A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board (2024)

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board (1)

Seasonal charcuterie boards are a simple and tasty dish to make–especially in the summertime when you don’t feel like cooking. Expert skills aren’t required, and with so much fresh and colorful produce this time of year, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Here is our step-by-step guide for how to assemble a delicious and beautiful summer charcuterie board.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board (2)

1. Pick your board.

To get started, you’ll need to pick the foundation of your charcuterie board. You can use any type of board, but make sure it’s hard, flat, and big enough to fit all ingredients.

Our summer favorites:

  • Wood
  • Granite
  • White marble

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2. Arrange your cheeses.

Scatter three to five cheeses in a variety of shapes, milk sources, and colors on your board. Choose a few mild, medium, and strong cheeses and a mixture of soft, semi-soft, crumbly, semi-hard, and hard cheeses.

Our summer favorites:

  • Mozzarella
  • Chèvre
  • Burrata
  • Gruyère
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Pecorino
  • Camembert

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3. Add meats.

Arrange three to four of your favorite cured meats on your board. Incorporate a variety of textures and pre-slice the meats for easy grabbing.

Our summer favorites:

  • Prosciutto
  • Salami
  • Salmon

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4. Add grains.

Offer an assortment of grains so there is something for everyone. Mix it up with different shapes, flavors, and sizes.

Our summer favorites:

  • Grilled baguette slices
  • Mini toasts
  • Water crackers
  • Pretzel thins

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5. Add condiments.

Add some flavor to your board by using both sweet and savory condiments, spreads, and dips. Use a combination of small bowls and jars, and don’t forget spreaders.

Our summer favorites:

  • Honey
  • Fig spread
  • Berry preserves
  • Mango chutney
  • Grainy mustard
  • Pesto

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6. Fill in the gaps.

The key to a beautiful charcuterie board is no empty space. Fill in any gaps with seasonal fruits, veggies, and nuts. It’s likely your board has lots of earthy tones, so now is the time to add some color with fresh produce.

The best summer charcuterie board might include:

  • Almonds
  • Pistachios
  • Candied walnuts
  • Cherries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Berries
  • Stone fruits
  • Figs
  • Cucumbers
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Baby zucchinis

To make the most of your seasonal produce and keep it fresh and tasty for longer, check out ""

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7. Garnish.

No board is complete without some decoration! Sprinkle in some of your own summer charcuterie board ideas for a final touch or add some festive décor, seasonal herbs and plants, or greenery.

Our summer favorites:

  • Thyme sprigs
  • Arugula
  • Mint
  • Edible flowers

Pair Your Seasonal Charcuter Board with a Refreshing Mocktail!

Now you have a delicious summer charcuterie board to munch on, it's time to really savor the season with these "5 Mocktail Recipes That are Perfect for Summer."

Seasonal Charcuterie Board FAQs

What is a charcuterie board?

A charcuterie board is a sharable appetizer dish that’s usually presented on a wooden or slate board. It typically includes foods such as cheese, crackers, cured meats, dried fruits, and pickled vegetables.

What are the two main charcuterie items?

The two main items in a charcuterie board are meat and cheese. Still, the goal is to provide a variety of meats and cheeses to suit all tastes. You can also accompany the meat and cheese with crackers, fruits, nuts, and more.

What do you put on a charcuterie board in the summer?

Add a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables to your summer charcuterie board. Summer fruit and vegetable ideas include peaches, berries, mangos, cucumbers, tomatoes, and okra.

How do you keep a charcuterie board cool outside?

The easiest way to keep a charcuterie board from getting hot is setting it in the shade. You can also invest in a chilled serving platter or use ice packs or gel packs underneath the board or in between foods to keep it cool.

What kind of cheese do you put on a summer charcuterie board?

You might consider low-moisture cheeses to add to your summer charcuterie board. Low- to medium-moisture cheeses include Parmesan, mozzarella, and Manchego.

What is the 3333 rule for a charcuterie board?

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements.

How do you calculate charcuterie per person?

Your board should include enough for everyone to share and enjoy! Typically, 3 ounces of meat and cheese per person can satiate a crew.

What do you not put on a charcuterie board?

What you decide to add to your charcuterie board is up to you. However, your favorite meats and cheeses may not be suitable for all diners. Consider staying away from stinky cheeses, spoiled fruits, spicy foods, and allergens.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board (2024)

FAQs

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board? ›

No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie boards? ›

No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.

