Looking to create an amazing charcuterie board and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re just looking for some fresh ideas for your next boards. Below we’ve listed the top 30 charcuterie board ingredients to create the perfect board no matter the time of year. There are countless ways to mix and match these boards to make amazing displays for parties, gatherings and even just a date night. Make a big charcuterie board or make a small and intimate board with these top ingredients for charcuterie boards.
You can also see our Ingredients section where we go into detail of our favorite types in ingredients or check us out on Facebook where we share our top charcuterie board ideas.
The Best Charcuterie Board Ingredients
Here are 30 popular charcuterie board ingredients, specifically named, that can elevate your boards:
- Brie Cheese – Soft and creamy, perfect for spreading.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp or mild, adds great flavor.
- Gouda Cheese – Creamy and slightly sweet, available in smoked varieties.
- Blue Cheese – Tangy and crumbly, adds bold flavor.
- Prosciutto – Thinly sliced, salty cured ham.
- Salami – Available in various flavors, adds spice and texture.
- Chorizo – Spicy Spanish sausage, great for bold flavors.
- Pepperoni – Classic, slightly spicy salami popular on pizzas.
- Olives – A mix of green and black varieties for briny bites.
- Marcona Almonds – Sweet and buttery, a Spanish delicacy.
- Dried Apricots – Sweet and chewy, great for contrast.
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Grapes – Sweet and juicy, easy to grab and eat.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and colorful addition.
- Pickles – Dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a tangy crunch.
- Artisan Crackers – Various flavors and textures for a crunchy base.
- Breadsticks – Thin and crispy, great for dipping.
- Honey – Sweet drizzled on cheese or paired with fruits.
- Fig Jam – Sweet and rich, pairs well with cheese.
- Mustard – Whole grain or spicy, adds a nice zing.
- Hummus – Creamy dip for veggies and crackers.
- Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet and smoky, great for color.
- Carrots – Crunchy and sweet, adds freshness.
- Celery – Crisp and refreshing, great for dipping.
- Radishes – Spicy and crunchy, adds a pop of color.
- Sweet Peppers – Mini bell peppers for a sweet crunch.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbly and tangy, adds great flavor.
- Pistachios – Nutty and slightly sweet, great for texture.
- Cured Sausages – Varieties like salami, capicola, or bresaola.
- Marinated Mushrooms – Flavorful and earthy addition.
How to Pair your Charcuterie Board Ingredients
Pairing ingredients on a charcuterie board is all about balancing flavors and textures to create a delicious experience. Start by combining soft cheeses like Brie with something sweet, like honey or fig jam, for a creamy and sweet contrast. Pair sharp cheeses like cheddar with salty cured meats like prosciutto or pepperoni to balance the bold flavors. Add fruits such as grapes or fresh berries for a burst of sweetness, which works well with tangy blue cheese or savory cured sausages. Crackers and breadsticks serve as crunchy bases, while spreads like hummus or mustard add an extra layer of flavor. Mixing sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy elements will create the perfect harmony and enhance every bite!
One easy strategy is to use the 3 3 3 3 Rule for charcuterie board design. The “3-3-3-3” rule for charcuterie is a simple guideline for building a balanced and diverse charcuterie board. All you do to match your ingredients is to include:
- 3 Types of Breads/Crackers: Offer a selection of artisan crackers, breadsticks, or slices of baguette to complement the meats and cheeses.
- 3 Types of Cheeses: Choose a variety like a soft cheese (e.g., Brie), a hard cheese (e.g., Cheddar), and a bold cheese (e.g., Blue Cheese) to provide different textures and flavors.
- 3 Types of Meats: Include a mix of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo for a range of flavors from mild to spicy.
- 3 Types of Accompaniments: Add items such as fresh or dried fruits (grapes, apricots), nuts (almonds, pistachios), and olives or pickles for added texture and flavor contrast.
Charcuterie Board Ideas
Looking for charcuterie board ideas? We’ve got lots of ideas for every event and every season. Check out our favorite boards: