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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
Calories 320 kcal

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

  • This method is flexible, you can adjust ingredients and amounts based on what you have and how many people you’re serving.
  • Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g
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