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    27 Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas for Easy Entertaining

    Published: Mar 12, 2023 · Modified: Apr 3, 2023 by sandi · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

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    Table of Contents

    • Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas for 2023
    • What is a charcuterie board?
    • What Kind of Board to Use
    • How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board
    • When to Serve a Charcuterie Board
    • 27 Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas

    A collage of six unique charcuterie boards.Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas for 2023

    I am a big fan of EASY when it comes to entertaining. If you don't feel like cooking or don't have a lot of time to prepare, a charcuterie board can be a great option for feeding a large group of people. All you have to do is make a trip to the store to buy all of your ingredients, arrange them, and you're done. Today I'm sharing with you 27 themed charcuterie board ideas for your next casual get together.

    What is a charcuterie board?

    Charcuterie is just the French word for cured meats. A typical French charcuterie board contains a couple of meats, a pâté or terrine, slices of baguette, a few cheeses, mustard, some pickles, and maybe a few grapes. But in the last few years, charcuterie boards have taken on a life of their own with all kinds of meats and cheeses, dips and spreads, crackers, and fruits and vegetables all artfully arranged on a beautiful board.

    They've become popular because they're easy and yet impressively beautiful at the same time. Everyone thinks they're fun, and no matter what kind of diet you follow, you can usually find something to eat on a charcuterie board.

    This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission -- at no extra cost to you. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

    What Kind of Board to Use

    When it comes to putting together a charcuterie board, first, you have to decide what to use as your base. You can't go wrong with a wooden or slate board, but you can also just use anything that you have -- a platter or even a cookie sheet can work in a pinch.

    Check out the 12 BEST charcuterie boards for sale online here!

    How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board

    Assembling a charcuterie board really isn't hard and there's no one right way to do it. But there is a certain art to it. Lexi from Lexi's Clean Kitchen has a great tutorial in this video below.

    YouTube video

    When to Serve a Charcuterie Board

    Charcuterie boards can be served in a lot of different situations:

    • As an appetizer for a party
    • As part of a Charcuterie Board Party where each person brings a different theme
    • As a meal for 3-4 people (or for a large group if you have a HUGE board)
    • As dish for a potluck
    • As an after-school snack for kids and their friends
    • As a light lunch

    If you want access to ideas for charcuterie ingredients that you can always refer to, download my Charcuterie Cheatsheet below!

    Each of these charcuterie board ideas below will give you step-by-step "recipes" for making an awesome board that your guests will love. Let's dig in!

    Seasonal and Holiday Charcuterie Boards

    No matter what time of year you're celebrating, there's a board here for you.

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

    Colorful Spring Cheese Board

    Welcome spring (and your guests) with this colorful cheese board. Candied Meyer lemons and lemon yogurt dip add brightness to the salty flavors of salami and prosciutto.

    Photo Credit: www.lifeasastrawberry.com

    Summer Cheese Board

    With clear step-by-step photos, this summer board is easy to build and filled with fresh fruits like peaches and tomatoes and creamy Burrata and Brie cheeses.

    Photo Credit: hostthetoast.com

    Autumn Harvest Cheese Board

    Peppered salami, candied bacon, bourbon apple butter, and pumpkin hummus are the stars of this beautiful cheese boardt. It's the perfect way to celebrate fall.

    Photo Credit: www.thebakingfairy.net

    Winter Harvest Cheese Board

    This colorful board is filled with seasonal fruit that will brighten up any winter party. The pears with blue cheese and prosciutto add a special touch so guests can just grab and go.

    Photo Credit: theoregondietitian.com

    Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board

    With salami roses, this fruit and cheese board still technically counts as charcuterie but adds a yummy 3-ingredient chocolate fruit dip as an accompaniment. Mmmm!

    Photo Credit: www.eatingonadime.com

    American Flag Charcuterie Board

    Celebrate the 4th of July with this festive charcuterie board that resembles the American flag. With all the tastiest red, white and blue snacks, you'll have a patriotic board you can be proud of.

    Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

    Halloween Charcuterie Board

    This Halloween spread is the perfect combination of yummy and scary -- "SPOOKcuterie," if you will. A lot of thought went into planning this themed board, from cutting ghost-shaped Brie to adding fall flavors like candy corn and caramel popcorn.

    Photo Credit: simplyscrumptiouseats.com

    Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

    Adding cranberry sauce, pomegranate arils, and decorative Thanksgiving elements makes this board special and festive. There are also a lot of suggestions for variations!

    Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

    Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board

    How pretty is this Christmas wreath made out of traditional charcuterie ingredients? Impressive and almost too pretty to eat.

    Photo Credit: www.eatyourselfskinny.com

    Holiday Cheese Board

    Winter's best is featured on this holiday-themed board with pomegranate seeds and a homemade cranberry salsa making it extra special.

    Fun Themed Charcuterie Boards

    Whether it's because of its presentation, its theme, or its ingredients, each of the following charcuterie boards are unique and fun!

    Photo Credit: littleferrarokitchen.com

    Easy Italian Charcuterie Board

    I love the bright colors in this charcuterie board that can serve as the perfect appetizer before an all-evening Italian meal.

    Photo Credit: aubreyskitchen.com

    Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board

    If you like shopping at Trader Joe's, you'll love that you can pick up all of the ingredients for this board on your next grocery trip. Both beautiful AND affordable, your guests will love all the flavors in this spread.

    Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

    Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board

    I love the creativity in this board that provides both snacks and toppings for a Bloody Mary. From pickled asparagus to shrimp and cheeses, there are plenty of variety in the flavors here.

    Photo Credit: alekasgettogether.com

    Individual Charcuterie Cups

    These "jar-cuterie" cups are the perfect way to give your guests all of the things they love about a charcuterie board without the worry of spreading germs. Creative and adorable!

    Photo Credit: www.callmepmc.com

    Topgolf Pretzel Board Recipe

    Charcuterie ingredients in a giant homemade pretzel is genius. If you're a fan of Topgolf's Pretzel Board with those yummy dipping sauces, now you can make it at home.

    Photo Credit: www.foodiecrush.com

    Kid-Friendly Cheese Board

    What do you do when your get together includes both adults and kids? Make a board that both will love! This cheese board features kid-friendly cheeses and crackers and enough fruits and vegetables to please Mom, too.

    Photo Credit: sweetandsavorymorsels.com

    Football charcuterie board

    With a bacon-covered cheeseball in the shape of a football, this charcuterie board is perfect for Game Day. Your friends will love it!

    Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com

    Smoked Salmon Breakfast Platter

    Smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruits and veggies, flavored cream cheese, and bagels make up this fancy board. This gourmet spread will elevate your breakfast experience.

    Photo Credit: joyfilledeats.com

    Keto Charcuterie Board

    This gluten-free, Keto charcuterie board is a perfect option for entertaining. With so many meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies, you won't even miss your carbs.

    Photo Credit: www.chocolatemoosey.com

    Charcuterie Board For Two

    When it comes to date night or inviting a friend over for a simple lunch, you can't go easier than a small charcuterie board. With Boursin cheese, fruit, pickles, cheeses, and meats, you get a little taste of everything.

    Nontraditional Themed Boards

    This last set of boards may not be technically "charcuterie" since they lack meats, but they're definitely a hit for entertaining.

    Photo Credit: www.mapleandmango.com

    Waffle Breakfast Board

    Who needs meat when you get to eat waffles with all the toppings? This colorful board is the perfect meal to wake up to.

    Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

    Individual Grazing Boxes

    I love the idea of these individual grazing boxes for a casual lunch with friends or a picnic. Pick from sweet or savory and make these portable boxes perfect for snacking.

    Photo Credit: veganonboard.com

    Vegan Charcuterie Board

    While "vegan charcuterie" may seem like an oxymoron, this board full of vegan meats and dairy-free cheeses proves that you can make a beautiful and tasty display fit for your plant-loving friends.

