How to Make the Best Charcuterie Board

My friends call me their fancy friend. It’s a title I wear proudly. If you know me well, I am kind of super fancy and extra. LOL So even when I’m not trying to do the ‘most’ I end up doing the most. But also even when I’m trying to play it cool- I end up doing something super cute and I love it just the same. That’s why I have always loved charcuterie boards. I am so excited to show you how to make your own charcuterie board.

My “I promise I’m not doing the most but I also kind of did” meal. Charcuterie comes from the french word or concept of preserving meat. A lot of times, when you see traditional charcuterie boards they will contain salami or other pork products. Well…I do not eat pork. So, I had to get creative with my Charcuterie Boards.

The main concept of my charcuterie boards is to have color. I have a concept when I’m making a salad- just make it pretty and it’ll taste good. That’s pretty much the main concept of my charcuterie boards. I like to have them when I’m hosting because people have something to munch on to keep them satisfied until the main meal. OR if you’re having folks over, but want to do heavy horse devours they are perfect for that.

I do like to use a variety of cheese but not just “any” cheese, I go for the fancy cheese. I do like to use smoked cheeses or cheeses only from the deli. Some good cheeses to add to your board would be smoked gouda; Feta; Blue Cheese crumbles; Havarti; and Smoked Cheddar.

I also like to add random dips. Sometimes I add my own dip or I use preserves such as strawberry preserves or blueberry preserves. I like adding pico de gallo sometimes but I don’t usually make my own (Judge your ma!) I will purchase it from the deli of a grocery store. Again you’re going for quick and pretty. No one cares that you did all of that. TRUST ME.

The important thing about a good charcuterie board is also textures. I often have a variety of crackers. A lot of times you can purchase the crackers that have a multi-variety already in the pack (shout out to Aldi)! The way you arrange them on the boards can add to the beauty of the board.

Different flavors are key too. I’ll have olives but a variety. Because I am allergic to nuts, I do not have nuts on my boards but you can have them. You may need to also purchase Ramekins they are good to contain the different elements of the board if you don’t want them “running” everywhere.

Don’t feel as if your board has to look like mine! I have done charcuterie boards that are JUST VEGETABLES and FRUIT. I had an event once and I made 3 different types of charcuterie boards. Everyone talked about how pretty they were.

You can make your board however it is that you want it to be. Just add some color and texture. Your favorite fruits and vegetables. It’s your place to be creative AND simple.

Comment below and let me know what you like to add to your charcuterie boards!