What to put on a charcuterie board in summer? ›

Fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, and all of my favorite things - this summer board is such a fun way to a put a summer twist on the perfect charcuterie board.

What are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board? ›

CHARCUTERIE // Stop Adding These 10 Ingredients To Your Charcuterie Boards!
  • STINKY CHEESES. The cheese section at the grocery store can be overwhelming and intimidating. ...
  • FRUITS THAT GO BROWN. ...
  • SPICY FOODS. ...
  • CRACKERS & BREAD. ...
  • Veggies. ...
  • Allergens and Sensitivities. ...
  • Dips, Sauces and Jams. ...
  • Boring and Bland Foods.
Jan 15, 2023

What are the rules of charcuterie? ›

When making a charcuterie board, try following the 3-3-3-3 rule:
  • 3 meats.
  • 3 cheeses.
  • 3 starches.
  • 3 accompaniments.
Dec 14, 2023

What are the best 3 cheeses for a charcuterie board? ›

Here's some of the best cheese for charcuterie boards: Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago. Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, colby, cheddar. Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster.

What goes first on a charcuterie board? ›

Arrange the items on the board – Once you've selected your meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, it's time to start arranging them on the board. Start by placing the larger items, like meats and cheeses, on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments.

How many cheeses should be on a cheese board? ›

Think variety. Include at least 4 different cheeses on your board from different categories: firm, soft, and semi soft. And start with your favorites.

How do you make the most beautiful charcuterie board? ›

Slip two or three small stacks of sliced bread or crackers among the bowls, meats, and cheeses. Let them topple over and get a bit messy—it's part of the board's beauty. We used two kinds of crackers— asiago cheese and flax seed—to complement the various flavors on the board.

What foods compliment a charcuterie board? ›

Add savory and sweet accompaniments.

For example, mustard, briny foods and nuts near salami and sopresseta, and sharp cheeses like parmesan. Pair sweet accompaniments like fresh fruit, jams, and candied nuts, near the brie cheese or goat cheese. Cheddar cheese pairs well with savory and sweet.

How do you impress a charcuterie board? ›

Charcuterie Board Styling Tips & Tricks
  1. Consult the guest list. ...
  2. Work with uneven numbers. ...
  3. Keep organized. ...
  4. Start with your bowls or round shapes. ...
  5. Next, move on to your biggest pieces and arrange by category. ...
  6. Avoid same category items touching. ...
  7. Move and adjust as you go. ...
  8. Fill final empty spaces with nuts.
Nov 24, 2021

What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie board? ›

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements.

What does every charcuterie board need? ›

Note: these are suggested ingredients and you should feel free to tweak them however you see fit!
  • Cured meat. Use a selection of 3-4 different cured meats for your charcuterie board. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Bread and crackers. ...
  • Nuts and chocolate. ...
  • Condiments and jams. ...
  • Fruit. ...
  • Garnish.
Dec 16, 2023

What is the best part of charcuterie board? ›

Grapes are a favorite on a charcuterie board for a reason — they don't oxidize, they are fine room temperature, and they love meat and cheese flavors. And don't forget seasonal fruits; in late summer peaches and melon are a revelation with prosciutto and Brie!

What goes on a charcuterie board list? ›

Recipe Ingredients
  • Cured meat. Use a selection of 3-4 different cured meats for your charcuterie board. ...
  • Cheese. Select 4 or more cheeses of varying texture and flavor. ...
  • Bread and crackers. I love to include a baguette with a charcuterie board. ...
  • Nuts and chocolate. ...
  • Condiments and jams. ...
  • Fruit. ...
  • Garnish.
Dec 16, 2023

What is traditionally on a charcuterie board? ›

The most important elements of a charcuterie board are meats, cheeses, savory accompaniments, sweet accompaniments, and crackers. Cheeses: choose a variety of hard and soft cheese, and cheese made from different animals (cow, sheep, goat).

How do you present cheese on a charcuterie board? ›

If you are serving any hard cheeses, cut them into slices ahead of time to make it easier for guests to eat. This can be into alternating triangles, cubes or slices. Offer a variety of types of milk as well; cow, goat, sheep, they all have different tastes and textures.

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