Charcuterie boards don’t need to take hours to create. Yes – a good board is a work of art, but with the right ingredients and design methods, you can easily build a 10 minute charcuterie board that will wow you friends and family.
Most of the ingredients for this board were purchased at Trader Joes, but you can easily get many of these other places. This board is perfect as an appetizer for a cocktail party, birthday party or dinner party.
Looking for more ideas for building a better board? You might like:
Watch me Make a 10 Minute Charcuterie Board
Ingredients for this 10 Minute Charcuterie Board
You can use the same ideas to make this board with any ingredients you have, but here is a run down with exactly what I used to make this board:
- Naan Garlic Crackers
- Strawberries
- Brie
- Goat Cheese
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries
- Figs
- Snap Peas
- Gouda
- Pickles
- Mustard Dill Sauce
- Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts
- Italian Combo Pack
- Chocolate Coated Butterscotch
- Wheat Crisp Crackers
How to Build a 10 Minute Charcuterie Board
Once you have purchased and collected your ingredients, you will want to cut things into bite sized pieces. This not only makes your board easy to make, but also makes it easier to decorate your board. Here are some tips for cutting up your ingredients:
- Vary the Shapes & Sizes: For visual interest, cut ingredients into different shapes—slices, wedges, cubes, or strips. For example, slice cheese into triangles, cut fruits into bite-sized cubes, and roll deli meats for variety.
- Pre-cut Hard Cheeses: When cutting hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda, use a sharp knife and cut them into bite-sized cubes or thin slices. For a fancy touch, try cutting the cheese into unique shapes like triangles or small blocks.
- Leave Some Whole: Leave a few items, like grapes, figs, or mini pickles, whole. It adds dimension and allows guests to easily grab them with their fingers.
- Slice Soft Cheeses Last: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can get messy when cut first, so slice them last to keep them neat. Use a cheese wire or a soft, non-serrated knife to prevent squashing.
Once everything is cut up, it’s time to put the board together. Choose a board based on your ingredients. I chose a medium sized charcuterie board for this design.
Start by placing what I like to call foundational items on your board. This includes bowls (put ingredients like sauces and pickles in bowls).
They you can start building around these foundational items keeping ingredients in groups or rows and dividing them based on color, texture and size. Finish your board with figs, cut up fruit or edible flowers.
Get creative with laying our cheese and folding your charcuterie meat.
Tips for Making a 10 Minute Charcuterie Board
- Start with the largest items: Begin by placing the larger items, like cheese blocks, bowls of dips, or large pieces of meat. This gives you a base to work around and helps to create a balanced layout.
- Create sections: Group similar items together (e.g., cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts), but also leave a bit of space between groups to keep everything from looking too crowded. This will also allow the colors and textures to stand out.
- Vary shapes and sizes: Mix different shapes and sizes for visual interest. Slice cheeses in various thicknesses, fold meats into rolls, and add both small and large fruits to create depth.
- Add height: Use small bowls, stacked ingredients, or even folded napkins to add some height and dimension to your board. This creates a more dynamic, appealing look.
- Finish with garnish: Add fresh herbs, edible flowers, or small pieces of honeycomb to fill in any gaps and add a touch of elegance. This little detail can elevate the whole presentation.
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