Whether you’ve never made a charcuterie board in your life or are just looking for more ideas to elevate your next board – below you can find design ideas, how to cut, fold and display specific ingredients, and all the tools you need to design a charcuterie board.
Below, you’ll find my favorite charcuterie board design rules, step-by-step tutorials for folding meats and cutting cheese, and the simple tools I personally use to plan beautiful, stress-free boards for any occasion.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by where to start, what to include, or how to make your board look “finished,” you’re in the right place.
Charcuterie board design rules
These simple design rules make it easy to build a board that looks balanced, intentional, and beautiful without overthinking the layout. If you’ve ever wondered how many items to include or where everything should go, these quick frameworks will guide you through the process. I also give you permission to NOT use one of these methods and overthink your board – remember to have fun!
How to fold and style meat
Folding and styling your meats is one of the easiest ways to make your charcuterie board look more polished and professional. These simple techniques add height, texture, and visual interest—using ingredients you already have.
- 5 Ways to Fold Salami for Charcuterie Boards
- 2 Ways to Make a Salami Rose
- 5 Ways to Fold Prosciutto
- Exactly How to Cut your Charcuterie Meat
How to cut and style cheese
The way you cut your cheese can completely change the look and flow of your board. These easy cutting and styling guides show you how to prepare different types of cheese so they’re both beautiful and easy for guests to grab.
- How to Cut Brie for a Board (and 4 Ways to Style it)
- Top Tips for Cutting Cheese for a Charcuterie Board
- How to Cut Wedge Cheese for a Charcuterie Board
- Best Cheese Pairings for Charcuterie Boards
Portion planning
Knowing how much food to serve is one of the most important parts of designing a stress-free charcuterie board. Use these planning tools and guides to confidently choose portions and build a board that’s generous—without overspending or running out.
Once you have your layout, ingredients, and portions planned, designing a charcuterie board becomes simple and fun. Use this guide as your starting point, then mix and match ideas to create a board that fits your space, your guests, and your style.