Charcuterie boards are a party staple, offering a little something for every guest. They can be as simple or as intricate as you like. It all depends on your budget, how many guests you’re expecting, and how much time you have to prepare! So without further ado, check out these 10 charcuterie board ideas lined up for you below.
- Classic Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Board
Let’s start off with a classic: a meat and cheese board. Deli meats are a must-have on any good savoury charcuterie board, so get options like turkey breast, Genoa salami, and prosciutto as the main focus. Dried meats like beef jerky are also a tasty option that will delight many guests. If you’re supporting local, take a look online to find some quality suppliers that make some of the best beef jerky in Australia. Sprinkle dried fruits and nuts around meats, or arrange them in shapes that suit the theme of your event. Make sure to pair the meats with complimentary cheeses (eg: salami with gouda).
Beef biltong is a juicier meat option that any meat-loving guest will love. Olives, crackers, and dips are useful in adding texture and colour. You can get really creative how you display your choice of meats and cheeses, so go ham!
- S’mores Charcuterie Dessert Board
The next time you host a BBQ or backyard camping night, make sure to prepare a s’mores charcuterie board. That’s right, a campfire-themed serving board will surely make for some happy guests! If you have a bit of time to play around with the board’s design, have a look on Pinterest for campfire snack ideas. Small marshmallows can be stepping stones, while chocolate logs can be a mini edible campfire! You can also lay out some classic campfire snacks on the board and let guests make their own s’more skewers. A dessert charcuterie board is guaranteed to delight families with kids of all ages, as well as bring back some great holiday memories for the grown-ups!
- Vegan-friendly Charcuterie Board
A Vegan charcuterie board works as a great starter or side dish. Colourful vegan dips can be offered alongside a selection of gluten-free crackers. Veggie pâtés, edamame hummus, or onion chutneys can easily be made up at home if you have the time. Make sure to slice up some fresh bread, too. Be generous with a spread of dipping veggies, fresh and dried fruit, as well as nuts. Consult a vegan friend if you get stuck for ideas!
- Mini Dessert Charcuterie Board
Whether you bake or buy your mini dessert charcuterie board snacks, make sure it’s something sweet. As each bite will be sugary, your guests won’t have to take too many before they move on to something else! So you won’t have to prepare too much. Brownies, mini doughnuts, berries and cream, chocolate, gummy bears… the possibilities are endless. Get crafty and make the selection of food suit the theme of your event (eg: heart cookies for a bridal shower). Or if it’s for a more health-conscious crowd, offer fruits cut into fun shapes and play around with the layout! Mini smoothie cups and melon balls are guaranteed to please any guests with a taste for sweet stuff.
- Birthday-themed Charcuterie Board
It doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating a 2nd or 22nd birthday, a birthday charcuterie board is a must. If it’s for a themed party, you can get some themed cutlery to complement the board. Otherwise, any type of charcuterie board can work, as long as they suit the dietary needs of the attendees. Offer 3 or 4 mini charcuterie boards from different food groups if you are expecting picky eaters! If it’s for a kid’s party, get the birthday kid involved with the decoration process to make some great memories.
- Vegetarian Mezze Board
Mezze is the Turkish word for “appetizer” and typically includes a selection of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes. While snack options will vary by region, they all typically serve pita, dips, cheese, fruits, and veggies. Pop into your Mediterranean or Middle Eastern store for some authentic flavours. Also, brush up on your cooking skills and prepare some tabbouleh to serve alongside calamari, tzatziki, and fresh fruits and veg.
- Pancake Charcuterie Board
Presenting the breakfast of dreams: a pancake serving board. Wake up the family to the delicious aroma of fresh pancakes. Top these with honey or maple syrup, a selection of spreads, sprinkles, and fresh fruit. Watch the eager faces light up as they serve themselves (and make a glorious mess!). Prepare this as a surprise for your partner on any anniversary as a special treat.
- Kid-friendly Charcuterie Board
Speaking of families, think of the kids! Any party or event that has kids attending should offer a charcuterie board that is tailored to kids’ preferences. That way they don’t feel left out if they don’t really enjoy what’s on the adults’ serving board. Go as snack-y or as healthy as you like, and serve options that can suit a variety of dietary needs. Their parents will thank you for keeping their kids fed while they have a chat!
- Movie Night Charcuterie Board
Popcorn, anybody? Get your slippers, your plush gown, and get comfy in front of the T.V. – it’s movie night! Microwave popcorn served in individual snack boxes, chewy lollies, and some favourite chocolates are great starting points for building a movie night charcuterie board. You can tailor the options to suit everyone’s tastes, or lay out some classic movie theatre snacks on a long table that they can pick from. Individual treat trays are also a fun way for a night of snug snackin’!
- Individual Charcuterie Boards
Individual or mini charcuterie boards make for some thoughtful (not to mention, adorable) starters! You can select the style of serving board and the snacks that go on them to suit your theme. They are the perfect table decoration for a wedding reception or an end-of-year company dinner. If you put them in a pretty box, they even work as a thank-you gift delivered to the recipient’s doorstep. As with any of the other charcuterie board ideas in this list, you can get as creative as you like. So get a pen, some paper, and start planning your epic charcuterie board.
