The new trend among friends? Apps! Gone are the days when we all sat quietly in the dining room over a four-course meal. Now it's catching up in the kitchen together; balancing an appetizer plate in one hand and a wine glass in the other. And if you want to be a great host, the golden rule is simple: keep your guests well-fed and their glasses full.
We may have ditched the sit-down dinners for standing hors d'ourves, but the sentiment remains the same: keep the food and conversation flowing. A charcuterie (say it with us: shar-koo-tuh-ree) platter is a great way to nab a few hostess points. It's all about presentation and Instagram-worthy finesse. Just remember to snap a picture before your guests dig in…
So, how to build a charcuterie board that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? In this guide, our team will show you how to artfully pair your favorite crackers, hard cheeses, pickled vegetables, sliced meat, and more—so you can create a stunning spread using ingredients you already love.
Pick Your Board & Bowls
Choose Your Cheese
Vary The Taste
Tease your guest's taste buds with a bit of zip. Try marinated olives, grapes and pickles to shake up your spread. Separate them out into their own small bowls and scatter them around your board. Trust us—everyone will appreciate the dose of different flavors.
Add Meat & Bread
Choose about 3-4 slices of meat per guest. Mix flavors and textures, like salami, prosciutto, mortadella and capicola. Create variety by trying both cuts of hard meats and thin slices. You can even fan out a few slices of pepperoni to pop a crowd favorite into your charcuterie platter. Slip some breadsticks into a jar and add a cut-up loaf of bread to build your perfect charcuterie board.
Sweeten The Spread
Now you'll need to balance out the dry and salty taste with something juicy. Mix fresh fruit for sweet flavor and beautiful color. Try blackberries, figs and cranberries. For added textures and flavor, consider adding a small pile of Marcona almonds or walnuts to give your cheese board a satisfying crunch and a touch of richness. It's the perfect finger food for your guests to grab and chat at the same time.
Pour Some Wine
Like any great hostess, it's important to think of drinks. Wine is our top choice for a charcuterie spread. The type you choose depends on your selection. If you have more subdued flavors, try a sweet rosé or a crisp white wine. If you have more bold flavors that really strike the palate, pair it with a full-bodied red wine. (We obviously can't resist a rosé in our Tuscany Classics wine glass set!)
To help your guests fully enjoy your DIY charcuterie board, be sure to set out a stack of white plates—like our elegant Wickford Tidbit plates—so they can create the perfect bite with just the right mix of cheeses, sliced meat, pickled vegetables, and bread.
After your charcuterie spread is made and the wine glasses are all filled, it's time for you to sit back, relax and just enjoy the conversation!
Bring It All Together
Now that you’ve learned how to build a charcuterie board, it’s time to put your creativity to work. Whether you’re crafting a simple charcuterie board for a cozy night in or preparing the perfect charcuterie board for a crowd, it all starts with a thoughtful balance of flavors, texture, and presentation.
From hard cheeses like parmesan and white cheddar to creamy favorites like brie, every cheese board deserves a mix of sliced meats such as salami and prosciutto, a variety of crackers, and a touch of color with grapes, pickles, or dried figs. Don’t forget the small bowls for spreads and dips, or the cheese knife to make slicing a breeze. A small pile of Marcona almonds or dried fruit adds just the right texture to complete your spread.
So grab your favorite ingredients, mix up different shapes and thin slices, and start building your best charcuterie board yet. With the right balance of cheese, meat, and thoughtful details, you’re sure to serve up a spread worth savoring.
