How To Create The Perfect Traditional Charcuterie Board
If you find yourself gearing up to host an upcoming gathering or party, we've got you covered with the perfect guide to creating a show-stopping charcuterie platter. We'll walk you through the art of assembling a deliciously stunning display that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a touch of culinary elegance to your event. Let's dive into the world of charcuterie, where the creation of the perfect Charcuterie Board becomes a simple and enjoyable process.
1. Set Yourself Up for Success
Planning Ahead for a Seamless Gathering
Whether you're hosting a small get-together or a grand event, planning is the key to success. Finalize your guest list to determine the size of your charcuterie board and the amount of food you'll need. For a gathering of 6-8 people, aim for a balanced selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, bread, crackers, spreads, and extras. Choose a theme that enhances the experience, turning any occasion into a memorable event."
Theme Ideas
Themes add an extra layer of excitement to your charcuterie board. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a movie night, coastal vibes, or a seasonal harvest, aligning your food choices with the theme enhances the overall experience. Explore regional flavors or create a board based on your favorite cuisine for a personalized touch.
2. Flavor Profiling
Balancing Tastes for Culinary Adventure
When planning your board, focus on creating a balance of flavors to take your guests on a culinary journey. Explore the sweet and savory combination for a dynamic taste experience. Alternatively, arrange cheeses from mild to intense, offering a gradual escalation of flavors. Consider different textural elements to keep the experience engaging.
Texture Matters
Textural contrast is the secret sauce that transforms a charcuterie board from ordinary to extraordinary. Incorporate crunchy, creamy, chewy, and crumbly elements to add depth to each bite. Surprise your guests with sizzle and smooth elements, introducing warm meats or roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Artful Arrangement
Elevating Your Presentation
Compliment your beautiful board by displaying your carefully chosen ingredients in a fun and artistic way. Visual appeal is as important as taste, so pay attention to colors, spacing, arrangement, elevation, and flow. From creating visually striking designs to considering symmetry or asymmetry, these tips will turn your charcuterie board into a compelling culinary experience.
Presentation Styles
Experiment with radiating lines, concentric circles, zig-zag patterns, or corner-to-corner arrangements to guide your guests through a delightful journey of flavors. Consider the flow and accessibility of items for easy picking, ensuring your guests can focus on enjoying the board rather than maneuvering around it.
Taking the time to ensure that your charcuterie board looks as good as it tastes is the key to making your dishes memorable.
Getting Started
-
Start off with larger items. These are the food items that take up more room on the board, such as bricks of cheese. Cheeses are best served at room temperature, which means you need to take them out of the refrigerator and let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving, making a great place to start!
-
Add on the meats – lots of ‘em. Lay them over the board, preferably in between the cheeses you assembled earlier. To make the arrangement look even nicer, it’s better to follow the shape of the board. For example, if your board is rounded, you can fan your meats and other food items out in half circles. Otherwise, you can position them in a straight or meandering line. Another tip, charcuterie meats look more gorgeous when they are folded. There are various ways to fold them, such as:
Triangles – Got round-shaped meats like ham? Fold the pieces in half and then half again, so you end up with a triangle. Enclose the sides of the triangles in between cheeses to keep them nicely folded in place.
Cones – Round-shaped charcuterie meats can also be folded to form little cones. Just like the first method, you need to keep them in between the other stuff on the cheese board, so they stay nicely arranged. This trick works best with salami and Soppressata.
Twists – Thinner meats can be laid down vertically and twisted a bit, so they form a few folds during the process.
Roses – Thinner meats like Genoa Salami can be folded in half around a wine glass until you've made a few layers of the meat. Turning the wine glass onto the board and lifting the glass away gives you a lovely meat rose.
3. Here comes the bread! Cut your favorite types of bread in thin slices, then fan them out on one side of the board. You could also use crackers if you please and then keep an extra bowl of them if your guests want more.
4. Got extra spaces? Fill them with fruits. Now here’s the fun part – filling in the gaps! You can never go wrong with fruits on your platter, knowing they are juicy, refreshing, and nutritious! You can start with small pieces such as grapes or berries. If the fruits you have in mind are bigger, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them nicely to fill out the spaces between meats and other goodies that are already on the board. Nuts are a good addition, too!
5. Add in some olives. If you like olives, now is the best time to use them. The good thing about olives is that they don’t take up much space and you can arrange them any way you want! Also, they add a pop of green color so you definitely must consider adding some.
