I have an emotional attachment to charcuterie boards. In my senior year of high school, they started appearing all over on social media—which explains all the well-crafted salami roses with French bread and fruit that were the essence of many a girl’s night. There are endless angles to take when creating a board, so to get your building process started (and save you from scrolling Pinterest for hours), I’ve rounded up some of the best charcuterie board ideas for all the food inspiration you need.
Psst… we made a magazine with lots of ideas for hosting guests! Get your Camille Styles holiday issue EDIT, out now.
The Best Charcuterie Board Ideas of All Time
There really is a charcuterie board for every mood. The range has everything from chocolates and candies to savory cuts and fancy cheeses. I like to keep the season in mind as I create my boards, choosing the right cheeses and extras to add depending on the weather. Additionally, you can throw together a bunch of dips and fondues to bring your board to the next level.
Cheese, crackers, and fruit abound—here are the best charcuterie board ideas for your hosting needs.
Fun Boards
Bruschetta board
This bruschetta board is perfect for almost any occasion. It has a little bit of everything – fresh fruit, delicious dips, and of course, your cheese and bread/cracker pairings. The real highlight is the roasted cherry tomatoes, but you can serve them with your own variation of bruschetta. Make this board your own with homemade pesto or whipped feta dip.
Board of Catches
This canned fish board is simple but combines unique and showy elements. Grab a few cans of canned fish (tuna, whitefish, sardines, etc.) and make them the centerpiece of your board. Once you have a focal point, pair your fish with fresh bread, crackers, cheese, and vegetables for a round-the-clock grazing board.
Dips & Crudite Grazing Board
If dips are your thing (me), this board is for you. It’s not too heavy on the cheese, making it a safe option for those who are dairy-free or vegan. Plus, the options for dips and extra bites are endless. I love this easy smoked eggplant dip or make homemade hummus to eat with pickles or fingerling potatoes.
Baked Brie Charcuterie Board
Brie is one of the most amazing cheeses to put on a charcuterie board. Maybe it’s the shape or the hard exterior that opens to reveal a soft gooey cheese with a buttery flavor. But the best thing about this cheese is that it goes well with any fruits, vegetables, breads and crackers. Throw strawberries on your board during the summer and olives in the winter.
A cheese board for two
There’s only one hindrance to charcuterie that comes up sometimes when I’m planning a party—too many leftovers! If you have a large crowd, this usually won’t be a problem, but if there are a few guests, it becomes difficult to distribute your ingredients. Luckily, this cheese board is perfect for two (or a few more).
Fun Boards
Cookie Charcuterie Board
Dessert charcuterie is an inexpensive way to serve desserts to a crowd. As an avid baker, I still sometimes find myself not wanting to spend hours baking in the kitchen when I’m busy. Enter—a board full of chocolates, cookies, and other goodies for everyone to pick and choose from.
Hot Chocolate Board
Hot chocolate is a cold weather staple and a drink I will enjoy almost every time I sit by the fire. Making a hot chocolate board is easy and can double as a s’mores board if you have access to a fire pit. You can easily throw in some graham crackers and bring your board outside for everyone to enjoy. Grab this board with a few cups of hot chocolate and bowls of melted chocolate to dip your marshmallows and candy.
Chocolate Fondue Board
If you like the idea of chocolate dip on your board, this fondue board is for you. Fruit, graham crackers, marshmallows, and even cheese make great dips to go with your chocolate fondue. I like to create two or more different dips when I build a board like this so that everyone has something to choose from. Some personal favorites include peanut butter chocolate, dark chocolate, and the white/milk chocolate combo.
Yogurt and Granola Breakfast Board
Who said your charcuterie board has to wait until the evening? This breakfast board shakes things up by adding a variety of simple and fresh breakfast ingredients like whipped granola, fresh oranges, and plenty of fruit. Add a bowl of Greek yogurt for extra protein, and you have a well-rounded breakfast that won’t break the bank.
Annual Boards
Fall Grazing Board
Relying on seasonal ingredients is a great way to elevate your charcuterie board and bring forth strong flavors and go. For fall, round out your board with smoky cheddar cheese, fresh-cut salami, and fig dip. Whatever ingredients you choose, focus on bringing warm, spiced flavors to your table this fall.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
When winter rolls around, the first things I grab for my charcuterie board are pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and soft cheeses. These ingredients go well with simple dips like fresh honey or sliced meats like prosciutto. Focus on seasonal colors like deep reds and greens—natural colors you’ll find in abundance during the winter months.
Summer Cheese Board
When it’s too hot outside to cook or bake, charcuterie always has your back. This summer cheese board is decorated with fresh fruits like blackberries, peaches, and figs. Take advantage of all the fresh, seasonal fruit this time of year! Drizzle everything with honey if you feel your board needs a little more sweetness, then finish it off with a freshly cut baguette.