    Photo Credit: www.barleyandsage.com

    Beer Cheese Fondue Board Recipe

    I'm not sure I could ever say, "no," to a pot of cheese fondue. With all kinds of carb-y dippers as well as broccoli and apples for a healthy twist, this beer cheese fondue board is perfect for entertaining a crowd.

    Photo Credit: bakerstable.net

    Chocolate and Cheese Dessert Board

    Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or an anniversary, nothing says "love" more than a board full of dark chocolate, homemade sugar cookies, nuts, cheese, and fresh berries.

    Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

    St. Patrick's Day Charcuterie Board

    This St. Patrick's Day dessert board brings elements of everything we love about the holiday: rainbows, pots of gold, lucky shamrocks, and the color green. Such a fun way to celebrate!

    Photo Credit: pizzazzerie.com

    Hot Cocoa Board

    Hot cocoa is the perfect drink to serve when it gets cold out, and this board provides all the most delicious stir-ins. From peppermints to marshmallows and chocolate chovered spoons, your guests will be able to make their perfect cup.

    And don't forget to download a Charcuterie Cheatsheet below so you always have a matrix for what to put on your boards!

     

    Love this post? You may also like:

    • 42 of the Best Homemade Charcuterie Ingredients
    • The BEST Charcuterie Boards for Sale on Amazon and Etsy

    27 Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      August 31, 2018 at 6:14 am

      So many delicious charcuterie board ideas - thanks for including my French board!

      Reply
      • sandi

        August 31, 2018 at 7:51 am

        You're welcome, Bintu!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      August 31, 2018 at 7:45 am

      Love these ideas!

      Reply
      • sandi

        August 31, 2018 at 7:50 am

        I'm glad you like them, Jennifer! I'm kinda obsessed myself.

        Reply
    3. Meg

      August 31, 2018 at 8:22 am

      What a fun read! The Southern-Inspired board reminded me of a Black-eyed Pea humus I have always intended to make. There will be charcu happening this weekend at our house, for sure.

      Reply
      • sandi

        September 02, 2018 at 10:25 am

        Ooh -- black-eyed pea hummus sounds good! You'll have to share the recipe if it's good.

        Reply
    4. Ann

      December 12, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      Such wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJs!

      Reply
    5. Carrie

      December 14, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      I have been pinning this lately. I want to do one for New Years Eve.... all we do is snack anyway. Yours look wonderful.

      Reply
      • sandi

        December 15, 2018 at 3:11 pm

        I served one at a little get together last weekend, and I loved how it drew everyone to just sit/stand around and eat while they visited. They're so fun! I hope yours goes well, Carrie!

        Reply
    6. Dyan

      January 04, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      Just found your blog from A Morning Cup of Joe and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! I have a small house so am always looking for "pick-up" food so that I don't have to try and fit more than 4 around the table! Thanks for the effort in research.

      Reply
      • sandi

        January 04, 2019 at 2:47 pm

        You're welcome, Dyan! I'm so glad that it was helpful to you!

        Reply
    7. Michele McDonough

      September 06, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      With the Covid virus, I don't want to do a board that everyone picks on. I'd rather do individual boards. Any ideas?

      Reply
      • sandi

        August 10, 2022 at 11:55 am

        I am so sorry for the late response -- I took a break from the blog during the height of the pandemic because I felt conflicted about encouraging people to get together. But I thought this was a really great question. What I did when we finally felt comfortable inviting people over again, was to make a board where everything was in individualized portions. So I made charcuterie skewers with cheese tortellini, olives, meats, and roasted red peppers and had little cups with hummus and veggies, etc. That way no one was touching serving utensils OR each other's food.

        Reply
    8. Ann Miller

      July 08, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      I just fumbled over your wonderful website. You have given me the best ideas for my canasta days.
      I will look forward to more great information.

      Ann

      Reply
      • sandi

        August 10, 2022 at 11:06 am

        Great, Ann! I've been inactive on the site for a bit but am hoping to update and get back to encouraging people towards community. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    9. Christine Mathews

      February 03, 2023 at 12:32 am

      They all look amazing!

      Reply

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