This delicious dinner board is so fun and makes a showstopping meal!
You can make this Spaghetti Charcuterie Board by taking what you normally put out for a spaghetti night and putting it all on the board. Add some salad and some colorful vegetables and you have a great family dinner. I made this board for a recent family dinner and it was a huge hit. You can find many similar ideas online – some put the pasta directly on the board, but I chose to put the pasta in bowls to keep it a bit more organized.
Looking for more meal ideas?
Ingredients for this Spaghetti Charcuterie Board
I strong encourage you to put your favorite spaghetti ingredients on this board, or you can always use the ingredients I did for this board. Here are the ingredients I used:
- Pasta – 2 different kinds
- Fresh Mozzarella cheese (sliced or balls)
- Meatballs
- Basil
- Tomatoes (cut small)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic Bread
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Salad (romaine lettuce with croutons, and dressing)
- Mushrooms cooked
Other options:
Pasta Toppings & Sides:
- Grilled or roasted zucchini
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted red peppers
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Black or green olives
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Peperoncini or banana peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Capers
Proteins (in addition to meatballs):
- Italian sausage slices (mild or spicy)
- Grilled chicken strips
- Prosciutto or salami (rolled for presentation)
- Shrimp (grilled or sautéed)
- Crispy pancetta or bacon bits
Cheese Options:
- Ricotta (in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs)
- Shaved Asiago or Pecorino Romano
- Provolone slices or cubes
Dips & Spreads:
- Marinara sauce (in a bowl for dipping or extra topping)
- Alfredo sauce
- Pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato)
- Olive tapenade
- Garlic butter or herbed olive oil
Bread Options:
- Breadsticks or focaccia slices
- Mini garlic knots
- Toasted crostini
Salad Toppings (for variety or DIY):
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shaved Parmesan
- Olives or red onions
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
Garnishes:
- Fresh oregano or parsley
- Chili flakes
- Lemon wedges (for shrimp or chicken)
- Cracked black pepper grinder
How to Assemble a Spaghetti Charcuterie Board
The key to building and serving this board is to get everything out of the board and hot at the same time! I mostly succeeded at this although the pasta was starting to cool off. This means you will want to place your items on the board like bowls and then fill them when you are ready to serve.
You will want a medium to large charcuterie board for this meal board. Here’s how I made this board:
- Cooking the pasta, heat the sauce, heat the meatballs, cook the mushrooms, and bake the garlic bread.
- Cut up the tomatoes and basil
- Start laying out your charcuterie board with the basil, cheese, tomatoes and the bowls that will hold the other ingredients. Use low bowls or platters when possible.
- Once everything in hot, add all the ingredients to the bowls and the board and serve immediately.
Tips for Making a Spaghetti Charcuterie Board
🧑🍳 1. Choose a Large, Flat Surface
Use a large charcuterie board, wooden tray, or even a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. The more space you have, the more visually appealing and organized your spread will be.
🍝 2. Include at Least Two Types of Pasta
Offer variety with different shapes and flavors. Try:
- Spaghetti or linguine for a classic base
- Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for easy scooping
Keep sauces separate so guests can customize.
🧀 3. Offer Multiple Sauces
Serve sauces in small bowls or ramekins:
- Marinara or traditional tomato sauce
- Alfredo or creamy garlic sauce
- Basil pesto
Label each one if serving a crowd.
🍖 4. Add a Variety of Proteins
Go beyond just meatballs:
- Italian sausage slices
- Grilled chicken
- Crispy pancetta or bacon bits
- Shrimp or vegetarian options like grilled mushrooms
🥗 5. Include Fresh & Cooked Veggies
Balance richness with:
- Fresh basil, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce
- Cooked mushrooms, roasted peppers, and caramelized onions
- A simple salad or antipasto on the side
🍞 6. Don’t Forget the Bread
Every spaghetti board needs carbs on carbs!
- Garlic bread slices
- Mini breadsticks or garlic knots
- Crostini or focaccia squares
🧂 7. Use Small Bowls for Extras
Prevent sogginess by serving these in separate containers:
- Shredded Parmesan or shaved Asiago
- Chili flakes, herbs, or olive oil
- Ricotta, mozzarella balls, or tapenade
🪄 8. Create Visual Flow
Arrange ingredients in groups or rows. Try swirling long noodles into little nests and fanning out toppings. Use fresh herbs and cheese shavings for a polished finish.
🕰️ 9. Prep in Advance
- Cook pasta just before serving and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prep toppings and sauces ahead of time.
- Assemble just before serving for best texture and temperature.
