This irresistible meat and cheese board is the ultimate gourmet snack board for effortless entertaining. You can create a stunning charcuterie board in just 25 minutes with quality cured meats, artisan cheeses, and thoughtful accompaniments. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, casual parties, or a special night in.

I first fell in love with the art of the cheese platter during my travels through the French countryside. There’s something wonderfully communal about gathering around a beautiful board, sharing stories, and discovering perfect flavor pairings. I often serve this as a starter before heartier meals like my Hibachi Steak or Cottage Pie. For wine nights, it pairs beautifully with some Cheesy Garlic Bliss Bread on the side.

Building Your Perfect Meat and Cheese Board

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Meat and Cheese Board

Create a stunning meat and cheese board in just 25 minutes. Perfect for entertaining with aged cheddar, brie, prosciutto, salami, crackers, fruits, and gourmet accompaniments.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• large serving board or platter
• knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• small bowls

Ingredients

  

Cheeses

• 4 ounces aged cheddar cheese, block
• 4 ounces brie cheese, wheel
• 3 ounces crumbled gorgonzola or stilton cheese

Meats

• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces salami, thinly sliced

Crackers and Bread

• 5 ounces assorted gourmet crackers
• 1 small fresh baguette, thinly sliced

Fruits and Accompaniments

• 1/2 cup assorted Kalamata and green olives, pitted
• 1 cup red or green grapes, washed
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries or blueberries, washed
• 1/4 cup fig jam
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), lightly toasted
• 2 tablespoons local honey
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

Instructions

 

• Select a large wooden or slate board, platter, or cutting board. Ensure it is clean and completely dry before arranging any food items.
• Slice hard cheeses like cheddar into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubes. Allow the wheel of brie to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften slightly before serving. Crumble any blue cheese, such as gorgonzola, into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the cheeses on different areas of the board, leaving some space between them for other items.
• Fold or roll the thinly sliced cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, and artfully arrange them around and between the cheeses. Aim for a variety of shapes and textures to create visual appeal.
• Place small stacks or fanned arrangements of assorted gourmet crackers and thinly sliced baguette around the cheeses and meats. Ensure they are easily accessible for guests to pick up and pair with other ingredients.
• Scatter fresh grapes, raspberries or blueberries, and dollops of fig jam into empty spaces on the board. Add small piles of mixed nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, to provide crunch and fill gaps.
• Place the pitted Kalamata and green olives in a small decorative bowl or directly onto the board. Arrange small bowls containing local honey and whole grain mustard on the board, ensuring each has a small serving spoon or spreader.
• Tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme amongst the items for an aromatic and visually appealing touch. Serve the meat and cheese board immediately, or cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Allow the brie to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften. The board can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving.

Keyword charcuterie, easy, entertaining

Creative Charcuterie Variations

• Mediterranean Theme: Substitute with feta, olives, hummus, and pita bread.
• Summer Garden Board: Focus on fresh vegetables, herbed goat cheese, and light meats.
• Dessert Charcuterie: Feature sweet cheeses, chocolates, dried fruits, and biscotti.

My Pro Tips for Board Perfection

• Temperature Matters: Remove cheeses from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Create Visual Flow: Arrange items in small clusters rather than lining them up for natural appeal.
• Balance Textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, soft, and crisp elements throughout the board.
• Preparation Strategy: Assemble your party platter just before serving to maintain freshness, similar to timing for Cheesy Garlic Rolls.

Storing Your Charcuterie Creation

• Store: Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours, though best served fresh.
• Freeze: Cheeses and meats can be frozen separately for up to 2 months before assembling.
• Reheat: Not applicable, as this appetizer board is best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep components separately and assemble just before your event begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Entertaining Recipes to Try

• Venison Jalapeno Poppers
• Traditional Italian Meatballs
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Irresistible Olive Oil Bread Dip
• Breakfast Casserole
• Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Why This Meat and Cheese Board Wows

With its beautiful presentation and incredible flavor variety, this gourmet snack board transforms simple entertaining into something special. The combination of quality ingredients and thoughtful arrangement creates an experience guests will remember. I hope it becomes your go-to for effortless hosting and memorable gatherings.