Looking for unique charcuterie board ideas for your next snacking occasion? Check out this list of 35+ creative charcuterie board inspirations from all over the world. There’s a board for every season, holiday, meal and diet.
Charcuterie Ideas
You can’t open Instagram or look at a restaurant menu these days without seeing a charcuterie board (or a butter board for that matter). They’ve really taken off in popularity in the past few years!
I took an entire semester on charcuterie in culinary school. It was focused more on actually making cured meats and sausages rather than composing pretty boards, but it definitely started my obsession!
As you know, I’ve shared quite a few unique charcuterie board ideas for various holidays and occasions around here already.
Each time I put together a new board (or even jarcuterie or individual charcuterie cups), I love taking inspiration from boards I see at restaurants and on social media, and putting my own spin on them.
Throughout this post, you’ll find beautiful ideas for different charcuterie boards from the internet to inspire you next time you put one together!
What is a charcuterie board?
While “charcuterie” is a French term for the realm of cooking devoted to cured meats, sausage, terrines, and pates, these days the term “charcuterie board” has come to mean just about any type of food artfully arranged on a board.
Plenty of classic charcuterie boards will still include salami and prosciutto (or even pepperoni like my wine and cheese board), but they might include cheese, crackers, breads, veggies, spreads, and fruits like roasted grapes, too.
Other boards use the term charcuterie very loosely and really don’t have anything to do at all with cured pork products (they may even be vegan, or made of entirely sweet elements!).
The 35+ unique charcuterie board ideas below include everything from classic charcuterie to creative boards meant to be served as dessert.
Why I love these Food Board Ideas
The number one reason I love charcuterie boards is that they are so adaptable!
First of all, the SIZE of your board can range anywhere from an afternoon snack for one to a savory baked brie board for four.
From a two person picnic with a muffin pan portable cheese board (along with a few rosemary bourbon co*cktails or basil co*cktails), to a banquet-sized spread for a 200-guest wedding reception.
Charcuterie boards are also adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. These days there is SO much charcuterie board inspiration out there that I guarantee you can find one that suits your needs.
You can also make them as affordable or pricey as you like. I’ve made boards using humble smoked sausage that I’ve enjoyed just as much as boards that include pricy imported prosciutto.
Charcuterie Board Ideas: tips & tricks
It’s easy to come up with a unique charcuterie board idea for any season and any holiday.
For seasonal boards, I like to start with in season produce. Things like figs in the fall, pears in the winter, local asparagus in the spring, and strawberries in the early summer. From there, I build my meats and cheeses around what best pairs with that produce.
For holidays, I first start by thinking about color. Think lots of orange for Halloween snack ideas or a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, reds and blues for the 4th of July, pastels for an Easter charcuterie board, etc.
I also like to incorporate flavors that are traditional for that holiday. Maybe something cinnamon-flavored for Thanksgiving and definitely chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
Ready to build your own unique charcuterie board? Get started with the inspiration below!
FAQs for Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas
What should be on a charcuterie platter?
Common components of most charcuterie platters includecured meats, cheeses, crackers or bread, accompaniments like pickles or spreads, fresh fruits, nuts, and garnishes like herbs.
A well-balanced board has a variety of flavors, textures and colors, and you don’t necessarily need to include ALL of these elements to have a successful board.
What not to put on a charcuterie board?
There a few things to stay away from when it comes to charcuterie boards, includingextremely pungent tasting or strong smelling cheeses, which will overpower the other flavors on the board.
Very messy or “drippy” itemsare also good to stay away from, as charcuterie should be easy to serve and eat, and these items will make your board difficult to enjoy.
What is the 3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie board?
The 3-3-3-3 rule is a guideline that will help you create a balanced and visually appealing charcuterie board. It suggeststhree types of meat, three types of cheeses, three types of carbohydrates(crackers, breads, etc.) andthree types of accompaniments(olives, pickles, mustard, honey, etc.).
The 3-3-3-3 rule is a helpful starting point to keep in mind but don’t be afraid to customize based on your preferences and the size of your gathering!
How long should a charcuterie board sit out before serving?
A charcuterie board should sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before servingto allow the cured meats and cheeses to come to room temperature and be the most flavorful. However, it’s important that anything perishable not be left out more than 2 hours due to food safety issues.
How much food do you need for a charcuterie board for 100 guests?
