A Charcuterie Board is the best kind of thing to bring friends and family together. If you are in need of a light snack or something to fill your guests with, a charcuterie board is the way to go.

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The 30 Best Charcuterie Board/Cheese Board Ideas

The great thing about them is how you can create unique plates using cheese, meat, fruit, whatever you desire. There is no right or wrong!

In this article, we will be giving you a helping hand by supplying you with 30 of the best charcuterie/cheese boards.

1. Simple Cheese Board

This first idea is simple and many people’s go-to if they are preparing a board for themselves. Go simple with a plain cheese board. With this board, you are able to incorporate different types of cheese, learning of the varying flavors, textures, styles.

Aside from the classic cheddar, try adding brie, feta, Wensleydale and much more. To complete, serve with a bottle of rich wine to share.

2. Cheese Board with Roasted Grapes

Add an extra touch to your simple cheese board by creating a cheese board with roasted grapes. Roasted grapes are not only great for your health but are delicious too, and they work to bring your board together with an alternate taste.

Simply lay out your red and/or green grapes in an oven dish and place inside a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes; drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and rosemary.

Once the grapes have shriveled and blistered, it is time to take out and serve with a variety of your favorite cheeses.

3. Brunch Board

This is the perfect board for those who are wanting to take that brunch date up a notch. Instead of travelling all the way to a diner, why not have brunch at home with a brunch board!

Stray away from the traditional and indulge yourself in a board of sweet and savory foods including grapes, sliced apples, bacon, and even waffles. This is a fun way to incorporate your brunch dates with friends into a convenient board.

4. Spanish Cheese Board

Bring the Spanish culture right to your home with this beautiful Spanish inspired cheese board. With this board, you will be incorporating a mass of different foods and flavors, delivering the taste of Spain on one board.

For this board you will need chorizo, salami, speck, pork ham, green olives, prosciutto di parma and, of course, manchego cheese. Finish this by serving with a Spanish style drink – Mojito, Sangria, Clara

5. Cheese Fondue Board

Cheese Fondue is a great alternative to the classic cheese board which will leave you wanting more. To create the fondue, rub the inside of your fondue pot with garlic before discarding then pour beer into the pot, allowing it to cook over a medium heat.

Once it starts bubbling, add in a handful of cheddar and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper and mustard powder and enjoy! Serve this board with crackers and sliced apple to complete.

6. Smoked Salmon Board

A smoked salmon board is a wonderful board to create using light foods and providing a healthy palette.

On this board, add your sliced smoked salmon alongside fresh vegetables such as sliced red bell pepper (cooked or raw), cucumber, olives, tomatoes (cooked or uncooked) and, of course, your cheese. A strong cheese such as feta acts as a great way to compliment these light flavors.

7. Fruit and Nut Board

A fruit and nut board is another classic however is still a wonderful board to create. With this, you are given complete freedom to dress the board as you like.

Choose from cheeses such as stilton or cheddar and add your nuts (roasted nuts, cashew nuts, pecans, etc.) Finally, to add a splash of color incorporate some bright fruits to your board such as melon, strawberries and banana.

8. Antipasto Charcuterie Board

Here is a great Italian charcuterie board which will be sure to bring you pleasure. This board is filled with beautiful Italian delicacies using mozzarella, almonds, olives, salami, prosciutto and cherry tomatoes.

To add a sweet taste, incorporate some ripe peaches alongside an Italian seasoned baguette.

9. Vegan Friendly Charcuterie Board

This is the perfect board for vegans everywhere. For this board you will need vegan cheese (this is easily found in your local Whole Foods) and vegan meats such as vegan ham and sausage.

You will also need plenty of fruit and veg from raw bell pepper to sweet pineapple. To complete, add a bowl of hummus and bread and your charcuterie board is ready to eat!

10. Fruit Board

You don’t only need a board filled with cheese. Why not fill it with masses of fruit instead! This is a great alternative and is a brilliant treat for vegetarians (or just fruit lovers!)

Fill your board up with strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, grapes, plums, whatever you desire. This is a great fresh charcuterie board which is perfect for those sunny summer days.

11. Breakfast Board

A breakfast board is a great way to bring people together whether that is to share with your family or with friends when inviting them over for fun breakfast dates.

