How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board

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If you're short on time or energy to gather everything for a charcuterie board, explore these amazing DIY cheeseboard kits from Murray's Cheese!

It doesn’t matter if you’re throwing a fancy party or just having friends over for wine; somehow, the combination of cheeses, meats, and spreads makes everything feel special. I remember the first time I put together a charcuterie board—it was completely spontaneous, a mix of whatever I could find in the fridge. I grabbed a large wooden board Quinton made for me and piled it high with hard salami, soft Brie cheese, some leftover red grapes, and a few seeded crackers.

The result? Pure magic. My friends couldn’t stop talking about it.

That’s when I fell in love with the art of preparing charcuterie boards. It’s like creating edible art, with different shapes, colors, and textures that please both the eyes and the taste buds. And the best part? You don’t need to visit antique shops or get anything fancy to make it work—just your favorite things from the fridge and a bit of creativity.

A Little History of the Charcuterie Board

Did you know that charcuterie boards actually have their roots in 15th-century France? Yep, we can thank the French for more than just baguettes and Brie. The word “charcuterie” itself comes from the French word “chair,” meaning flesh, and “cuit,” meaning cooked. Back then, it was all about practical preservation. With no refrigerators in sight, shops called charcuteries specialized in preparing and curing meats, particularly pork. Think sausages, pâtés, and other savory treats to help people stock up for the long haul.

As time passed, what started as a necessity evolved into something much more enjoyable—and let’s be honest, a whole lot tastier. People began adding cheeses, fruits, nuts, and bread to complement the cured meats, turning the board into a full sensory experience. By the 19th century, charcuterie had become a culinary art form, with each region in Europe putting its own spin on things, depending on the local flavors and specialties.

Fast forward to today, and charcuterie boards have become a worldwide phenomenon. While the term itself might still sound fancy, the idea behind it is universal: gather your favorite foods, display them beautifully on a big board, and watch as everyone digs in. Whether you stick to the French classics—like pâté, pork rillettes, Brie, and hard salami—or add more modern twists like fig spreads and marcona almonds, you're continuing a tradition that’s been around for centuries.

So, the next time you lay out a charcuterie board, remember—you’re not just creating a fancy snack platter. You’re part of a long-standing history that’s been bringing people together for over 500 years. Not too shabby for something that started as a way to keep pork from spoiling!

Now, whether you’re using a big board or smaller boards, you can follow these steps to make your charcuterie the star of the show, no matter the size of your gathering. Let’s dive into the details!

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Ingredients 

1. Genoa Salami, Hard Salami, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Summer Sausage, Smoked Ham, Sopressata, Capicola – A selection of cured meat products brings savory and salty notes.
2. Hard Cheeses: Asiago, Parmesan, Manchego, Aged Gouda (my favorite!)
3. Semi-Soft Cheeses: Irish Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere Swiss Cheese, Smoked Gouda
4. Flavored Cheeses: Cotswold, Havarti with Dill, Pepper Jack, Bourbon Bellavitano, Truffle Gouda, Peppercorn Marco Polo
5. Creamy Soft Cheeses: Brie, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Boursin Cheese
6. Fresh Fruit: Red Grapes, Figs, Strawberries – Adds sweetness and fresh colors; perfect alongside salty meats and cheeses.
7. Dried Apricots, Jumbo Medjool Dates, Sundried Tomatoes – Chewy dried fruits that add concentrated sweetness.
8. Marcona Almonds, Pistachios, Macadamia Nuts – Buttery nuts to balance the creamy cheeses.
9. Fig Spreads, Whole Grain Mustard, Honey – These spreads and dips add sweetness and tang, complementing the cheeses and meats.
10. Baguette, French Bread, Seeded Crackers – Carbs that add crunch and help scoop up the meats and cheeses.
11. Rosemary Sprigs – Fresh rosemary not only looks pretty but adds a fragrant pop of color.

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Equipment Needed

• Large Wooden Board (or smaller boards): Choose a big board to fit all your ingredients with room to breathe. Wood boards add a rustic, warm touch.
• Small Wooden Bowls: Essential for holding spreads like fig jam and honey.
• Cheese Knives: For cutting different types of cheese, from soft Brie to hard cheddar.
• Mini Tongs or Small Cocktail Forks: Makes grabbing meats, fruits, and nuts easy and neat.