This will depend on the duration of your event, the eating habits of your guests, and the number of other food options available at your event.
As a general guideline, you can plan for about4 to 6 ounces of cured meat, 2 ounces of cheese, 2 to 3 crackers or bread slices, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of accompaniments per person.
For 100 people, this would be about 25 to 37 pounds of cured meat, 12 pounds of cheese, 200 to 300 crackers or bread slices, and 6 to 12 cups of accompaniments.
More Foxes Love Lemons Favorites
- Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- Fajitas Veggies
- Taco Soup Recipe Crock Pot
- Bourbon Salmon Recipe
- Shish*to Pepper Dipping Sauce
- Chicken Apple Curry
- Halloween Cake Pops Recipe
- Chicken Shawarma Marinade
- Affogato Coffee
- Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
- Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Thanksgiving Board
- Crock Pot Ribs Recipe
Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas
Looking for unique charcuterie board ideas for your next snacking occasion? Check out this list of 36 creative charcuterie board inspirations from all over the world. There's a board for every season, holiday, meal and diet.
Charcuterie Platters for Holidays
Valentine's Day Snacks
Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter and put together these easy and fun Valentine's Day Snacks for your kids, friends, or sweetheart.
Valentine's Day Dessert Board
Make the holiday extra sweet with this dreamy Valentine’s Day Dessert Board featuring ice cream, fruit, candies, chocolate and sprinkles!
Easter Charcuterie Board
This Easter Charcuterie Board goes beyond the candy and showcases an enticing variety of savory and sweet treats. Hop to it!
How to Create a Patriotic Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:getonmyplate.com
This Patriotic Charcuterie Board will be an absolute hit at your next 4th of July or Memorial Day gathering! You’ll get the best tips on how to put together the perfect red, white and blue charcuterie board!
Halloween Charcuterie Board
Delight all the goblins and ghouls with this Halloween Charcuterie Board, full of cheese, cured meat, crackers, fruit, nuts, and all kinds of little treats!
Halloween Candy Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:pintsizedbaker.com
Halloween Candy at its BEST – displayed out for everyone in a fun Halloween Candy Board that’s super easy to assemble and decorate. Find some fun shapes, sizes, and textures for a great display.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Use some shortcuts from the grocery store to put together everything on this Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board in 30 minutes or less, with the beautiful colors and flavors of autumn.
Simple Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board (Step by Step)
Photo Credit:getonmyplate.com
This Christmas Tree charcuterie board will be a showstopper at your holiday gathering! It's easier than you think to put together, too!
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
Photo Credit:goodiegodmother.com
Wreaths festoon doors year round, why not the table? Switch up ingredients to match the seasons and you can enjoy a lovely charcutewreath anytime!
Christmas Dessert Board (10 Minutes)
Photo Credit:www.easyanddelish.com
A Christmas dessert charcuterie board you can put together in just 10 minutes. It is festive and will free your oven to make other holiday dishes.
Feed a party crowd with these New Year's Eve snacks and finger foods. Make all of your snacking dreams come true with a ton of sweet and savory nibbles, many store bought, some super easy to make.
Seasonal Food Board Ideas
Spring Snack Platter with Hummus Phyllo Bites
A fresh, satisfying unofficial meal filled with seasonal spring produce, easy phyllo bites filled with hummus, and fun goodies.
Use a little help from your grocery store, pile everything onto a big cutting board and serve dinner "platter" style. Fresh summer peaches make a super-easy Spicy Peach Chutney.
Autumn Cheese Board with Ginger Pickled Figs
An easy entertaining spread that celebrates fall's bounty!
Winter Cheese Board with German Beer Cheese Fondue
Celebrate the winter season with this big, beautiful platter of cheese, charcuterie, bread, seasonal fruits and sweet treats.
Fun Food Board Ideas for Game Day
Mini Deli Sandwich Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:bellyfull.net
Entertain your friends and family with a Mini Deli Sandwich Charcuterie Board – easy to put together, fun to eat, and delicious!
Football Cheese Board
Keep your game watching crew satisfied with a platter piled high with sweet and salty snacks. Fans of all ages will enjoy this Football Charcuterie Board!
Southern Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:sugarandcharm.com
One of our favorite versions of cheese and charcuterie board is this southern inspired board filled three types of sausage, pickled vegetables, BBQ sauce, pimento cheese and more!
