It’s simple (and delicious)! Start by picking the occasion for your charcuterie board, then select a few of your favorite flavors, how big you want to make it, and any dietary preferences. Of course, we’ll talk about the different types of cheeses—because that’s the best part!

Once you’re done, we’ll serve up the perfect board for your taste, including the best pairing options.

Get started today and take the Charcuterie Board Quiz—we’ll help you create the best charcuterie board ideas for your occasion!

The secret to a great charcuterie board is balance and variety—a mix of textures, flavors, and colors that look as good as they taste. Think creamy and semi-hard cheeses with crispy crackers, salty cured meats alongside sweet fruits, and pops of fresh herbs for visual appeal. Variety keeps it exciting, while thoughtful presentation makes it unforgettable.

Want more inspiration? Discover the best charcuterie board ideas for your taste and style—take the Charcuterie Board Quiz and find your perfect pairing!

Here are a couple of crowd-pleasing charcuterie board ideas you can create:

The Sweet & Savory Escape

• Prosciutto, salami, and Cabot Gouda
• Fresh figs, honeycomb, and candied pecans
• Rosemary crackers and crusty baguette slices

The Mediterranean Moment

• Marinated olives, feta, and roasted red peppers
• Cured chorizo, hummus, and Greek yogurt tzatziki
• Pita triangles and sun-dried tomatoes

Want to find your perfect charcuterie style? Take the Charcuterie Board Quiz and see which flavor journey fits your taste buds best!

The 3-3-3-3 rule is a simple and effective guideline for building a well-balanced and visually appealing charcuterie board. It involves selecting:

• 3 types of cheese
• 3 types of meat
• 3 types of starches (breads, crackers)
• 3 accompaniments (like fruit, nuts, and spreads)

Here’s a breakdown with tasty examples:

3 Types of Cheese - Choose a variety of textures and flavors

• Soft: Brie or Camembert
• Semi-hard: Manchego or Aged Gouda
• Hard: Blue cheese (like Gorgonzola) or Sharp Cheddar

3 Types of Meat - Balance cured and sliced meats

• Salami: Genoa or Soppressata
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, salty and delicate
• Chorizo: Spicy or sweet, sliced or cubed

3 Types of Starches - Offer a mix of textures and shapes

• Crackers: Water crackers, artisan seeded crackers, or a sweet wheat cracker
• Bread: Fresh sliced baguette or crusty crostini
• Breadsticks: Grissini or pretzel rods

3 Accompaniments - Include sweet, salty, and tangy options

• Fruit: Fresh grapes or berries, dried apricots, or fresh figs
• Nuts: Marcona almonds, candied pecans, or walnuts
• Spreads: Fig jam, honey, or whole grain mustard

Bonus Tips:

• Add color and height for visual interest.
• Offer small utensils like cheese knives and spreaders.
• Include labels if serving to a group, so guests know what they’re eating.