With this charcuterie board, decorate it with slices of French toast, cut pancakes and layers of fruit including kiwi, melon, banana and much more. With this, you are able to make the breakfast board your own, catering to your own preferences.

12. Chocolate Charcuterie Board

Delve into chocolate heaven with this gorgeous dessert board. This board is filled head to toe with chocolate and can be incorporated however you want!

Aside from the classic squares of chocolate you will add, include a mouthwatering chocolate ganache, chocolate truffles, chocolate macaroons, and strawberries for that fruity flavor.

13. Dessert Charcuterie Board

This option is similar to the last, however allows more variety for dessert aside from just chocolate. With this board, combine chocolate with cookies, fudge and candied nuts.

Top this off with sweet bananas, strawberries and a homemade sweet fondue to dip them in. This is a delicious board to share out, and something all will love (especially the kids!).

14. Calabrese Board

If you are looking to incorporate a meat with some spice, create this delicious calabrese charcuterie board. This can be sliced as thick or as thin as is desired and is beautifully served with fresh cheese. Try something different such as blue cheese or play it safe with cheddar.

15. Taste of Winter Cheese Board

If you are wanting to spend the winter in style or are just craving the cold season, this cheese board is the best choice for you.

Combine all of your favorite winter cheeses including brie, parmesan, cheddar, gorgonzola, port salut and Monterey Jack. Add some breadsticks alongside pistachios, apples, oranges and olives.

16. Kid Friendly Charcuterie Board

It can be difficult to feed your kids, so when preparing a charcuterie board you want to make sure that you are providing children with something they will enjoy. For the cheese use cheddar (nothing too fancy) and lay them out cut into small squares.

Add their favorite meats whether that is chicken, ham or turkey slices. Complete with some trail mix, healthy vegetables (carrots sticks, sugar snap peas, etc.) and fruit including orange slices and kiwi.

This board adds enough color to keep kids interested as well as maintaining a healthy spread.

17. British Cheese Board

Bring the taste of England to your home by using some of Britain’s favorite foods for your charcuterie board. Use British cheese such as Wensleydale, Red Leicester and Gloucester cheese.

Add some crackers and finish off with a tall glass of red wine (if you are serving during the Christmas season, choose warm mulled wine as your choice of drink).

18. Full Charcuterie Board

Choose this board to create enough to feed to families. If you are wanting a charcuterie board that is enough to count as a full meal, this is the one for you.

First, you need a large board so everything can fit efficiently. You can then fill your board up with slices of salami, grilled broccoli and cauliflower, couscous, tomatoes (raw or cooked).

19. Mediterranean Board

Here is a board combining all the flavors of the Mediterranean. Brush olive oil over pitta bread before placing it into the oven, cooking until brown (this should only take up to five minutes).

Add a cup of raw vegetables including cherry tomatoes and cucumber, add homemade hummus, mixed olive, feta cheese and roasted vegetables.

20. Jarcuterie

Jarcuteries are all the range. They are like your average Charcuteries but made as one serving. Simply place your desired contents into a mason jar and serve individually.

One idea is a candy themed jarcuterie. Fill your mason jar up with gummy worms and marshmallows and hand out. This is a great idea and is great to give out at kids’ parties.

21. Allergy-Friendly Charcuterie Boards

Although these boards are all the range, they are something of a nightmare for those with allergies. With nuts, bread, and cheese being the three main classics, it can be hard to figure what to put on your board.

To create a allergy-free charcuterie board, lay your board out with olives, gluten free salami, dried fruit, grapes, pumpkin seeds and gluten free baguette. This is a great way to avoid any potential allergic reactions whilst still indulging in a delicious spread.

22. Cheese and Nut Board

Bring some love to nuts by incorporating all your favorite nuts in this cheese board. As well as using cheese such as brie and cheddar, make nuts the center of attention.

Supply bowls of different nuts to lay out on the board including cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamias and pine nuts. Serve this with an alcoholic beverage of your choice.

23. Meaty Charcuterie

Fill your board up completely with meat with this choice. Introduce your tastebuds to new and different meats and experiment with new flavors. Some of our favorite meats include salami, calabrese, prosciutto and mortadella.