Football Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:smackofflavor.com
Whether it's the big game or just a normal game day, this is a crowd pleasing, easy to make appetizer that everyone with love, perfect for college or professional football. Root for your favorite team with a delicious meat and cheese platter.
Breakfast Charcuterie Ideas
Breakfast Charcuterie Board (European Breakfast Platter)
Enjoy a European breakfast platter for a change with this Breakfast Charcuterie Board. A perfect combination of sweet and savory, there's something for everybody on this breakfast board.
Pancake Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:devourdinner.com
Charcuterie Boards have become not only festive but all the rage. Making a Pancake Charcuterie Board will wow your family or those you serve Breakfast to and trust me, their faces will light up as they dive in and enjoy such a beautiful presentation.
Smoked Salmon Platter
Impress party guests with this easy and elegant smoked salmon platter. Assemble everything you see here in just 15 minutes, for a brunch buffet or co*cktail party.
How to Build a Crepe Breakfast Platter
Photo Credit:windycitydinnerfairy.com
A crepe breakfast platter is a fun and interactive “build your own” breakfast board with all the toppings! Perfect for entertaining guests on the weekend!
Charcuterie Board Ideas for Party from around the world
Indian Snack Cuterie Board
Photo Credit:www.madhuseverydayindian.com
An Indian spin to the famous Charcuterie board made with favorite desi snacks and served with lip smacking chutneys.
This Kielbasa & Pierogi Snack Dinner is a foolproof way to get the family gathered around the dinner table on a weeknight. There's something for everybody on this colorful platter!
How to Create a Great Moroccan Snacking Board
Photo Credit:marocmama.com
Try this Snack board inspired by Moroccan flavors and favorites! It’s easy to make and impress your family or guests.
Mexican Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:inmamamaggieskitchen.com
This Mexican Charcuterie Board is perfect for your next guests. It featured tons of yummy goodies like salsa and guacamole that are sure to please any crowd.
How To Build A Russian Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:lenaskitchenblog.com
Learn How To Build A Russian Charcuterie Board using this detailed guide and video! The bright and hearty flavors, variety of colors, and diverse ingredients make this the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack board!
Spanish Cheese Board (How To Make a Cheese Board)
Photo Credit:www.mykitchenlove.com
All the details on how to build an amazing cheese board, Spanish style. Spanish inspired appetizers to build the best cheese board this holiday season and all year round!
Special diet Charcuterie Board Ideas
Easy Keto Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:cookathomemom.com
Learn to make the most amazing Keto and Low Carb friendly charcuterie board, the perfect appetizer or party spread! Create your own by combining elements from this list of low carb and low sugar cured meats, cheeses, spreads, nuts, fruit, and more!
Meat Lovers Charcuterie Board (Great for Entertaining)
Photo Credit:outgrilling.com
Meat Lovers Charcuterie Board is a great addition to any family gathering, holiday or celebration. Made with smoked chicken, pork, homemade sausages, delicious cheese, olives, fresh fruit, crusty bread and crackers.
Vegan Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:www.cleaneatingkitchen.com
Celebrate healthy and plant-based snack foods with these ideas for creating a Vegan Charcuterie Board. Serve this yummy snack tray at holidays, parties, or any type of gathering with friends or family.
Vegan Dessert Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:makeitdairyfree.com
Get 10 tips for how to make the perfect vegan dessert charcuterie board and over 100 vegan ideas for what to put on your vegan dessert grazing board.
Sweet Food Board Ideas
Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:thesuburbansoapbox.com
If you’re feeling festive, you simply must make this adorable Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board! Made with plenty of candies, treats, and all kinds of sweets, personalizing a mug of hot cocoa has never been this fun. Perfect for parties all season long, or just for treating your family while you watch all your favorite Christmas movies!
Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:kimandkalee.com
Move over meat and cheese! ThisIce Cream Sundae Charcuterie Boardis perfect for a special night at home or get together! The best part is it’s customizable and perfect for kids and adults!
Chocolate Dessert Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit:flavorthemoments.com
Chocolate Dessert Charcuterie Board includes recipes for chocolate covered figs, chocolate nut roll, and tips on how to make the perfect chocolate board for your next party or gathering!
How to Make a S’Mores Board
Photo Credit:www.mommalew.com
Who needs a campfire when you can easily make your own S’Mores Board right at home!
