European · Free recipe
Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Board
Think of this board as a formula, not a shopping spree: three cheeses of different textures, a trio of cured meats, something sweet, something briny, and something crunchy. Folding salami into loose ribbons and grouping items in small clusters makes a modest spread look abundant and easy to graze.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 8
- Level
- Easy
Method
-
Take the cheeses out of the fridge 45 minutes before serving so they soften and their flavor opens up.
-
Set small bowls for the olives, cornichons, and jam on a large board first, spacing them in a loose triangle to anchor the layout.
-
Place the brie, cheddar, and blue cheese in separate zones, cutting a starter wedge from the brie so guests know it is fair game.
-
Fold salami slices in half and then in half again, and drape prosciutto in loose ribbons so the meats look airy rather than stacked.
-
Tuck the grapes and apricots next to the blue cheese and cheddar, where their sweetness pairs best.
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Fill every remaining gap with almonds, crackers, and baguette slices, fanning them along the board's edges for easy reaching.
Zest note from the test kitchen
Plan about 2 ounces of cheese and 2 ounces of meat per person when the board is the main snack, or half that if dinner follows.
