Easy Cheese Charcuterie Board
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Easy Cheese Charcuterie Board
This Easy cheese charcuterie board is the ultimate no-cook appetizer, perfect for effortless entertaining. It combines creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy goat cheese with savory cured meats and fresh fruits for a stunning presentation. You can create this crowd-pleasing platter in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or holiday parties.
The ritual of assembling a board is one of my cherished culinary traditions, a moment to slow down and appreciate textures and flavors. I love how it encourages conversation, with guests gathering around to build their perfect bite. This simple cheese board has been my go-to for everything from casual game day celebrations to more festive occasions like Thanksgiving, where it serves as the perfect starter before diving into a spread of holiday classics. Its versatility is unmatched, effortlessly pairing with everything from a hearty pizza night to a simple evening with friends.
Four Reasons to Make This Simple Board
- Effortless Elegance: This beginner charcuterie requires no cooking and comes together in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Variety: With three cheeses, two meats, and assorted accompaniments, there is something for everyone.
- Adaptable for Any Occasion: Easily scale the ingredients up or down to fit your party size.
- A True Time-Saver: The 25-minute prep time makes it the perfect quick party platter for unexpected guests.
What You’ll Need for Your Easy Cheese Charcuterie Board
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Creamy Brie Cheese: Let it warm to room temperature for a soft, spreadable texture.
- Aged Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a bold, crystalline crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer cheeses.
- Goat Cheese Log (Chevre): Provides a delightful tang that balances the richness of the other components.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced and delicate, it drapes elegantly around the cheese anchors.
- Hard Salami: Folding the slices adds height and visual interest to your board.
- Baguette and Crackers: A mix of textures provides the perfect vehicles for cheese and spreads.
- Red Seedless Grapes and Honeycrisp Apple: Fresh, sweet fruit cuts through the saltiness of the meats and cheeses.
- Mixed Nuts: Almonds and walnuts add a satisfying crunch and fill empty spaces.
- Fig Jam and Whole Grain Mustard: Sweet and savory spreads elevate every single bite.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: Aromatic herbs add a final touch of color and fragrance.
Easy Cheese Charcuterie Board
Create an easy cheese charcuterie board perfect for entertaining. Simple steps with brie, cheddar, prosciutto and fresh accompaniments in just 25 minutes.
Equipment
- large serving board, platter, or cutting board
- knife
- cutting board
- small serving bowls
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces creamy brie cheese, at room temperature
- 6 ounces aged sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces goat cheese log (chevre)
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 3 ounces hard salami, thinly sliced
- 1 small baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 box assorted crackers (5 ounces)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, washed
- 1 small Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
- 1/4 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- Small sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Remove all cheeses from refrigeration 30 minutes before assembling the board to allow them to come to room temperature. This will ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Select a large serving board, platter, or cutting board. Place the largest blocks or wheels of cheese first, acting as anchors. Position the 8-ounce creamy brie cheese, the 6-ounce aged sharp cheddar cheese (cut into bite-sized cubes or triangular slices if desired), and the 4-ounce goat cheese log onto the board, ensuring there is some space between each.
- Artfully arrange the cured meats around the cheeses. Drape the thinly sliced 4-ounce prosciutto in loose, appealing folds. For the 3-ounce thinly sliced hard salami, fold individual slices into quarters or roll them tightly, placing them near the cheeses.
- Place clusters of the 1/2-inch thick baguette slices and the assorted crackers in various spots around the cheeses and meats. Ensure there are enough options for guests to pair with different board components.
- Scatter the 1 cup of washed red seedless grapes in bunches across the board. Fan out the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple pieces near a softer cheese. Fill in any smaller gaps on the board with the 1/2 cup of mixed nuts, creating textural variety and visual interest.
- Spoon the 1/4 cup fig jam and 1/4 cup whole grain mustard into small serving bowls and place them strategically on the board. Tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme into available spaces for a decorative touch and aromatic appeal.
- Take a moment to assess your board, ensuring good balance and visual appeal. Adjust any items as needed to fill empty spaces or create more pleasing arrangements. Serve immediately with small cheese knives or spreaders.
Notes
Remove cheeses from refrigeration 30 minutes before assembling for optimal flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Board
- Add More Proteins: Include other cured meats like soppressata or thinly sliced venison for a heartier offering.
- Seasonal Fruit Swap: Use sliced pears in the fall or fresh berries in the summer for a seasonal twist.
- Extra Cheesy Version: Add a blue cheese or a firm manchego to introduce more complex flavors.
My Pro Tips for a Stunning Presentation
- Temperature is Key: Allowing cheeses to sit out for 30 minutes before serving unlocks their full aroma and flavor profile.
- Create Visual Flow: Start with your largest cheese pieces as anchors, then build outwards with meats and accompaniments for balance.
- Embrace Different Textures: Fold, roll, and drape ingredients to create varying heights and a more dynamic, inviting look.
- Fill Every Gap: Use small items like nuts and grape clusters to cover empty spots, ensuring the board looks abundant. This approach works great for other game day spreads too.
Keeping Your Easy Cheese Charcuterie Board Fresh
- Store: Carefully disassemble the board. Wrap cheeses and meats separately in parchment paper and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cheeses and meats generally do not freeze well after being served due to texture changes. It is best to enjoy leftovers promptly.
- Reassemble: Bring leftover cheeses to room temperature again before serving. Arrange fresh crackers, bread, and fruits for the best experience.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can slice cheeses, wash grapes, and prepare spreads a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble the board just before your guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 3 tips for making a charcuterie board?
First, let your cheeses come to room temperature for the best flavor. Second, start by placing your cheese anchors on the board to create a foundation. Finally, fill in gaps with smaller items like nuts and grapes to create a visually abundant and inviting platter.
What is the 3-3-3-3 rule for charcuterie?
The 3-3-3-3 rule is a simple guideline for a balanced board: three types of cheese (soft, hard, bold), three types of meat, three starch options (crackers, bread), and three accompaniments (fruit, nuts, spreads). This easy cheese charcuterie board follows a similar balanced principle for a perfect mix.
How far in advance can you make a cheese board?
You can prep components up to a day in advance. Slice cheeses, wash fruit, and portion spreads, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble the full board no more than an hour before serving to prevent crackers from getting soft and fruits from browning.
What cheese is best for a charcuterie board?
Aim for a variety of textures and flavors. A soft cheese like brie, a hard cheese like aged cheddar, and a tangy option like goat cheese create a wonderful balance that pleases different palates, just as we use in this simple cheese board.
More Easy Appetizers You’ll Love
- Cheesy Garlic Bliss Bread
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Irresistible Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
Enjoy Your Effortless Entertaining
This Easy cheese charcuterie board truly takes the stress out of hosting, allowing you to enjoy your own party. The combination of creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy elements is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope this simple cheese board becomes your favorite quick party platter for many gatherings to come.
