Overhead shot of an elegant charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, cured meats, grapes, crackers, and honey

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

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How to build the perfect platter for any occasion

Whether it’s for a cozy date night, holiday party, or summer picnic, nothing says effortless elegance like a Cheese and Charcuterie Board. It’s the ultimate shareable spread a balance of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy that turns simple ingredients into a visual (and edible) work of art. From creamy brie to savory meats, honey drizzle to crisp crackers, this Emma’s Cake Studio guide walks you through how to build the perfect platter for any occasion no culinary degree required! Grab your board, pour the wine, and let’s craft a board that wows every guest.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Assembly Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

Here’s a balanced mix for a medium-sized board easily scalable for any group size:

Cheeses (4 types – variety of textures & flavors)

  • Soft: Brie, Camembert, or Goat Cheese
  • Semi-Soft: Havarti, Fontina, or Gouda
  • Semi-Hard: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Manchego
  • Hard: Parmesan or Aged Asiago

Charcuterie (3–4 options)

  • Prosciutto
  • Salami or Soppressata
  • Smoked turkey or roast beef slices
  • Pepperoni or chorizo for spice

Fresh & Dried Fruit

  • Grapes (red or green)
  • Sliced apples or pears
  • Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
  • Dried apricots, figs, or dates

Crackers & Bread

  • Artisan crackers (plain & seeded)
  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Breadsticks or crostini

Nuts & Extras

  • Roasted almonds or candied pecans
  • Olives (green & black mix)
  • Pickles or cornichons
  • Honey or fig jam
  • Grainy mustard

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This platter doesn’t require fancy tools just a few simple essentials to make your board look beautiful and stress-free to assemble.

  • Large wooden board, marble slab, or tray
  • Small bowls or ramekins (for dips, jams, and olives)
  • Cheese knives & spreaders
  • Tongs or small forks
  • Small spoons for honey or jams

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Assembly

  1. Start with the cheese:
    Arrange cheeses evenly around your board mix shapes (wedges, cubes, and rounds) for visual variety. 🧀✨
  2. Add the meats:
    Fold or roll charcuterie slices and tuck them between cheeses for texture and color contrast.
  3. Fill with fruit & extras:
    Add clusters of grapes, sliced apples, and dried fruits around the cheeses. Place nuts, olives, and pickles in small bowls or directly on the board.
  4. Add crackers & bread:
    Fan out crackers and bread slices in open spaces aim for flow and movement on the board.
  5. Finishing touches:
    Drizzle honey, sprinkle herbs, or add edible flowers for that Pinterest-worthy finish.

Pro Tips

  • Variety is key: Aim for a mix of flavors salty, sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy.
  • Room temperature magic: Let cheeses sit out for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Balance the colors: Alternate light and dark elements for visual appeal.
  • Personalize it: Add mini desserts, dark chocolate squares, or flavored dips to fit your theme.

Nutrition Table (Approx. per serving – depends on ingredients)

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 portion35018g12g25g2g7g