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Simple Charcuterie Board

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This Simple Charcuterie Board is the perfect party appetizer. It’s simple to put together, and there are endless possibilities for toppings.

If you are looking for an easy appetizer, then this is the recipe for you. Plus, it looks impressive and feels fancy—even if you’re just using what you already have in your kitchen.

An angled close up shot of Simple Charcuterie Board.
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Easy Charcuterie Board

Did you know that the word charcuterie derives from the French term “Charcuter,” which means to prepare meats? For this pastime, butchers would prepare their best cuts of meat to serve at parties and special occasions, and that is how this easy appetizer became so widely popular.

Why I Love This Recipe

This easy charcuterie board is perfect for any party and is a great way to use up meats and cheeses that you already have on hand.

  • Ready in under 10 minutes
  • Easy to make
  • Always a hit at parties
  • Perfect for picky eaters
  • Looks beautiful on a plate

If you love delicious snack recipes, you may also enjoy this Slow Cooker Candied Pecans recipe. And check out this post on what to serve after a charcuterie board to round out your evening.

An overhead horizontal shot of Simple Charcuterie Board.
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Ingredients

This list of ingredients may seem long, but you can use anything that you have on hand that you enjoy, which can save you a trip to the grocery store.

Cold cuts:

  • Prosciutto
  • Coppa (cured pork shoulder)
  • Mortadella
  • Salami
  • Spicy salami

Cheese:

  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Brie/Camembert
Cold cuts and cheeses for Simple Charcuterie Board.

Fresh fruit:

  • Cherry
  • Blackberry
  • Mango
  • Dragon fruit
  • Tangerine/Cuties
  • Pear
  • Apple

Nuts/Dried fruit/Pickles:

  • Baguettes, cut into slices, toasted
  • Crackers
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pistachio
  • Olive
  • Pepperoncini
  • Honey/Jams
Fresh fruits, Nuts, Dried fruits, and Pickles for Simple Charcuterie Board.

Substitutions

Meats: Use any of your favorite cold cuts to make this easy meat and cheese board.

Fruits: I like to use apples and cherries but you can use any type of fruit that your family enjoys.

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this party-friendly recipe.

How to Make Simple Charcuterie Board

This Simple Charcuterie Board comes together in just 2 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients needed

Gather all the meats, spreads, fruits, and other ingredients that you need to make this easy appetizer.

Step 2: Fill the board

Fill the charcuterie board with your selections. I find it’s easier to start with the bowls of spreads and then fill in around the bowls.

An overhead vertical shot of Simple Charcuterie Board.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Do you want to change up this easy charcuterie board recipe? Here are my favorite swaps.

Spicy: Are you a fan of spicy foods? Add spicy peppers, pepper jellies, and spicy nuts to your board for a flavor kick.

Sweets: Add your favorite sweet items, like jams and jellies to make this cheese and cracker board a perfect balance of flavors.

Gluten-Free: If you have food allergies, use gluten-free crackers to have an allergy-friendly charcuterie platter.

Toppings/Serving Suggestions

The toppings for this meat and cheese board are unlimited but here are a few of my favorite additions.

  • Flavored cheeses
  • Fruit jams and jellies
  • Pepper jelly
  • Easy to eat fruits
  • Seasoned nuts
  • Flavorful meats
A close up shot of Simple Charcuterie Board.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this Simple Charcuterie Board? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to store

This charcuterie platter can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze?

You can freeze the meats, cheeses, and nuts. However, I don’t recommend freezing the crackers and fruits.

Can I make this fruit and cheese board ahead?

Yes, the fruit and cheese board is easy to prepare ahead of time. For best flavor, store each item separately in an airtight container or bag. And assemble on the board when you are ready to serve.

An overhead horizontal shot of Simple Charcuterie Board.

More Appetizer Recipes

If you like appetizers, give these recipes a try:

Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.

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📋 Recipe

Simple Charcuterie Board

Corinne Schmitt
This Simple Charcuterie Board is the perfect party appetizer.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Cold Cuts

  • Prosciutto
  • Coppa cured pork shoulder
  • Mortadella
  • Salami
  • Spicy salami

Cheese

  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Brie/Camembert

Fresh fruit

  • Cherry
  • Blackberry
  • Mango
  • Dragon fruit
  • Tangerine/Cuties
  • Pear
  • Apple

Nuts/Dried fruit/Pickles

  • Baguettes cut into slices, toasted
  • Crackers
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pistachio
  • Olive
  • Pepperoncini
  • Honey/Jams

Instructions
 

  • Gather all the meats, spreads, fruits, and other ingredients.
  • Fill the charcuterie board with your selections. I find it's easier to start with the bowls of spreads and then fill in around the bowls.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!

A collage of 4 images showing the process of making a Simple Charcuterie Board.

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