How to Build a Charcuterie Board
Building a charcuterie board is one of my favorite ways to welcome guests, and this easy version comes together in about 20 minutes. A creamy cheese ball and silky prosciutto anchor the board, surrounded by fresh berries, grapes, dried apricots and cranberries, almonds, crackers and crisp vegetables. If you love my Easy Fall Charcuterie Board or my Spring Charcuterie Board, this one is a perfect everyday option.
Moreover, there are no rules. It is okay if items touch, and you can swap in whatever you love. Equally important, it looks abundant with very little effort.
In essence, this is hosting made simple. Pair it with my Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board for a bigger spread.
What Is an Easy Charcuterie Board?
It is a board of cheese, cured meat, fruit, nuts, crackers and vegetables arranged for grazing.
Charcuterie Board Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Cheese Ball
A store-bought cheese ball is an easy, creamy centerpiece.
Prosciutto
Silky and salty, it pairs with everything.
Fresh Fruit
Blackberries and grapes add juicy sweetness.
Dried Fruit
Apricots and cranberries add chewy texture.
Almonds & Crackers
Crunch and something to build on.
Vegetables
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes and carrots keep it fresh.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Large Acacia Serving Board
Room for meats, cheeses and fruit with space to layer.
Marble Cheese Board
Marble keeps soft cheeses cool and looks elegant on the table.
Cheese Knife Set
The right knife for every cheese, from soft brie to aged cheddar.
Spreader Knives
For fig jam, honey and soft cheeses on crackers.
Bread Knife
Slices a baguette cleanly without crushing it.
Small Ramekins
Keep jam, honey and pickles tidy on the board.
Little Condiment Bowls
Perfect for mustard, olives or nuts.
Honey Pot with Dipper
Drizzle honey over brie and pears right at the table.
Cocktail Picks
Guests can grab meats, cheese and fruit without fingers.
Glass Prep Bowls
Prep and portion every component before you build.
Serving Platters
Extra platters for crackers and bread on a big spread.
Herb Keeper
Keeps rosemary sprigs fresh for garnishing.
How To Make an Easy Charcuterie Board
- Set out a large board.
- Place the cheese ball and prosciutto first.
- Fill in with fruit, nuts, crackers and vegetables.
- Garnish with rosemary and serve.
Easy Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought cheese ball
- 4 ounces prosciutto
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1 sleeve crackers
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby carrots
- fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Choose your board. Set out a large wooden board or platter big enough to fit everything.
- Start with the anchors. Place the cheese ball and prosciutto on the board first.
- Fill in. Add the fruit, nuts, crackers and vegetables in and around the meats and cheese. It is okay if items touch.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve with your favorite beverage.
KEEP HOSTING
More boards and easy spreads to keep the gathering going.
Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board
A stunning grazing board layered with smoked salmon and elegant accompaniments.
Keep Reading →
How To Build An Easy Fall Charcuterie Board
A cozy, seasonal spread of cheeses, fruit, and autumn bites — an effortless centerpiece for gathering this fall.
Keep Reading →
How To Create A Spring Tinned Fish Board
An effortless, conversation-starting board for easy entertaining.
Keep Reading →
Variations
Add More Cheese
Include brie, aged cheddar or goat cheese.
Salami Roses
Fold salami into roses for a pretty touch.
Seasonal Fruit
Use figs in fall or pomegranate in winter.
Add Spreads
Fig jam or honey are lovely.
Vegetarian
Skip the prosciutto and add marinated vegetables.
Mini Boards
Make individual boards for each guest.
When I Love Serving an Easy Charcuterie Board
Happy Hour
The perfect pairing for wine and my Caviar Potato Chips.
Girls’ Night
Easy grazing and conversation.
Holiday Parties
Abundant and festive.
Picnics
Pack it on a portable board.
Book Club
Elegant and easy, like my Blackberry Goat Cheese Crostini.
Pre-Dinner Nibbles
Keeps guests happy while dinner finishes.
What To Serve With an Easy Charcuterie Board
More Boards
My Caviar Board and Smoked Trout Board.
A Cocktail
My Martini Board.
Something Warm
Crostini
Skewers
My Pear & Bleu Cheese Skewers.
Dessert
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Wrap meats and cheeses separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead
Arrange the board up to 2 hours ahead, cover and chill; add crackers just before serving.
Food Safety
Do not leave out more than 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I buy?
Plan on 2 to 3 ounces of meat and cheese per person.
What board should I use?
Any large wooden board or platter.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, up to 2 hours ahead.
Do I need a cheese ball?
No. Any soft cheese works.
How many does this serve?
About 6.
Final Thoughts
An easy charcuterie board is my favorite way to say welcome. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your favorite ways to gather around the table.
All things considered, a beautiful board is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel welcome. If you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
