Simple Charcuterie Board Guide

A charcuterie board is a wonderful way to welcome family with minimal fuss while still making an impression. It’s a great option that allows guests to graze at their leisure and offers something for literally everyone—even picky eaters!

The Basics

At its core, a charcuterie board features a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and complementary items arranged on a serving board. The beauty of a charcuterie board is its flexibility—you can adjust portions, ingredients, and presentations based on your preferences, budget, and the number of guests.

Essential Components

Meats: Choose 2-3 varieties for a simple board. Good options include thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Plan for about 2 ounces of meat per person. If you’d like to keep things as simple as possible, look for pre-sliced options at your grocery store deli counter.

Cheeses: Include 2-3 different textures and flavors. A soft cheese (like brie or camembert), a semi-firm option (such as gouda or havarti), and a harder cheese (like aged cheddar or parmesan) create pleasant variety. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person.

Crackers and Bread: Provide 1-2 types of crackers or sliced baguette as vehicles for your meats and cheeses. Water crackers offer a neutral base, while seeded or flavored crackers add interesting texture.

Something Sweet: Fresh or dried fruits balance the saltiness of meats and cheeses. Grapes, sliced apples, dried apricots, or fig jam all work wonderfully.

Something Tangy: Pickles, olives, or marinated artichoke hearts add brightness and cut through rich flavors.

Nuts: A small dish of almonds, walnuts, or pistachios brings crunch and another flavour dimension.

Assembly Tips

Start by placing your cheeses on the board first, spacing them apart. Add small bowls for items like olives or jam. Fold or roll meat slices and tuck them between the cheeses. Fill remaining spaces with fruits, veggies, and nuts. Don't worry about perfection—a slightly abundant, casual appearance is part of the charm. Always serve crackers on the side, in a pretty basket, platter, or serving tray. This way, they stay crisp and never soggy.

Make-Ahead Elements

You can prepare most components up to a day ahead. Slice cheeses, portion olives, and arrange nuts in small containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the final board about 30 minutes before serving so cheeses can come to room temperature for the best flavour.

Serving Considerations

Provide small plates, napkins, and appropriate serving utensils—cheese knives for soft cheeses, small spoons for jams or honey, and toothpicks for guests to take items cleanly. A small card identifying each cheese can be helpful for guests with dietary restrictions or preferences.

A simple charcuterie board is all about creating an inviting, relaxed atmosphere for your family gathering. The thoughtful presentation of quality ingredients will be appreciated—and you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.