We see them everywhere and we drool over the detailed ingredients combined to make the most epic and fancy adult size Lunchable, am I right? I mean, who doesn’t love a beautifully done charcuterie board?! They are all the rage and I have to say that it makes for an easy appetizer option when entertaining. I am going to show you how to make a simple and beautiful charcuterie board that will wow anyone who gets to snack from it and make you look like the epic hostess! It doesn’t need to be complicated and it doesn’t need to be filled with items that you have never heard of or eaten for that matter. And be sure and read through to the end because there is a GIVEAWAY and one lucky reader will be gifted a beautiful, handmade board to use for their next gathering!

Create Dimension

I love to create levels for added dimension and to curate the ultimate presentation. Remember, your board will be full and covered so the boards and stands you pull together and use don’t have to be a perfect match. I am using a large flat cutting board along with a marble cake stand I found at Target. You can shop the same stand using my affiliate link here. The main base and flat board was a housewarming gift from my extremely talented friend, Chris. He handmakes these stunning pieces and his designs blow me away. You can find him and Boglio Boards on Instagram right here.

Don’t Over-Complicate It

With any entertaining we do, my goal is to always make it family-friendly. You can make things fancy while still being approachable for the kids. For my charcuterie boards, I stick with soft cheeses and flavors that I know will work for most palettes and preferred tastes. 

You will want a variety, but my go-to choices are:

• Brie
• Muenster
• Havarti Dill

I also pre-cut quite a bit of each block to make it easier for self-serving for both adults and kids.

Add fruit to create a sweet and savory approach

Adding a few fruit options is always great. Nothing beats the pairing of a nice cheese with the tang and sweetness of fruit. Now, I like to keep my fruits deeper and similar in color for an overall more rustic look and feel. Black or purple grapes along with blackberries are great for this. Blueberries would work too to stay with the color theme. However, the sky is the limit and you can make it your own using any fruit you love and want to include.

This is where I love the added dimension of levels. Styling the grapes on the top level to hang off always adds a great touch to the overall look!

Add several nut options for a great filler

Once you have placed the larger items on your board, you will want to fill in with the smaller items. I love adding different varieties of nuts for snacking and added saltiness. Almonds, pistachios, cashews, candied walnuts… add your favorites!

Add some fancy

Adding a few touches for a fancy feel and “wow” factor is the fun part and will make your guests feel loved on with the attention to detail. 

I love pouring some locally farmed honey on top of the brie and finishing it off with crushed walnuts. If you have not tried this combo before, you have not LIVED, my friend. I promise… it is to die for!

Also, for some added texture and a touch of natural color, I add sprigs of fresh rosemary throughout the board.

And voila! There you have it – how to make a simple and beautiful charcuterie board. A handful of ingredients and great placement and you will wow your guests while making everyone feel relaxed and welcome including the kids! I promise you will have everyone talking about your hosting skills after laying this spread out for them to enjoy.

Giveaway!

My dear friend Chris was kind enough to send me a second board to gift to one of my readers. Friends, it is a BEAUTY and I am so excited one of you will get to enjoy it in your home!! Hand-crafted from Arizona, you will love it.

To enter for the chance to win: Leave a comment below with what you love most about being the hostess and gathering loved ones and share this post with a friend who would enjoy it! I will be announcing the lucky winner on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2020! In the meantime, be sure and follow Chris and Boglio Boards on Instagram here – his boards would make a perfect gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day, a birthday or even for the holidays this year!

Your supply list to re-create this simple & beautiful charcuterie board for the next time you play hostess:

• cutting board(s) and cake stand(s) of your choice
• 1 package of brie
• 1 package of muenster
• 1 package of havarti dill
• black or purple grapes
• blackberries
• 1 summer sausage
• 2-3 cracker varieties
• almonds
• pistachios
• walnuts
• honey
• fresh rosemary

I hope you enjoy this post and find it helpful! Our family loves to even put one together for an easy and casual weekend meal! It’s grazing and conversation at it’s finest and I love it. Are you a charcuterie board addict too?