuts
28 -
Pretzel chips
29 -
Parmesan crisps
30 -
Crunchy breadsticks
→ Sweets
31 -
Assorted dried fruit
32 -
Honey
33 -
Fig jam
34 -
Chocolate pieces
35 -
Membrillo (quince paste)
36 -
Guava paste
→ Briny Items
37 -
Assorted olives
38 -
Cornichons
39 -
Pickled vegetables
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Select a large rimmed baking sheet, platter, or serving board approximately 13x18-inches in size. Ensure it's clean and ready for arranging.
02 -
Place spreads, dips, honey, jams, spreadable meats, and olives in small serving bowls with appropriate spoons or knives. Distribute these bowls strategically around the board.
03 -
Add cheeses to the board, either whole, pre-cut into portions, or with half cut and half whole depending on texture. Very soft cheeses should remain whole. Position cheese knives where needed.
04 -
Fill some gaps with fresh fruits, vegetables, sweets, and briny foods. Cut grape clusters into smaller segments for easier serving.
05 -
Tuck cured meats between other ingredients, artfully folding or shingling slices rather than laying them flat to create visual interest and texture.
06 -
Fill remaining spaces with crackers, bread, and nuts. Place additional crackers or bread in separate bowls nearby to ensure sufficient quantities for guests.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
For optimal flavor, allow cheeses to come to room temperature 30-45 minutes before serving.
02 -
Consider seasonal availability when selecting fresh fruits and vegetables.
03 -
The board can be partially assembled up to 2 hours before serving, with temperature-sensitive items added just before guests arrive.