What is a charcuterie board? Charcuterie boards (also known as snack boards) are usually filled with meats, cheeses, veggies, nuts, olives, dried fruits, crackers, etc., etc.! They are the perfect customizable appetizer. They are a big trend right now and the fun thing about them is they can be as casual or fancy as you’d like!
Here’s the thing.
They can be as easy as throwing on a few items (ingredients you have on hand) for an afternoon or they can be super fancy for a celebration or wedding.
Don’t make it too hard, and don’t go too wacky using things that the guests or family members won’t eat.
I’ve also seen many charcuterie boards used as “Sunday Snack Boards” where you have the family visit around these boards for family events, gospel study, etc. These can be great traditions!
Let me show you a few, fun examples to get us started! I think this one is kid-friendly (great for the picky-eater) and delicious for all ages!
Have a holiday party or event at work you’re in charge of? Create a holiday charcuterie board!
Another idea is to do a food theme board like this Smores version!
I hope by now your creative wheels are spinning for your next charcuterie board! Customize it with favorite foods/recipes, diet restrictions, family traditions, flavors/textures you name it!
Well, to make it even easier here is a list of 100 things you can put on a charcuterie board by category!
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
- grapes
- strawberries
- bananas
- apricots
- oranges
- apples
- kiwi
- watermelon
- pears
- cantaloupe
- cherries
- blueberries
- pineapple
- raspberries (any berries)
- snap peas
- carrots
- celery
- cucumbers
- cauliflower
- broccoli
- cherry tomatoes
- olives
- pickles
- peppers
- fresh herbs
Crackers/Cheeses/Dips
- crackers (Ritz, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, etc.)
- pretzels
- bruschetta
- chips
- Goldfish
- baguette slices
- almonds
- walnuts
- peanuts
- cashews
- pistachios
- croutons
- sunflower seeds
- fruit dip
- peanut butter
- honey
- veggie dip
- jellies/jams
- hummus
- ranch
- salsa
- guacamole
- cream cheese
- balsamic vinegar
- cottage cheese
- cheddar cheese
- gouda
- goat cheese
- feta
- brie
- blue cheese
- soft cheese/ hard cheeses
- manchego
- pepper jack cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Colby jack cheese
- mozzarella sticks or slices
Meats
- turkey
- ham
- roast beef
- chicken
- beef jerky
- prosciutto
- salami
- bacon
- pepperoni
- cured meat
- shrimp
- summer sausage
- boiled eggs
Treats/Desserts
- marshmallows
- chocolate chips
- cookies
- fruit snacks
- licorice
- Skittles
- Reese’s peanut butter cups
- jelly beans
- candy canes
- conversation hearts
- caramel
- taffy
- chocolate
- gummy bears
- popcorn
- m&ms
- Swedish fish
- cereal
- brownies
- pudding
- mints
…or anything your heart desires!!
Tip: make sure to include spoons, forks, knives, small bowls, and tongs if needed!
Remember they don’t have to be difficult to create, they are customizable to your family/event, and you can be as creative as you want!
Do you have a fun idea or tips when making a charcuterie platter? Please share in the comments below!
Post by: Kari Sweeten
i love it
Thanks for the list! I can only ever think of meats, cheese and crackers. Keeping this one for sure.
Thank you for this! Not cooking this year for Christmas and needed more ideas! 🙂
Have invited seven friends for dinner. We’re all over 80 years of age! Dining table is not large enough to seat seven guests. So I will lay out my large charcuterie board on the coffee table – provide dessert-size plates, butter knives. toothpicks. We will eat in the living room where there are side tables for the wine glasses. Dessert is home-made chocolate mousse.
That sounds like the perfect holiday dinner. My dining table only seats 4, so I think I’ll do the same as you – great idea!
This was such a huge help. Thank you
I was wondering what i was going to bring to our neighborhood Christmas get-together. Now i know! Thanks for the idea.
We add mozzarella balls, salami rosettes, roasted peppers, artichokes, garlic toasted bagget slices, tricolor olives.