Charcuterie Board
Key Characteristics
- ✓Abundant variety of cured meats and cheeses
- ✓Artful arrangement of colors and textures
- ✓Includes fruits, nuts, and condiments
- ✓Scaled to serve the number of guests
- ✓Self-serve grazing format
- ✓Visual centerpiece of the gathering
Types & Variations
Common Materials
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Place the charcuterie board on a sturdy, central surface where guests can access it from multiple sides. Position small bowls of wet items like olives and honey on the board to prevent spreading. Provide small plates, napkins, and a variety of spreading knives nearby for guest convenience.
💡 Pro Tip
Line your board with parchment paper before arranging items to simplify cleanup and protect the wood surface. Fold and roll meats rather than laying them flat to create dimension and visual interest. Aim to fill every inch of the board so no bare surface shows through, which creates the abundant, overflowing look that makes charcuterie boards so appealing.
Related Terms
Cheese Board
A flat board, typically made of wood, marble, or slate, used to arrange and present a curated selection of cheeses along with accompaniments.
Serving Platter
A large, flat dish used to present and serve food family-style at the table, available in oval, rectangular, or round shapes.
Entertaining Essentials
The foundational collection of tableware, servingware, and accessories needed to host gatherings, from casual get-togethers to formal dinner parties.