Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas for 2023
I am a big fan of EASY when it comes to entertaining. If you don't feel like cooking or don't have a lot of time to prepare, a charcuterie board can be a great option for feeding a large group of people. All you have to do is make a trip to the store to buy all of your ingredients, arrange them, and you're done. Today I'm sharing with you 27 themed charcuterie board ideas for your next casual get together.
What is a charcuterie board?
Charcuterie is just the French word for cured meats. A typical French charcuterie board contains a couple of meats, a pâté orterrine, slices of baguette, a few cheeses, mustard, some pickles, and maybe a few grapes. But in the last few years, charcuterie boards have taken on a life of their own with all kinds of meats and cheeses, dips and spreads, crackers, and fruits and vegetables all artfully arranged on a beautiful board.
They've become popular because they're easy and yet impressively beautiful at the same time. Everyone thinks they're fun, and no matter what kind of diet you follow, you can usually find something to eat on a charcuterie board.
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What Kind of Board to Use
When it comes to putting together a charcuterie board, first, you have to decide what to use as your base. You can't go wrong with a wooden or slate board, but you can also just use anything that you have -- a platter or even a cookie sheet can work in a pinch.
Check out the 12 BEST charcuterie boards for sale online here!
How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board
Assembling a charcuterie board really isn't hard and there's no one right way to do it. But there is a certain art to it. Lexi from Lexi's Clean Kitchen has a great tutorial in this video below.
When to Serve a Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards can be served in a lot of different situations:
- As an appetizer for a party
- As part of a Charcuterie Board Party where each person brings a different theme
- As a meal for 3-4 people (or for a large group if you have a HUGE board)
- As dish for a potluck
- As an after-school snack for kids and their friends
- As a light lunch
If you want access to ideas for charcuterie ingredients that you can always refer to, download my Charcuterie Cheatsheet below!
Each of these charcuterie board ideas below will give you step-by-step "recipes" for making an awesome board that your guests will love. Let's dig in! No matter what time of year you're celebrating, there's a board here for you. Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com Welcome spring (and your guests) with this colorful cheese board. Candied Meyer lemons and lemon yogurt dip add brightness to the salty flavors of salami and prosciutto. Photo Credit:www.lifeasastrawberry.com With clear step-by-step photos, this summer board is easy to build and filled with fresh fruits like peaches and tomatoes and creamy Burrata and Brie cheeses. Photo Credit:hostthetoast.com Peppered salami, candied bacon, bourbon apple butter, and pumpkin hummus are the stars of this beautiful cheese boardt. It's the perfect way to celebrate fall. Photo Credit:www.thebakingfairy.net This colorful board is filled with seasonal fruit that will brighten up any winter party. The pears with blue cheese and prosciutto add a special touch so guests can just grab and go. Photo Credit:theoregondietitian.com With salami roses, this fruit and cheese board still technically counts as charcuterie but adds a yummy 3-ingredient chocolate fruit dip as an accompaniment. Mmmm! Photo Credit:www.eatingonadime.com Celebrate the 4th of July with this festive charcuterie board that resembles the American flag. With all the tastiest red, white and blue snacks, you'll have a patriotic board you can be proud of. Photo Credit:foxeslovelemons.com This Halloween spread is the perfect combination of yummy and scary -- "SPOOKcuterie," if you will. A lot of thought went into planning this themed board, from cutting ghost-shaped Brie to adding fall flavors like candy corn and caramel popcorn. Photo Credit:simplyscrumptiouseats.com Adding cranberry sauce, pomegranate arils, and decorative Thanksgiving elements makes this board special and festive. There are also a lot of suggestions for variations! Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com How pretty is this Christmas wreath made out of traditional charcuterie ingredients? Impressive and almost too pretty to eat. Photo Credit:www.eatyourselfskinny.com Winter's best is featured on this holiday-themed board with pomegranate seeds and a homemade cranberry salsa making it extra special. Whether it's because of its presentation, its theme, or its ingredients, each of the following charcuterie boards are unique and fun! Photo Credit:littleferrarokitchen.com I love the bright colors in this charcuterie board that can serve as the perfect appetizer before an all-evening Italian meal. Photo Credit:aubreyskitchen.com If you like shopping at Trader Joe's, you'll love that you can pick up all of the ingredients for this board on your next grocery trip. Both beautiful AND affordable, your guests will love all the flavors in this spread. Photo Credit:amandascookin.com I love the creativity in this board that provides both snacks and toppings for a Bloody Mary. From pickled asparagus to shrimp and cheeses, there are plenty of variety in the flavors here. Photo Credit:alekasgettogether.com These "jar-cuterie" cups are the perfect way to give your guests all of the things they love about a charcuterie board without the worry of spreading germs. Creative and adorable! Photo Credit:www.callmepmc.com Charcuterie ingredients in a giant homemade pretzel is genius. If you're a fan of Topgolf's Pretzel Board with those yummy dipping sauces, now you can make it at home. Photo Credit:www.foodiecrush.com What do you do when your get together includes both adults and kids? Make a board that both will love! This cheese board features kid-friendly cheeses and crackers and enough fruits and vegetables to please Mom, too. Photo Credit:sweetandsavorymorsels.com With a bacon-covered cheeseball in the shape of a football, this charcuterie board is perfect for Game Day. Your friends will love it! Photo Credit:flavorthemoments.com Smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruits and veggies, flavored cream cheese, and bagels make up this fancy board. This gourmet spread will elevate your breakfast experience. Photo Credit:joyfilledeats.com This gluten-free, Keto charcuterie board is a perfect option for entertaining. With so many meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies, you won't even miss your carbs. Photo Credit:www.chocolatemoosey.com When it comes to date night or inviting a friend over for a simple lunch, you can't go easier than a small charcuterie board. With Boursin cheese, fruit, pickles, cheeses, and meats, you get a little taste of everything. This last set of boards may not be technically "charcuterie" since they lack meats, but they're definitely a hit for entertaining. Photo Credit:www.mapleandmango.com Who needs meat when you get to eat waffles with all the toppings? This colorful board is the perfect meal to wake up to. Photo Credit:quichemygrits.com I love the idea of these individual grazing boxes for a casual lunch with friends or a picnic. Pick from sweet or savory and make these portable boxes perfect for snacking. Photo Credit:veganonboard.com While "vegan charcuterie" may seem like an oxymoron, this board full of vegan meats and dairy-free cheeses proves that you can make a beautiful and tasty display fit for your plant-loving friends. Photo Credit:www.barleyandsage.com I'm not sure I could ever say, "no," to a pot of cheese fondue. With all kinds of carb-y dippers as well as broccoli and apples for a healthy twist, this beer cheese fondue board is perfect for entertaining a crowd. Photo Credit:bakerstable.net Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or an anniversary, nothing says "love" more than a board full of dark chocolate, homemade sugar cookies, nuts, cheese, and fresh berries. Photo Credit:fantabulosity.com This St. Patrick's Day dessert board brings elements of everything we love about the holiday: rainbows, pots of gold, lucky shamrocks, and the color green. Such a fun way to celebrate! Photo Credit:pizzazzerie.com Hot cocoa is the perfect drink to serve when it gets cold out, and this board provides all the most delicious stir-ins. From peppermints to marshmallows and chocolate chovered spoons, your guests will be able to make their perfect cup.Seasonal and Holiday Charcuterie Boards
Colorful Spring Cheese Board
Summer Cheese Board
Autumn Harvest Cheese Board
Winter Harvest Cheese Board
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board
American Flag Charcuterie Board
Halloween Charcuterie Board
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board
Holiday Cheese Board
Fun Themed Charcuterie Boards
Easy Italian Charcuterie Board
Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board
Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board
Individual Charcuterie Cups
Topgolf Pretzel Board Recipe
Kid-Friendly Cheese Board
Football charcuterie board
Smoked Salmon Breakfast Platter
Keto Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie Board For Two
Nontraditional Themed Boards
Waffle Breakfast Board
Individual Grazing Boxes
Vegan Charcuterie Board
Beer Cheese Fondue Board Recipe
Chocolate and Cheese Dessert Board
St. Patrick's Day Charcuterie Board
Hot Cocoa Board
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