Easy Classic Charcuterie Board: What to Include for a Perfect Spread
A classic charcuterie board brings together a mix of meats, cheeses, and flavorful extras for a spread that’s as easy to put together as it is impressive. Cured meats, creamy cheeses, crisp crackers, and fresh fruit create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Add in a few bold extras and you’ve got a board that’s ready for any gathering. This guide covers what to include, how to arrange it, and the best pairings to make a charcuterie board that looks great and tastes even better.
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Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Build Charcuterie Board
- Prepare the Cheeses: Arrange the Brie wheel as the centerpiece. Cube the Gouda for easy snacking. Crumble the Blue Stilton for a bold flavor contrast.
- Assemble the Cured Meats: Roll up the prosciutto into tight rolls. For the salami, place slices over a narrow glass, folding them over each other to create a rose-like appearance.
- Integrate Nuts & Fruits: Scatter Cashews and Pistachios around the board, ensuring they fill gaps and add texture. Place bunches of Green Grapes for a refreshing palate cleanser. Position Dried Figs strategically to balance sweetness.
- Include Accompaniments: Spoon Fig Jam into a small dish and place it near the cheese.
- Layer with Crackers & Bread: Arrange Scalloped Crackers and Cheese Crackers in various spots for a mix of textures.
Tips For Serving and Presentation
- Room Temperature is Key: Take cheeses and meats out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Balance Colors & Textures: Mix soft and hard cheeses, light and dark elements, and different shapes for an eye-catching display.
- Keep It Casual: Guests should be able to grab bites easily, so don’t overcrowd the board.
A classic charcuterie board doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs a thoughtful mix of flavors, textures, and colors. With creamy Brie, bold Blue Stilton, salty prosciutto, sweet figs, and crunchy crackers, this board has something for everyone. Try this setup for your next gathering and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy in every bite!
Check out this collection of 10 unique Easter charcuterie board ideas.
More Ham and Bacon Recipes
- Cooking ham has never been easier! These 25 Crockpot Ham Recipes are slow-cooked to perfection, locking in flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Make a holiday feast, a comforting family meal, or use up leftovers—these recipes will make your slow cooker your new best friend!
- Juicy, tender, and caramelized to perfection, this baked brown sugar pineapple ham is as easy as it gets. Just a few ingredients bring out the best flavors, making this a must-have for holiday dinners or weekend meals.
- Everyone’s talking about twisted bacon! This simple recipe is quick, easy, and so delicious. Crispy bacon strips twisted to perfection – great for breakfast, snacking or serving as an appetizer for any gathering!
If you tried this Classic Charcuterie Board or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
- Wooden board
Ingredients
Assorted Cheeses:
- 1 wheel brie (about 6-8 oz)
- 6 oz gouda cubed
- 4 oz blue stilton crumbled
Cured Meats:
- 4 oz prosciutto (about 8-10 slices)
- 6 oz Salami (about 18-20 slices)
Nuts & Fruits:
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup pistachios
- 2 small bunches green grapes (about 2 cups)
- 6-8 dried figs
Accompaniments:
- ¼ cup fig jam
Crackers & Bread:
- 15-20 scalloped crackers
- 15-20 cheese crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheeses: Arrange the Brie wheel as the centerpiece. Cube the Gouda for easy snacking. Crumble the Blue Stilton for a bold flavor contrast.
- Assemble the Cured Meats: Roll up the prosciutto into tight rolls. For the salami, place slices over a narrow glass, folding them over each other to create a rose-like appearance.
- Integrate Nuts & Fruits: Scatter Cashews and Pistachios around the board, ensuring they fill gaps and add texture. Place bunches of Green Grapes for a refreshing palate cleanser. Position Dried Figs strategically to balance sweetness.
- Include Accompaniments: Spoon Fig Jam into a small dish and place it near the cheese.
- Layer with Crackers & Bread: Arrange Scalloped Crackers and Cheese Crackers in various spots for a mix of textures.
Notes
- Room Temperature is Key: Take cheeses and meats out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Balance Colors & Textures: Mix soft and hard cheeses, light and dark elements, and different shapes for an eye-catching display.
- Keep It Casual: Guests should be able to grab bites easily, so don’t overcrowd the board.