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How to Make the Charcuterie Board

Start by choosing the size of your board. If you’re using a large board, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out all the ingredients in different shapes, adding variety of colors and textures to your arrangement. Place small bowls on the board first, filled with fig spreads, honey, and whole grain mustard. These will create the “anchors” of your charcuterie display.

Now, arrange the meat products. Fold slices of prosciutto and salami into attractive piles. It’s a French term called “fanning”—a method to create a more layered look that makes the board feel abundant. Fill in any empty spaces with meats like hard salami and capicola.

For the cheese options, think of texture. Place soft cheeses like Brie and goat cheese next to hard cheeses like aged Gouda and sharp cheddar. Cut the hard cheeses into different shapes—cubes, wedges, or slices—for easy snacking. Let the creamy cheeses sit in their full form so guests can dig in.

Now, onto the fresh fruit and dried fruit. Scatter bunches of red grapes, figs, and strawberries around the board. Their fresh, sweet juiciness pairs perfectly with salty cheeses and meats. Fill in gaps with dried apricots and pitted dates. Dried fruits not only add sweetness but different textures to keep things exciting.

Finally, add your carbs. Stack slices of French bread or baguette along one side, and scatter rustic seeded crackers around the board for crunch. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs for some greenery and beautiful colors that add life to the display.

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Chef Secrets to Make It Work

• Balance Flavors and Textures: Charcuterie is all about balance. Pair sweet fresh fruit with salty meats, and mix creamy soft cheeses with firm sharp cheeses. This contrast creates a dynamic board where every bite offers something different.
• Room Temperature Cheese: Always serve your cheese at room temperature. Especially with soft cheeses like Brie and goat cheese, letting them warm up brings out their best flavors and textures.
• Visual Variety: Use different shapes when slicing cheese and arranging meats. Pile grapes in bunches, stack crackers in rows, and fan out the meats for a visually appealing board.
• Let Guests Create Their Own Combos: Encourage your guests to mix and match. A slice of sharp cheddar with a smear of fig spread on French bread? Divine. Or try goat cheese on a cracker with a drizzle of honey—it’s all about discovering the best flavors.

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Serving Suggestions

• Wine Pairing: Go with a light Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine to balance the richness of the cheeses and meats. Wine grapes are often part of a traditional charcuterie experience, and the subtle acidity cuts through the fat and salt.
• Sweet Treats: Add something unexpected like chocolate truffles. These rich little bites contrast with the savory elements of the board, creating a delightful surprise.
• Sangria Bonus: Consider serving a pitcher of sangria alongside the board. The fruity notes of the drink pair perfectly with the fresh figs, grapes, and brie cheese.

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Commonly Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare my charcuterie board?

You can prep the board up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the fresh fruit and herbs just before serving for the best texture and color.

What’s the best cheese for a charcuterie board?

Include a variety of cheeses—something soft like Brie, a bold sharp cheese like cheddar, and a nutty hard cheese like Manchego. The mix of textures and flavors is what makes the board special.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meats and cheeses in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Crackers should be stored separately to prevent them from getting stale.

How much should I serve per person?

Plan for about 2 to 3 ounces of cheese and 2 to 3 ounces of meat per guest. If you’re offering the board as the main feature of your gathering, aim for closer to 4 ounces of each per person.

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Storing Tips

For leftovers, wrap up any uneaten cheese and meat tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. They’ll last about three days in the fridge. Bread can be stored in a sealed bag to prevent it from getting stale, and if you need to refresh it, pop slices into a warm oven for 5-10 minutes to bring them back to life.

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Charcuterie boards are the perfect appetizer, bringing together the best cheeses, meat products, fresh fruit, and spreads on one big board. Whether you’re serving two people or hosting a large dinner party, this customizable spread will impress. 

With a mix of flavors, textures, and beautiful colors, your next party will feel effortlessly elevated. Plus, the term “charcuterie” may sound fancy, but in reality, it's all about enjoying your favorite things—delicious food, good company, and a little creativity.

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If putting together a charcuterie board feels overwhelming, let Murray's Cheese make it easy with their incredible DIY cheeseboard kits!