Name: How to Make a Classic Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Brie (wheel); Gouda (cubed); Blue Stilton; Prosciutto; Genoa Salami; Cashews; Pistachios; Green Grapes (bunches); Dried Figs; Fig Jam; Scalloped Crackers; Cheese Crackers

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I’ve always loved putting together a good charcuterie board. There’s just something about the mix of flavors and textures that feels a little fancy, but also super easy. Whether I’m hosting a few friends or just making a little something special for a cozy night in with the family, a well-balanced board is always a hit. It looks way harder than it actually is, which honestly makes it even better in my book.

Over the years, I’ve figured out a few little tricks that help everything come together just right. Like where to place the brie so it gets soft and creamy, or how folding the salami over a glass makes it look like a little meat rose. I used to get overwhelmed picking all the ingredients, but now I stick to a few tried and true combos that work every time. Cheeses, meats, a little something sweet, and of course, crackers.

This classic charcuterie board is the one I keep coming back to. It’s simple but still feels a bit special, and it doesn’t take a ton of time to throw together. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry. It’s really forgiving and honestly kind of fun to put together. Just follow the steps below and make it your own!

Ingredients

Assorted Cheeses:

Brie (wheel): Creamy and mild, the brie makes a perfect centerpiece for the board.
Gouda (cubed): These little cubes of gouda are buttery and mellow, and super snackable.
Blue Stilton: A crumble of blue Stilton adds a bold flavor contrast that balances nicely with the milder cheeses.

Cured Meats:

Prosciutto: Soft, salty, and rich, prosciutto brings a touch of elegance to every bite.
Genoa Salami: Creating little salami roses is always fun, and the savory flavor is such a hit.

Nuts & Fruits:

Cashews: Buttery cashews give the board a nice crunch and pair well with the creamy cheeses.
Pistachios: These add a pop of color and texture that I really love.
Green Grapes (bunches): Fresh grapes help cleanse the palate and bring a juicy, refreshing bite.
Dried Figs: Slightly chewy and naturally sweet, dried figs add a little rustic charm.

Accompaniments:

Fig Jam: A small dish of fig jam adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory items.

Crackers & Bread:

Scalloped Crackers: These are crisp and sturdy, perfect for layering with cheese and jam.
Cheese Crackers: A little extra cheesiness never hurts, and these are always the first to disappear.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Place the Brie wheel in the upper left corner of the board to serve as a creamy anchor.

2. Slice or crumble the Gouda for easy snacking and arrange it near the Brie.

3. Crumble the Blue Stilton and position it on the board to offer a bold, flavorful contrast.

4. Roll the prosciutto into tight rolls and tuck them into open spaces around the cheeses.

5. Drape the salami slices over a narrow glass, overlapping them to form a rose shape, then place the rose on the board.

6. Place cashews, dried figs and pistachios in ramekins and arrange around the board.

7. Spoon fig jam into a small bowl and set it near the cheeses for easy pairing.

8. Place scalloped crackers and cheese crackers around the board, mixing up shapes and textures to create visual interest.

9. Add small bunches of green grapes for a fresh, juicy element.

Top Tips

Let the cheeses sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully develop.
Use small bowls or ramekins for things like jams, nuts, and dried fruit to keep the board tidy and organized.
Aim for a mix of textures and flavors by including soft, firm, and crumbly cheeses along with sweet, salty, and savory elements.
Fill in any empty spaces with smaller items like nuts or grapes to give the board a full and abundant look.
Try folding meats or creating salami roses to make the presentation feel more special without much extra effort.
Keep colors spread out evenly so no one area looks too heavy or too plain.
Offer a variety of crackers with different shapes and flavors to keep things interesting.
Don’t overthink it. The beauty of a charcuterie board is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be delicious and inviting.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Charcuterie Board

For a cozy weekend lunch when I don’t feel like cooking but still want something fun and satisfying.
As a laid-back dinner option with a glass of wine after the kids go to bed.
During family movie nights when everyone wants to snack on a little bit of everything.
When hosting friends, it’s an easy and impressive appetizer that gets everyone gathered around.
As a light summer dinner on the patio with fresh fruit and a cool drink.
For holiday gatherings when I want something festive that doesn’t require oven space.
On a picnic with a simple blanket, some chilled drinks, and good company.
Even just as a treat for myself on a busy day when I want something that feels a little special.

Yield: 4-6