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I am a big fan of EASY when it comes to entertaining. And 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 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 13 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.
They’ve become popular because they’re easy and yet impressive at the same time. (It doesn’t hurt that they’re super Instagrammable as well.) 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.
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. Here are a few ideas:
- Wooden Board — it’s a classic option and this one comes in all different shapes and sizes
- Slate Board — looks sharp plus you can label what’s on your board with chalk
- Serving Tray — plain white or solid-colored works well
- Baking Sheet — a well-seasoned cookie sheet works, too
When to Serve a Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards can be served in a lot of different situations.
Make a charcuterie board as…
- An appetizer for a party
- A meal for 3-4 people (or for a large group if you have a HUGE board)
- A dish for a potluck
- An after-school snack for kids and their friends
- A light lunch
13 Charcuterie Board Ideas
I have a post coming that will give you lots of ideas for things to put on a charcuterie board. But each of these charcuterie board ideas below give you step-by-step “recipes” for making an awesome board that your guests will love. Let’s dig in!
French Charcuterie Platter
This board from Recipes From a Pantry is a classic example of simplicity at its finest. A traditional charcuterie board with just the basics.
Greek Antipasto Platter
I love the Greek slant to this board from Half Baked Harvest. Feta-stuffed cherry peppers, hummus, marinated feta, and marinated olives? Yes, please. It looks so beautiful and yet easy to put together.
Southern-Inspired Charcuterie Board
Take a trip down south with this unique board from Call Me PMC. With sausage, black-eyed pea salsa, and pimento cheese, it combines some of the best Southern flavors — all on one board.
TopGolf Pretzel Board
Charcuterie ingredients in a giant homemade pretzel is genius. A lot of people have only seen this at TopGolf, but now you can make it at home, thanks to Call Me PMC.
Low Carb Cheese Platter
When so many are following low-carb or grain-free diets, this platter from My Life Cookbook is a perfect option for entertaining. With so many meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies, you won’t even miss your carbs.
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 from Foodie Crush features kid-friendly cheeses and crackers and enough fruits and vegetables to please Mom, too.
Summer Antipasto Platter
Take advantage of tomato season and make this board from Just a Little Bit of Bacon during the summer months. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, cured meats, and marinated butter beans — what’s not to love?
Autumn Harvest Cheese Board
Peppered salami, candied bacon, bourbon apple butter, and pumpkin hummus are the stars of this beautiful cheese board from Host the Toast. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall.
Winter Harvest Cheese Board
This colorful board from The Baking Fairy 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.
Holiday Cheeseboard
Winter’s best is featured on this holiday-themed board from Eat Yourself Skinny. Pomegranate seeds and a homemade cranberry salsa make this board extra special.
Spring Cheese Board
Welcome spring (and your guests) with this board from The Forked Spoon. Candied Meyer lemons and lemon yogurt dip add brightness to the salty flavors of salami and prosciutto.
Walmart Charcuterie Board
Everything on this board from Spend with Pennies can be bought at Walmart. The colors of the fruit really pop alongside all of the other yummy ingredients.
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
Fans of Trader Joe’s will love this board from Luci’s Morsels. And I love that she leaves room between ingredients so guests can get to them easily.
Aldi’s Cheese Board
This cheese board from Plays Well with Butter is made up entirely of ingredients from Aldi, proving that beautiful doesn’t always have to be expensive.
Charcuterie boards are a fun — and easy — way to entertain. I’m dying to make one of these boards. Which one do you want to try? Tell me in the comments!
Like 13 Charcuterie Board Ideas for Entertaining? You may also like Entertaining on a Budget, 13 Best Cookbooks for Entertaining and 30 Food Bloggers Share Their Best Dinner Party ideas!
So many delicious charcuterie board ideas – thanks for including my French board!
You’re welcome, Bintu!
Love these ideas!
I’m glad you like them, Jennifer! I’m kinda obsessed myself.
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.
Ooh — black-eyed pea hummus sounds good! You’ll have to share the recipe if it’s good.