Charcuterie Board Recipe

PROSCIUTTO: Thinly sliced Italian dry-cured ham that adds a salty and savory flavor.

SALAMI: A type of cured sausage that brings a slightly spicy and rich taste.

CHEDDAR CHEESE: Cubed sharp cheese that offers a firm texture and bold flavor.

BRIE CHEESE: Soft, creamy cheese with a mild and buttery taste.

SEEDLESS GRAPES: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds freshness and a pop of color.

ROASTED ALMONDS: Crunchy nuts that provide a toasty flavor and texture contrast.

DRIED APRICOTS: Sweet and chewy dried fruit that balances the savory items.

CRACKERS: Crisp and crunchy base to enjoy with the meats and cheeses.

When you’re putting together a charcuterie board, one of the most fun parts is arranging the meats and cheeses so they look inviting and tasty. Here’s a simple way to do it that makes everything easy to grab and enjoy.

Start by placing your prosciutto and salami on the platter. Try to fold or roll the slices instead of just laying them flat—this adds some height and makes the board look more interesting. Next, add your cubed cheddar cheese and sliced brie cheese. Spread them out a bit so they don’t all sit in one spot. This way, people can reach for different flavors without crowding.

After the meats and cheeses are set, tuck in your seedless grapes, roasted almonds, and dried apricots around the edges. These little pops of color and texture make the board feel fresh and balanced. Finally, place the crackers either in a separate section or around the edges so they don’t get soggy from the other ingredients.

Why does this matter? When you arrange everything thoughtfully, it’s easier for everyone to pick what they want without making a mess. Plus, it looks way more inviting, which makes people excited to dig in. I remember the first time I just piled everything in one spot, and it was a bit of a jumble—definitely not as pretty or easy to enjoy.

One little trick I love is folding the prosciutto like little ribbons instead of just laying it flat. It’s quick, and it makes the board look fancy without any extra work. Give it a try next time you make your board!

• prosciutto - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon provides a similar salty and savory flavor with a slightly different texture but is a good alternative for those avoiding pork.

• salami - Substitute with chorizo: Chorizo offers a spicy and robust flavor that can add a different but equally enjoyable taste to the board.

• cubed cheddar cheese - Substitute with cubed gouda cheese: Gouda has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements other elements on the board.

• sliced brie cheese - Substitute with camembert: Camembert has a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a great alternative to brie.

• seedless grapes - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with cheeses and meats.

• roasted almonds - Substitute with roasted cashews: Roasted cashews offer a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them a good alternative to almonds.

• dried apricots - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a rich, sweet flavor and a chewy texture that can add variety to the board.

• crackers - Substitute with sliced baguette: Sliced baguette provides a crunchy texture and a neutral flavor that pairs well with various cheeses and meats.

• To keep your charcuterie board fresh and delightful, start by wrapping the meats and cheeses individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap. This prevents them from drying out and maintains their flavors.
• Store the wrapped meats and cheeses in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back or bottom shelf.
• For the fruits, such as grapes, wash and dry them thoroughly before storing. Keep them in a breathable container or a paper towel-lined container to absorb excess moisture.
• The roasted almonds and dried apricots should be stored in airtight containers at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This keeps them crunchy and flavorful.
• If you have leftover crackers, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain their crispness. Avoid refrigerating them as it can make them stale.
• When it comes to freezing, avoid freezing the entire charcuterie board as a whole. Instead, freeze the meats and cheeses separately. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label each package with the date and type of meat or cheese before placing them in the freezer. This helps you keep track of their freshness.
• To thaw frozen meats and cheeses, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly overnight. This preserves their texture and flavor.
• Avoid freezing fruits and nuts as they can lose their texture and become mushy or stale. It's best to consume them fresh or store them as mentioned above.
• Before serving, let the meats and cheeses come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This enhances their flavors and makes them more enjoyable to eat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover meats and cheeses on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, just until the cheeses start to soften and the meats are slightly warmed.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the meats and cheeses on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power in 20-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Be cautious not to overheat, as cheeses can become too melty.

• If you prefer a more gourmet touch, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meats first, warming them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Then, add the cheeses and warm until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

• To reheat crackers and maintain their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain their crunch without becoming soggy.

• For the nuts and dried fruits, you can simply let them come to room temperature. If you prefer them warm, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, just until they are slightly warmed.

• If you have grapes, it’s best to enjoy them cold. However, if you want to try something different, you can roast them. Place the grapes on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

• Serving platter: A large, flat dish used to arrange and display the meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.

• Cheese knife: A specialized knife designed to cut through different types of cheese without sticking.

• Small bowls: Used to hold and present the roasted almonds and dried apricots neatly.

• Tongs: Handy for placing and adjusting the meats and cheeses on the serving platter.

• Plastic wrap: Used to cover the charcuterie board if you need to refrigerate it before serving.

• Cutting board: A surface for slicing the brie cheese and other ingredients if needed.

• Paring knife: A small knife useful for cutting the seedless grapes into smaller bunches if desired.

• Measuring scale: Ensures precise measurement of ingredients like meats, cheeses, and nuts.

• Serving utensils: Small forks or picks for guests to use when selecting items from the board.

Pre-slice and cube: Prepare the cheeses in advance by slicing the brie and cubing the cheddar.

Pre-wash fruits: Wash the grapes and dry them thoroughly before assembling the charcuterie board.

Use small bowls: Place nuts and dried apricots in small bowls to keep them organized and easy to grab.

Group similar items: Arrange meats and cheeses together to save time during assembly.

Pre-packaged items: Use pre-packaged crackers and roasted almonds to minimize prep work.