24. Taste of Summer Charcuterie Board

Use these fresh ingredients to create a platter of food to bring you that summer feeling. Although many of these ingredients can be purchased at your grocery store, picking them fresh adds that original touch which will only heighten the taste of the food.

Use fresh fruits such as berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries) and grapes (black, green or red). Slice some fresh carrots and raw tomatoes. Finish with a circle of brie, cut delicately and eat with a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

25. Two-In-One Board

This two-in-one board is a unique idea for those who have different tastes. This board will be split for meat lovers and vegetarians/vegans, allowing a variety of choice for all.

On one side of the large board, you will fill it up with sliced meat, rich cheese and crackers. On the opposite side you will fill the board with dairy-free cheese, hummus, raw vegetables and fruit.

26. Birthday Charcuterie Board

Want to try something unique? Try ditching the traditional birthday cake and trying out this birthday charcuterie!

All you need to get started is a board in the shape of their age (for example, if they are turning 36 the board would be in that shape), then fill that shaped board up with everything they love.

You can choose to cover the board with fruit and parts of a cake, or you could decorate it in a load of candy for your birthday toddler.

27. Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is the best way to show your love on Valentine’s Day. Fill the board up with masses of red and pink foods including chocolate dipped strawberries, red grapes, watermelon, pink candies, and complete with a bottle of your favorite drink. This is a great platter to share with a loved one.

28. Taco Tuesday Board

Put a spin on Taco Tuesday and create a board filled with taco shells surrounding a variety of dips and ingredients.

Make a homemade salsa, guacamole, red bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, red onion, hot sauce, and share this board with the family. This is also a great idea for themed parties.

29. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to create a beautifully presented charcuterie board. Use your choice of cheese, crackers, fruit and meat and layer to create the shape of a Christmas tree.

30. Fall Charcuterie Board

Our last idea is the Fall charcuterie board. Decorate your board with sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, figs, hazelnuts, cheese and meat to create a beautiful layout. This charcuterie will get you ready for Fall and will leave you wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Charcuterie Board?

A Charcuterie Board is a board filled with cured meats. You will usually find the board displaying meats, cheeses and nuts.

This is something to be shared and is prepared often for special occasions such as during the Holidays or for get-togethers. The charcuterie board is something which is continuing to grow more popular by the day and is appropriate for anyone.

Do I have to use cheese and meat for a charcuterie board?

No, you do not have to use cheese and meat for a charcuterie board. Although this is the traditional route, you will find that more people are creating boards with desserts, breakfasts or just fruit.

This is particularly convenient for vegetarians and vegans who choose to alter the traditional board. It is also convenient for fussy eaters.

What is the best cheese to use for a cheese board?

There is no go-to cheese, however some of the popular choices of cheese for cheese boards are brie, cheddar, goat cheese and stilton. However, you are free to choose whichever cheese you desire.

How do I pick a charcuterie board?

To pick the right charcuterie board it is first important to acknowledge the size. Are you preparing this for you family unit, or for a large group of friends? Perhaps this is a board for two.

Once you know the size you will then be able to lay out your food accordingly. A larger board will allow more space and food however a smaller board allows for a cozy atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Above, we have listed 30 of the best Charcuterie Boards and Cheese Boards, giving you a range of ideas to choose from. It is clear that these boards have no limits. They are free to be altered depending on diet or allergy and allow people of all types to try it out.

Although Charcuterie Boards are known traditionally for their meats, that does not mean that this is not a good option for vegetarians and vegans. There is plenty of meat substitutes and dairy free options which will allow a similar feel of the Charcuterie yet is still suitable.

As well as this, these boards allow you to explore the globe from the comfort of your home! Try meats from Spain and Italy or cheeses from England.

Perhaps you would prefer to use this board as an opportunity to pig out and devour masses of candies. Fill your board with chocolate, gummies, marshmallows – this is a great treat for kids at parties.

Overall, the Charcuterie Board and Cheese Board is a great thing to do. Anyone can make their own; simply purchase a board big enough and buy the ingredients.

With this board, you are bringing people together. It is a time to explore foreign cuisines, interact with friends and family and, most importantly, share your love of food.

The 30 Best Charcuterie Board/Cheese Board Ideas

This article will be highlighting the 30 best Charcuterie Board/Cheese Board Ideas, giving a variety of options for the indecisive.

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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!