How to make a Charcuterie Board
For a fun weekend appetizer or small meal, learn how to make a Charcuterie Board. Play three conversation-starter, old-fashioned games with your guests!
Friends, the weekends are cool and cozy now that fall is here, and winter is on its way. Today I’m sharing how to make a charcuterie board to serve to guests, or to bring to a party! See pages of The Big Board ideas, some big and some small!
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How to make a Charcuterie Board
I’m all about the bread sticks wrapped in proscuitto :) Here’s my original post with video, How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board. You may also love this Epic Grilled Breakfast Charcuterie Board.
Keep reading the ingredients you need, and how to assemble, and why a board with a “lip” is so important!
Basic charcuterie board ingredients
All you need is a variety of charcuterie ingredients like:
- Bread sticks wrapped in proscuitto, olives, your favorite cured meats, and something bright in color (and flavor), like sweet piquant peppadews!
- Also add your favorite crackers, cheese (or cheese ball), and mixed nuts.
- Garnish with basil or a fresh herb. For winter, you may want to use parsley.
What is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is all about how you prepare and assemble cured meats and other meat products on a charcuterie board (or a cheese board).
The term “charcuterie” is also referred to an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments–like crackers, fruit, cheese, and dips.
Of course this picture cracks me up, my Irish husband holding an Italian Charcuterie Board. :)
Game activities & cheese balls
When I think of a cheese ball, which is often added to a charcuterie board, I think of old-fashioned activities. Since I grew up eating many holiday cheese balls, I think of that kind of “party food” paired with playing games with friends, and munching on snacks.
The way we used to have fun on the weekends (I know, I’m dating myself.)
3 fun conversation games
- Charades. Always creates a lot of laughs, and especially fun to play in girl-versus-boy teams. Charades is a game suitable for all ages. It involves acting out words or phrases written on a slip of paper. The object is to get your team to guess the answer, using gestures alone. That’s right, when a player is acting out the word or phrase, they aren’t allowed to talk!
- App phone games. Use party game apps on your phone. Play a few games like Heads Up, Reverse Charades, and Sing.
- Fishbowl. This is a party game where teams compete for points by correctly guessing words/phrases via clues. Each player adds any word/phrase of their choosing to the FISHBOWL. The team with the most points wins!
I know good conversation around the table might be all you need, but if you want to spice up the evening with a little laughter and fun, then I love the game ideas above.
What should be on a charcuterie platter?
Sweet bites such as jams jellies are ideal. Salty flavors like olives, peppers, nuts and crackers are essential. Fresh fruit and vegetables (or pickled) and fatty charcuterie meats and cheeses make the flavors all come together!
The Big Board
Friends, The Big Board is here! Yes, I’ve partnered with JK Adams, the premier woodmaking company in Vermont, with my own line of RE boards!
- 20-inch
- 26-inch
- 12 x 36-inch
- 23-inch LAZY SUSAN
- A board with a lip (or raised edged) so the food doesn’t fall off
- FOOD SAFE
- Made in the USA
- Undercut handles (a unique design)
Thank you for your support, as we’ve sold out so many times already!
Order The Big Board today!
Happy Hosting and game playing, Friends!
Get the Recipe:
How to make a Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- Bread sticks wrapped in proscuitto
- Marinated kalamata olives with feta cheese
- Salami, comizio, serrano
- Sweet piquant peppadews
- Mixed cherry tomatoes
- Boursin garlic herb cheese
- Sea salt crackers
- Marinated cheese balls
- Leslie Stow Raincoast Crisps
- Mixed nuts
- Basil to garnish
Instructions
- On a prepared board, arrange the food items.
- Wrap the bread sticks with proscuitto. Place the olives, nuts, mozzarella cheese balls, and peppers in small bowls. On a small plate, place the soft cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil; serve!
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Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
