Quick show of hands – how many times have you scanned Instagram, glimpsed a beautiful meat, fruit and cheese platter and wondered how to make one 🙋🏽‍? There is no appetizer more impressive yet easy than a charcuterie board. Loaded with a variety of cured meats, cheese, nuts, fruit, crackers, and spreads, there is something in the platter for everyone.

The best aspect of charcuterie boards is the flexibility they offer: Scale portions up or down depending on the number of guests, adjust ingredients for dietary needs and preferences, or shop for foods within a specific color palette or region.

To get you started, we show you how to make a simple and easy cheese board from start to finish for about 8 people. We break down the process step-by-step so you can build an impressive (and delicious) spread for your next gathering, special occasions or a fun dinner.

First, choose a board, tray, or platter as the foundation. Wood and marble are popular charcuterie board choices because they are sturdy and beautiful. The shape is simply a matter of preference, though you should take the elements of your board into account when making your selections.

Next, find small bowls, ramekins and cups to anchor the arrangement and help contain loose items like jams, dips, nuts, and olives and star placing on your cheese board.

The final step is to layout your food items on the tray. Charcuterie boards should generally incorporate sweet, savory, salty, and spicy items for a truly balanced experience.

• Sweet – Fresh and dried fruits such as berries, dates, apricots, figs, etc. your spreads such as jams, jellies, etc.
• Savory – Cheese and meat take charge here. My family isn’t a fan of cold cut meat(because I haven’t found a halal cold cut meat brand that we love), so I almost never add meat when preparing a cheese board. Occasionally I may add gyro as my daughter loves them. As for cheese – Brie, mozzarella, pepper jack and goat cheese are our favorites.
• Salty – Cheese, nuts, breadsticks and crackers are mainly the sources of salty items that I mostly use.
• Spicy – You don’t need to go overboard here. A spicy cheese such as pepper jack or mango habanero cheddar or jalapeño cranberry sauce, olives or a slightly spicy jelly works great.

When you fill your board, set it out with a few cheese knives so guests can help themselves after they marvel at your masterpiece. Enjoy!

Watch this step by step video of how this gorgeous cheese and fruit platter came to life, so you can make one for your next party.

 

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