How to Build a Charcuterie Board + Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas

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Whether you’re hosting a dinner, bringing a dish to a friend’s house, or looking to create the perfect wine and cheese pairing, a charcuterie board makes for a perfect addition. If you’ve never made one before (or you’re just looking for new ideas), we’ve created a helpful guide and list of ideas, just for you.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board is an arranged spread of meats, cheeses, fruit, and nuts. Small seasonal decorations can also be added to the arrangement. Charcuterie boards often make excellent appetizers or wine pairings.

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Looking for step-by-step directions on how to put together a charcuterie spread perfect for any occasion? First, start with finding your supplies.

1. What Can You Use as a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie spreads are typically served on a treated wooden serving board, but you can also make use of large ceramic plates, serving dishes, marble boards, or really anything that will give you enough space to create a spread and is also food-safe.

2. What Foods Should You Buy for a Charcuterie Board?

When you’re ready to purchase the foods and materials for your charcuterie board, keep the following classics in mind:

Cured meats
Variety of cheeses
Olives
Honey
Variety of nuts
Fresh fruit slices
Dried fruit
Variety of crackers or sliced baguette
Jelly or jam

What Supplies Do you Need for a Charcuterie Board?

In addition to the food, you’ll need a few other supplies to create a show-stopping spread. These may include:

Toothpicks for olives, cheeses, and other small bites
Cheese knives
Spoons and knives for jams and honey
Decorations like twine for mason jars, signage, or flowers
Serving plates
Napkins

How Do You Make an Affordable Charcuterie Board?

Creating an affordable charcuterie board comes down to just the basics: cheese, bread, and meats. Don’t feel pressured to purchase expensive, high-end versions of these foods, either. Simply paying attention to what meats and cheeses work well with each other, and with your wine, is enough. Additionally, take care not to over stock on charcuterie fixings to help keep your budget reasonable.

How to Find the Right Wine Pairing

One of the most important pairings to a charcuterie board is the wine you choose. Make sure you take wine tasting notes into account when finding the right pairings for your charcuterie board, as these will often lend better insight into what flavor profiles will work best. Below are a few suggestions of Ridge wines that pair well with a charcuterie board.

Shop All Wines

Additional Charcuterie Board Tips

Before you start building your charcuterie board, we have a few final tips to help you out:

Choose meats that pair well with wine, and find a variety of meat textures.
Make sure you check in advance for any guests with allergens.
Choose a variety of different cheeses, paying attention to which flavors would best complement your wine selection.
Take into account how many people you’re preparing food for.
Slice meats cold and not too far before the tasting.
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from charcuterie boards from Pinterest or other online sources.
Enjoy!

Example: Simple Charcuterie Board

This board is a great example on how arranging a simple set of charcuterie ingredients can create a beautiful spread. Using only some sliced bread, fruit, almonds, jam, and cubed cheese, this plate looks like the perfect addition to an afternoon wine tasting.