In this post I’m going to share all my tips and tricks for how to make a Charcuterie Board for $30 that doesn’t look cheap. Let’s be real – charcuterie boards are beautiful and impressive but they can also be very expensive with fancy cheese and meats. This $30 Charcuterie Board take about 10 minutes to put together and looks like a much fancier board – perfect for cocktail parties and gatherings.
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Ingredients for this $30 Charcuterie Board
Here’s exactly what I used to make this board with the pricing. Keep in mind prices can vary and I recommend shopping around and making substitutions.
- Grapes – $3.32
- Fig Preserves – $3.99
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $2.00
- Garlic Herb Goat Cheese – $2.99
- Prosciutto – 7.98 (you can skip this to save money)
- Salami Variety Pack – $5.49
- Olives – $1.49
- Crackers – $2.50
- Chocolate – $2.00
- Peanuts – $2.99
How to Assemble This Charcuterie Board
To assemble this board you will need a medium sized charcuterie board.
Start by placing your largest elements on the board. I used two small bowls placed on the board and started laying out my ingredients from there.
Start with your cheese. For this board I cut the cheddar cheese into 3rds and then cut each third into a different style. This gives the impression that there are lots of types of cheese. I just cheese into wedges, cubes and slices and laid them on the board.
Now put on the meat. This is really where you can elevate your board.
Fold the Prosciutto into fans and lay them on the board in a group.
For the Salami – try folding the salami in 3-4 different ways. I folded the salami into two different flowers, a chain and a row. You can get more ideas in my post on how to fold salami. Place the meat and cheese around the board to break up the colors.
Next add on the grapes, crackers, and nuts in groups.
Finally add your olives to a bowl and your fig preserve to another bowl.
Optional: top off your board with some edible flowers or herbs.
Tips for Making a $30 Board Look Expensive
The secret to creating a budget-friendly board that still feels elegant is all in the presentation. Here are my go-to tips to elevate even the simplest ingredients:
1. Use Small Bowls and Jars:
Add instant charm with little bowls for olives, preserves, and nuts. Reuse small glass jars or thrift tiny ramekins—this adds layers and makes your board feel curated.
2. Cut and Fold Strategically:
Slice cheeses into cubes, triangles, or thin shards for variety. Fold meats like salami into half moons or rosettes to mimic a gourmet feel. It’s not about the price—it’s about the styling.
3. Fill the Gaps:
A full board looks luxurious. Don’t leave blank spaces—use grapes, crackers, or small chocolate pieces to tuck into corners and edges.
4. Add Texture and Color:
Choose ingredients with different colors and textures—soft goat cheese next to crispy crackers, glossy olives near bright fruit. Even budget ingredients pop when they contrast each other.
5. Use a Real Wooden Board (or Make One Look Like It):
If you don’t have a charcuterie board, a cutting board or even a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works. It’s all about creating a canvas that flatters your spread.
6. Keep It Balanced:
Mix salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. This keeps your guests (or yourself!) coming back for more—and gives your board that professional, thoughtful vibe.
