Chef AJ Swanda here! I'm a true believer in the power of food to bring joy—and that goes for everything from appetizers to desserts. So, naturally, I say that not even your charcuterie board should be ignored. Let's take a look at how to make a charcuterie board that will dazzle everyone at the table.
What Is a Charcuterie Board?
In French, charcuterie means "pork-butcher shop" and traditionally was a display of cured meats. These days, a charcuterie board recipe can contain a whole universe of foods, from cheese to fruits to your favorite snacks. You'll find charcuterie boards as appetizers, as part of the main meal, and often as an independent pairing with wine and spirits. Keep reading for more charcuterie board ideas!
The Best Food for Your Charcuterie
The best charcuterie board recipes have has an eclectic mix of snacks, ranging from savory to sweet. I like to think of snacks as "little moments of delicious joy," so as you're planning how to make a charcuterie board, ask yourself what will bring joy to the group you're serving. Here are a few tasty charcuterie board ideas to get you started:
- Meats and cheeses: Salami, prosciutto, pates, and even sausage are classic selections for charcuterie boards—they’re easy to slice up and keep well at room temperature. You'll also want to make sure that you have a mix of soft and hard cheeses. Some of my favorites are cheddar, gouda, brie, blue cheese, and Parmesan.
- Vegetables: Veggies are awesome charcuterie board additions, especially if you have guests who are vegetarian or vegan. Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery, and carrots up the freshness factor, and they a little pop of color to your design.
- Jarred goodies: Tangy pickled snacks like Vlasic® Snack'mms Kosher Dill Pickles, Vlasic Snack'mms Spicy Minis, and Vlasic Deli Style Pepperoncini Peppers provide an enticing kick and a welcome bit of crunch.
- Dips: Our creamy Pressure Cooker Ranch Hummus pairs perfectly with almost anything. Meanwhile, zesty Healthy Choice® Garden Ranch Dressing is a must for your veggies. Of course, you can never go wrong with chips and salsa—put your favorite Frontera® salsa in a bowl and pair with some crunchy Frontera Tortilla Chips. Or grab one of Frontera’s guacamole starter packets for an easy and delicious guacamole—watch it disappear just about fast as it came together!
- Nuts, popcorn, and pretzels: Bite-sized snacks are an effortless way to add some flair to your charcuterie board recipe. Make sure you have a good mix of flavors and textures. Need ideas? I love to start with Glutino® Pretzels and Crackers, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP® Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn, and even Udi's® Granola for a little something sweet on the side.
- Sweet treats: Fruit, whether fresh or dried, is a great add to the mix—grapes, dried apricots, or apple slices work great. A jar of jelly or preserves is quite nice, too. You can even add in scrumptious mini-desserts, like our No Bake Mini Cheesecakes or Mini Berry Trifles in a Jar.
From Cheese Boards to Jarcuterie and Beyond
I’m a firm believer that you should take your craft seriously, but not yourself—and your charcuterie board is a great opportunity to have lots of fun with your presentation! Big, wooden cutting boards work great for displaying charcuterie, like with our elegant Artisan Cheese Board recipe. Chances are you already have one in your pantry, but if you’re feeling fancy, you could purchase one with your family initials engraved for an extra-special touch.
Keep an eye out for unique containers to incorporate into your charcuterie board. Putting a simple snack like Orville Redenbacher's® Butter Popcorn into an artsy bowl or cute jar can truly elevate the look. Be bold here and try out different ideas—and definitely don't be afraid to revamp containers in innovative ways. For instance, a small flower vase might be a fun way to present a tasty Slim Jim® bouquet.
Additional Charcuterie Board Ideas
When it's time to start arranging everything, here are a few simple charcuterie board design tips to get you started:
- Make a sketch beforehand so you can visualize your design.
- Start by placing your meats, cheeses, etc. in the center and then design around them.
- Arrange crackers in circles, swirls, stripes, or along the border of your spread for a stunning visual.
- Use grapes or other small snacks to fill in the cracks of your board so that every inch is covered.
- Pay attention to the colors of your foods. You can utilize contrast or even make a delightful rainbow effect.
Go the Single-Serve Route with Jarcuterie
The latest trend in DIY charcuterie boards is a single-serve option known as "jarcuterie." You can take simple mason jars, decorate them with a piece of ribbon or twine, and pack them with all the elements of your charcuterie—so everything is already perfectly portioned out and ready to go. Guests can simply grab their own jar and enjoy! Here are a few jarcuterie tips:
- Be intentional about how you're arranging the elements in your jar.
- Aim to have at least four layers.
- Cutting your snacks down into smaller pieces goes a long way.
- For a pretty design, use contrasting colors in each layer.
Whether you're arranging your goodies in jarcuterie or a large charcuterie spread, your guests are sure to love any extra touch you can bring.
With just a little imagination, you can take your charcuterie board to a whole new level. For more ideas on how to make a charcuterie board, don't miss our Sweet and Savory General Charcuterie Board and Sweet and Savory Brunch Charcuterie Board recipes.
