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Placing herb garnish on a charcuterie board.

How to Build a Charcuterie Board Step-by-Step (Easy Beginner Guide)

Learn how to build a charcuterie board step by step with this easy, beginner-friendly guide. Create a board that looks full, balanced, and beautiful using simple ingredients and a clear method.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • 1 wedge brie cheese
  • 1 pkg Swiss cheese slices
  • 1 log cranberry goat cheese
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1 pkg salami slices
  • 1 pkg pepperoni or sliced cured meat
  • 1 small bowl fig jam
  • 1 small bowl honey
  • 1 pkg round crackers
  • 1 pkg breadsticks
  • 1 pkg cranberry or seeded crackers
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes
  • 1 cup green seedless grapes
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 sprig lavender (optional)
  • 1 small bundle baby’s breath (optional, for decoration only)

Instructions
 

  • Place the bowls: Place two small bowls on the board, positioning them in opposite areas to create structure and balance.
  • Add the cheeses: Arrange the cheeses around the bowls, spacing them out so they act as anchors across the board.
  • Add the meats: Fold or arrange the meats and place them near the cheeses to start filling in the board and adding texture.
  • Add the crackers: Group crackers and breadsticks in sections instead of spreading them out to create a fuller look.
  • Add the fruit: Fill in open spaces with fruit like sliced strawberries and grape clusters to add freshness and color.
  • Add herbs and garnish: Tuck in fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to give the board a finished look. Add optional garnish if desired.
  • Add serving utensils and adjust: Add small knives, spoons, or a honey wand if needed, then make small adjustments by filling gaps or shifting items until the board feels balanced.

Notes

  • A note about servings: Charcuterie boards are easy to customize based on the number of guests and their preferences. Ingredient quantities and nutritional values will vary depending on the cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, and accompaniments you choose.
  • This method is flexible, you can adjust ingredients and amounts based on what you have and how many people you’re serving.
  • You can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the board about 1 to 2 hours before serving.
  • For best results, add crackers and delicate items just before serving.
  • If you’re using fresh herbs or flowers for garnish, be sure they are food-safe or keep them separate from the food.
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