6. Finish up with greens. Does your cheese board have little gaps at the edges and you don’t know what to put in? Grab some greens from the fridge and let them fill in the spaces and complete the charcuterie board surprise! Some options that work best for this purpose are arugula, basil, and lettuce. However, you can get any greens that tickle your fancy and use them as a garnish.
Deciding What to Put on a Charcuterie Board
When it comes to options, there are tons of ingredients to choose from. To help you decide, we’ve compiled some quick tips below.
Which cheeses are best?
With regards to cheese, variety is your best friend! But because there are heaps of cheeses in the market, the good rule of the thumb is to mix soft cheeses with hard ones like goat cheese and parmesan. In general, 3-5 varieties of cheeses are ideal.
If you still are having a difficult time on which cheeses to choose, start with:
-
A cheese with a familiar taste
-
A cheese with a thrilling flavor (could be one with a new flavor – you can grab anything you see in the grocery store!)
-
Two variants of milk cheese
-
An aged cheese to add depth to the flavor
To narrow down your many options, here are some cheese recommendations:
Soft cheese
-
Goat cheese
-
Brie
-
Blue cheese
-
Fresh mozzarella
Hard Cheese
-
Parmigiano-Reggiano
-
Sharp white cheddar
-
Smoked Gouda
-
Manchego
Which meats Are best?
Prosciutto:
-
A thinly sliced, dry-cured Italian ham with a delicate, salty flavor.
Salami:
-
Various types, such as Genoa, soppressata, or chorizo, offering a rich and savory taste.
Coppa (Capicola):
-
Cured and aged pork shoulder or neck, often seasoned with spices.
Chorizo:
-
A Spanish or Mexican sausage with a bold, spicy flavor, often made from pork.
Soppressata:
-
An Italian dry-cured salami, typically made with coarsely ground pork.
Pâté:
-
A spreadable mixture of seasoned ground meat, often liver, served chilled.
Duck or Goose Prosciutto:
-
Cured and air-dried slices of duck or goose breast, offering a unique and flavorful addition.
Bresaola:
-
Air-dried, salted beef that is typically sliced thinly and has a distinct, rich flavor.
Mortadella:
-
An Italian sausage or cold cut made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, often with added pistachios or black pepper.
Capicola:
-
Another Italian cured meat, made from pork neck or shoulder, seasoned and air-dried.
Jamon Iberico:
-
A Spanish cured ham, known for its rich flavor and marbled texture.
Saucisson Sec:
-
A French dry-cured sausage with a robust blend of pork, garlic, and spices.
Nduja:
-
A spreadable, spicy
Which fruits and vegetables are best?
When it comes to fruits and veggies for cheese platters, these are our favorites:
Fruits
-
Strawberry
-
Cherry tomatoes
-
Figs
-
Pear
-
Apple
-
Plums
-
Peaches
Vegetables
-
Radish
-
Carrots
-
Pickled veggies
-
Cucumber
-
Red peppers (fresh or roasted, if desired)
-
Greens (arugula, lettuce, basil)
Nuts
-
Pistachios
-
Almonds
-
Candied Walnuts
-
Hazelnuts
-
Pecans
-
Cashews
Breads/Crackers
-
Butter crackers
-
Breadsticks
-
Sliced toasted baguettes
-
Whole wheat crackers
-
Artisanal crackers
-
Pretzels
-
Popcorn
So there you have it – a fun- and flavor-packed charcuterie for any party. Remember, there is no one solid rule for pulling this off, and you can mix and match your food choices according to your liking.
JOIN THE ROOTS CLUB — Your Gateway to Hosting WOW Culinary Experiences!
It's about people.
It's about food.
It's about creating moments.
Gain access to our best discounts. Discover party hosting tips focused on impressing your guests.
Explore mouth-watering recipes that blend taste and aesthetics. Receive inspirational ideas to elevate every occasion.
Enter your email, JOIN THE CLUB, get a coupon for 10% off your next purchase and be part of the revolution to bring more joy into our world!
Let customers speak for us
Stephanie McLeod
Spectacular quality
Received my board today and it’s beautiful. From the packaging that is filled with warmth when you open the box to the out standing workmanship. The quality of the board is exceptional, even to the personalized engraving. You can feel the creativity, love and heart and soul that Charlene and Jason put into their designs and the passion for what they create.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
MONICA R.
Gorgeous and Fast!!!
