Charcuterie is just a fancy name for cooked cold meats such as bacon, salami, and ham. Add charcuterie to cheese plates, antipasto platters, or as a savory addition to a relish tray. Use these charcuterie board ideas for party food, game day snacks, last-minute guests, or a quiet night in with a good movie and a bottle of wine.
Antipasto Tray
Create a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter without ever turning on the stove. Each of these ingredients can be purchased at your local supermarket, and you can sub in dried or pickled produce for fresh, depending on seasonal availability.
Build the board with:
- Desired cured meats
- Bold cheese (we used cubed feta and goat cheese)
- Pickled or fresh veggies
- Dried and fresh fruits like dates, apricots, figs, and plums
- Olives
- Bread slices or crackers
- Herbed nuts
Classic Charcuterie Tray
Need a foolproof appetizer for your next gathering? A classic and simple charcuterie board idea for party food is easy to assemble and offers a little something for everyone to nibble on. Grab a sturdy wood cutting board or tray, then pile on the goodness.
Build the board with:
- Cured meats
- Cheeses (we recommend using at least one soft cheese, hard cheese, and blue cheese)
- Crackers
- Herbed nuts
- Cornichons
- Radishes
- Olives
- Grapes or figs
- Honey
- Mustard or butter
Healthy Relish Tray
Relish trays should showcase flavors of the season. If you're searching for a healthier charcuterie board idea, load yours with a combination of fresh in-season veggies as well as traditional pickled ingredients for a variety of flavors. Add a favorite cooked or roasted vegetable, too, if the mood strikes.
Build the board with:
- Almonds or other nuts
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus spears
- Zucchini or mini cucumbers
- Endive
- Tomatoes
- Sweet mini peppers
- Hummus
Fresh Veggie and Antipasto Platter
Meat- and veggie lovers will enjoy this savory and filling charcuterie board idea for party snacks. Blanched vegetables give typical antipasto an unexpectedly fresh twist and balance heavier items like meats and cheeses (plus they introduce a pop of color). A homemade tomato chutney is an excellent accompaniment and a tasty way to use up produce in your kitchen.
Build the board with:
- Desired blanched vegetables
- Prosciutto
- Crackers
- Tuna with capers or other tinned fish
- Mini sweet peppers
- Fresh mozzarella
Savory Party Platter
Give your appetizer tray a signature touch with homemade dips, spreads, or pâté rounded out with a few purchased ingredients so there's plenty to nibble on.
Build the board with:
- Crackers or flatbread
- Sour gherkins
- Cured meats
- Dijon-style mustard
- Purchased or homemade dip recipes (like our Million Dollar Dip)
- Olives
- Baguette slices