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A customizable charcuterie board ideal for entertaining 7-12 guests with a cozy fall/winter vibe, featuring a variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits, crackers, and savory bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 varieties of cheese totaling approximately 20-24 oz: sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, creamy fromage blanc, Brie (can substitute with goat cheese, Boursin, Mascarpone, Havarti, Gruyère, Muenster, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton)
  • 812 oz assorted meats: salami, prosciutto, summer sausage (alternatives: soppressata, chorizo, smoked ham, coppa, bresaola)
  • 1 cup raw cashews (or almonds, pistachios, mixed nuts)
  • 1/2 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives
  • 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts
  • Stone-ground mustard (about 1/4 cup)
  • Fresh fruit: green grapes (1 cup), apples (1 medium, sliced), pears (1 medium, sliced)
  • Dried apricots (1/4 cup)
  • Honey (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Apricot raspberry jam (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Assorted gluten-free crackers or flatbreads (about 2-3 cups, mix of shapes and textures)

Instructions

  1. Choose a large cutting board or platter approximately 15 to 18 inches in size.
  2. Place the 5 varieties of cheeses evenly spaced across the board; pre-slice some cheeses to facilitate easy serving.
  3. Arrange the meats near the cheeses: fold salami slices in half or quarters, roll prosciutto into bundles, fan out summer sausage slices.
  4. Tuck in small bowls filled with pitted Castelvetrano olives, marinated artichoke hearts, stone-ground mustard, honey, and apricot raspberry jam evenly around the board.
  5. Scatter the assorted gluten-free crackers around the board mixing various shapes, flavors, and textures.
  6. Add fresh fruit: place grapes, apple slices, and pear slices in clusters around the board.
  7. Fill any remaining gaps with dried apricots and raw cashews (or choice of nuts) to create a balanced and full appearance.
  8. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate prepped components (cheeses sliced, fruits washed) 1-2 days ahead for convenience.

Notes

Board size guide: Small (10-14 inches) serves 2-6, Medium (15-18 inches) serves 7-12, Large (19-22 inches) serves 13-16+ guests., Customize cheeses and meats based on seasonality and preferences; include blue cheeses like Gorgonzola for a punch., The board is gluten-free by selecting suitable crackers or substituting with rice cakes or veggie sticks., Make-ahead tips: prep produce and dips 1-2 days in advance and store in airtight containers., Leftovers should be stored separately: cheeses wrapped tightly and refrigerated, meats in airtight containers, nuts and crackers at room temperature, fresh fruit refrigerated and consumed within a few days., Serving suggestions: pair with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir wines or non-alcoholic sparkling water with lemon or fruity iced tea., Vegetarian and vegan variations can be made by including roasted veggies, hummus, plant-based cheeses, and fresh vegetables., Recommended pairings: Prosciutto + Brie + honey, Salami + sharp cheddar + mustard, Summer sausage + smoked Gouda + pickles, Peppery salami + creamy goat cheese + fruit jam.

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