A charcuterie board for beginners is an easy way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, a well-balanced board filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers is both delicious and visually stunning. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step!
What is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a beautifully arranged platter of cured meats and cheeses accompanied by fruits, nuts, crackers, and spreads. Originally rooted in French cuisine, charcuterie (pronounced “shar-KOO-tuh-ree”) refers to the preparation of preserved meats such as salami, prosciutto, and pâté. Today, charcuterie boards have evolved into a popular way to entertain, offering a beautiful and delicious grazing experience.
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen the gorgeous spreads and wondered if you could ever do that… I have good news for you. You ABSOLUTELY can! This ultimate guide to creating your first charcuterie board for beginners will walk you through the process step by step and leave you feeling like a pro in no time!
Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Charcuterie Board
Making a charcuterie board at home is fun, creative, and customizable. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Effortless Entertaining – It’s an easy way to impress guests with minimal cooking.
- Endless Variety – You can mix and match flavors and textures to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly – Making your own allows you to control costs and portion sizes. You can easily spend a LOT on charcuterie boards, but I’ll share tips for saving below.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a date night, family gathering, or holiday party, charcuterie boards are always a hit.
What is on a Charcuterie Board?
A great charcuterie board has a balance of flavors and textures. Common ingredients include:
- Cheeses: Hard, soft, aged, and fresh cheeses
- Meats: Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo
- Crackers & Bread: Crostini, breadsticks, or artisanal crackers
- Fruits & Nuts: Grapes, figs, apples, berries, almonds, and walnuts
- Spreads & Dips: Honey, mustard, hummus, or fruit preserves
- Extras: Olives, pickles, and fresh herbs for garnish
A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your First Charcuterie Board
- Choose Your Board – Select a wooden, marble, or slate board.
- Pick Your Cheeses – Include a mix of hard, soft, and spreadable cheeses.
- Select Your Meats – Choose 2-3 different types of cured meats.
- Add Crackers and Bread – Offer a variety of textures and flavors.
- Incorporate Fruits and Nuts – Balance savory flavors with sweetness and crunch.
- Include Spreads and Dips – Enhance flavors with honey, jam, or mustard.
- Arrange Everything – Start with large items like cheese and meat, then fill gaps with smaller items.
- Garnish & Serve – Add fresh herbs and serve at room temperature.
How to Choose the Right Board
Your board sets the stage for your charcuterie display. Consider these options:
- Wooden Boards – Classic and rustic, perfect for any occasion.
- Slate Boards – Elegant and great for labeling with chalk.
- Marble Boards – Stylish and keeps cheeses cool longer.
- Tray or Large Plate – A simple, budget-friendly alternative.
Homegoods, Target, and Amazon are great resources for buying charcuterie boards but I LOVE the idea of having a custom charcuterie board to use for your special gatherings. Etsy is a great resource for custom boards.
Tools Needed for Building a Charcuterie Board
While a charcuterie board is simple to assemble, having the right tools makes a difference. In addition to your board, you’ll need the following:
- Cheese knives – For slicing and spreading different cheeses.
- Small bowls – To hold spreads, olives, and dips.
- Toothpicks & tongs – For easy serving.
- Labeling chalk or cards – To identify cheeses and meats.
How to Build a Charcuterie Board on a Budget
You can build a charcuterie board on a budget with some foresight and planning.
- Shop Aldi or Costco: Aldi is my go-to destination when making boards for a small crowd. They offer a delicious section of meats and cheeses and have great affordable produce, crackers, olives, jams, and pickles. Costco also has a great selection if you’re feeding a larger crowd on a budget.
- Use in-season produce: In season produce will not only taste better, it will also be more affordable. Think apples in the Fall and berries in the Spring.
- Shop Sales: It’s always great to incorporate sale items into your boards. Being flexible on the types of produce, meats, and cheese you use based on sale prices will help you save a TON.
- Try the Deli Counter: For meats, instead of buying pre-packaged options, compare prices with the deli counter so you can buy exact quantities you need.
- High Low Approach: focus on one or two higher priced items like prosciutto and a nice cheese then fill in the rest with more affordable items.
- Bulk it Up: the meats and cheeses are typically the priciest ingredients, so fill in any gaps with affordable and bulky items like grapes, large crackers or crostini, and other accompaniments to fill up the board.
Cheese on a Charcuterie Board
A balanced board includes a mix of cheeses:
- Hard Cheeses – Cheddar, Parmesan, Manchego
- Soft Cheeses – Brie, Camembert, Goat Cheese
- Aged Cheeses – Gouda, Blue Cheese, Asiago
- Spreadable Cheeses – Boursin, Pimento Cheese
Meat on a Charcuterie Board
Cured meats add bold flavor and variety:
- Salami – Classic and easy to slice
- Prosciutto – Delicate and slightly salty
- Chorizo – Spicy and flavorful
- Pâté – A smooth, rich option
Charcuterie Board for Beginners Shopping List
To make your shopping trip easier, here’s a basic checklist:
Cheese:
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Blue Cheese
Meat:
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Chorizo
Crackers & Bread:
- Crostini
- Breadsticks
- Artisanal crackers
Fruits & Nuts:
- Grapes
- Figs
- Almonds
- Walnuts
Spreads & Dips:
- Honey
- Fruit preserves
- Hummus
- Mustard
Extras:
- Olives
- Pickles
- Fresh herbs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food do I need for my charcuterie board?
Plan for about 2-3 ounces of meat and cheese per person, plus accompaniments.
Can I make a charcuterie board in advance?
Yes! Assemble it a few hours ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
What drinks pair well with a charcuterie board?
Wine is a classic choice—red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with bold meats, while white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complement mild cheeses. Sparkling water and cider are great non-alcoholic options. My guests always go wild for a signature sangria featuring seasonal fruits.
Do I need expensive ingredients?
Not at all! You can build a beautiful board with budget-friendly options from Aldi, Trader Joe’s, or your local grocery store.
How do I make a kid-friendly charcuterie board?
Opt for mild cheeses, turkey or ham slices, pretzels, and fruit like strawberries and apple slices. My kids and their friends go wild for boards with their favorite fruits, veggies and dip, and fun crackers like Goldfish.
How long can a charcuterie board sit out?
For food safety, limit the time to 2 hours at room temperature. If serving outdoors in warm weather, reduce it to 1 hour.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap cheeses and meats separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. Crackers should be kept in a sealed bag to stay fresh.
Do I have to include the crackers ON the board?
You can include your crackers either on the main board alongside the meats and cheese or on its own serving tray. As you can see in my photos, I did not include the crackers on my board because one of my guests is gluten free.
Final Thoughts
Creating a charcuterie board is a fun, creative way to entertain or enjoy a special meal at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the possibilities are endless—so gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy!
If you enjoyed this Charcuterie Board for Beginners post, I hope you’ll tag me at @MomsFavoriteMeals on Instagram or TikTok when you make yours!
Check out other delicious appetizers as well as my favorite no bake dessert recipe that impresses guests just like charcuterie boards do!