This board is INCREDIBLE! Charlene handpicked the boards for the wood color and grain that I liked. I was able to select the boards that I liked, along with designs and engravings for the front and back of each board. She sent me pictures of the designs and fonts for approval. I ended up buying 4 boards. I know I will definitely buy from them again. Thank you for such great quality products and fast service!!!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Jessie kahtava
Beautiful cribbage board
I am thoroughly impressed with my customized cribbage board, which arrived today and far exceeded my expectations. It not only arrived ahead of the anticipated delivery date, but it was also securely packaged, ensuring no damage. Upon unboxing, I was pleased to see the care and attention given to the packaging. The board itself is made from exquisite, solid wood and is even more beautiful than described. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail truly make this cribbage board a standout piece. I look forward to many enjoyable years of use. Additionally, I was delighted to learn that a tree was planted with my purchase, adding an admirable eco-friendly touch.
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Kyle Taylor
Great Product & Awesome Communication
Jason was very thorough and went above and beyond to ensure my order was completed based on a tight deadline. The crib boards are top notch quality craftsmanship!!!
Handmade Unique Personalized Cribbage Board
Sally
Simply beautiful!
This board is stunning and arrived beautifully packaged. The love for their craft is so obvious in the quality of the board and how it was presented. This is a gift for some dear friends, and we couldn’t be prouder to be giving it to them. A heartfelt thanks to Jason and Charlene, not just for your talent but for your willingness to share it with others.
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Johanna
Great transaction, artisans did everything to make things right. Love the boards which were gift packed for giving!
Roots To Table
C Grexton
A Stunning and Functional Prep Board!
This board is an absolute showstopper! The combination of maple and walnut accents gives it a rustic yet refined look that stands out in my kitchen. It’s not just about aesthetics, though—the craftsmanship is top-tier, and you can feel the quality in every detail.
The size is perfect for daily meal prep, whether I’m chopping veggies, slicing bread, or serving a small charcuterie spread. It has just the right weight—sturdy but easy to handle—and the finish is incredibly smooth.
I also love how durable and gentle on knives it is. It doesn’t show excessive wear like cheaper boards, and the wood grain adds such a unique touch. If you're looking for a premium prep board that’s both practical and beautiful, this one is a must-have!
The Horizon: Maple and Walnut Accented Rustic Prep Board
Emily R
The Perfect Everyday Cutting Board!
I absolutely love this cutting board! The 12x8 size is ideal for daily meal prep—big enough to chop veggies and slice meats comfortably, but compact enough to store easily.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple & Walnut Accented Cutting Board
Emily R
Perfect for Everyday Use!
I’ve been using The Daily Block for a while now, and it’s hands down the best cutting board I’ve owned. The craftsmanship is outstanding—smooth finish, durable build, and just the right size for daily prep work. You can tell it’s made with care and high-quality wood.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Emily R
I absolutely love this Black Walnut Round Charcuterie Board!
I absolutely love this Black Walnut Round Charcuterie Board! The craftsmanship is stunning, and the rich walnut grain makes it a beautiful centerpiece for entertaining. It’s the perfect size for serving an elegant spread of cheeses, meats, and fruits. The handle makes it easy to carry and adds a unique touch. You can tell this was made with care, and the quality is outstanding. Highly recommend for anyone who loves hosting or giving a thoughtful, high-end gift!
The Black Walnut Round 12x12 Edge Grain Cutting Board
Maureen Zurby
Beautiful Craftsmanship & Perfect Gift!
I recently purchased the Personalized Wood Bread Board from Roots To Table, and I couldn’t be happier! The combination of maple and walnut gives it a stunning contrast, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. You can tell this board was made with care—the wood is smooth, well-finished, and has a nice weight to it.
The engraving turned out beautifully, adding a personal touch that made it an amazing gift. Whether for serving bread, charcuterie, or just as a decorative piece in the kitchen, this board is perfect. It’s durable, elegant, and truly unique.
Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high-quality, handcrafted board. Will definitely be ordering more!
Bread Board: Personalized Bread and Butter Cutting & Serving Board Black Walnut & Maple
Julia Donaldson
Absolutely gorgeous! Such a beautiful piece.
Very impressed with the board, it was even more beautiful then i expected. Very happy!
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Sarah Ferguson
Love love love these boards!
I bought four for my ladies night and everyone loved the boards. Was worried they wouldnt get here in time but the shipping was faster then expected.
Small Wine Appetizer Plates Set of 4, Personalized Appetizer Trays, Cocktail Plate, Handheld Appetizer Board, Small Plates for Gifts, Walnut
Chels
Great Customer Service & Beautiful Engraving
I love my new custom crib board! The engraving turned out perfect, and the walnut wood is stunning. Customer service was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Handmade Unique Personalized Cribbage Board
Chels
Great Customer Service & Beautiful Engraving
I love my new custom crib board! The engraving turned out perfect, and the walnut wood is stunning. Customer service was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game