Do this for an easy charcuterie board
Do this for an easy charcuterie board! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Sarah Rae Vargas on YouTube.
Prep: 29 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 39 min
Cost: $59.95 total, $9.99 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Assorted Crackers (variety of flavors, store‑bought)
- 4 oz Pretzel Sticks (optional, small pretzel sticks)
- 4 oz Pepperoni Slices (pre‑sliced)
- 4 oz Salami Slices (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz Whole Salami Log (used to roll a salami rose)
- 4 oz Smoked Spreadable Cheese (e.g., smoked goat cheese, soft)
- 4 oz Sharp Cheese (e.g., aged cheddar, cut into cubes)
- 8 oz Brie Wheel (cut into wedges just before serving)
- 1 cup Seedless Grapes (halved if large)
- 1 cup Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, washed)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (whole)
- 1 cup Cucumber Slices (thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Small Bowls for Dips (for spreadable cheese and any dips)
- 20 pieces Toothpicks (for easy picking)
- 1 piece Small Tongs (for handling meats and fruit)
Instructions
Prepare the Base
Choose a clean serving tray or board and place two small bowls for spreads in convenient spots.
Time: PT5M
Lay the Crackers
Spread the assorted crackers (and pretzel sticks if using) around the tray, leaving gaps for meats, cheeses, and fresh items.
Time: PT3M
Place the Meats
Create small piles of pepperoni and salami slices in the gaps left by the crackers.
Time: PT5M
Make a Salami Rose
Take the whole salami log, lay it flat, roll it tightly into a rose shape and stand it upright in a champagne flute or small glass.
Time: PT5M
Add the Cheeses
Fill one small bowl with the smoked spreadable cheese, place cubed sharp cheese on the board, and arrange Brie wedges around the tray.
Time: PT4M
Prep the Brie
Using a cheese knife, cut the Brie wheel into eight equal wedges.
Time: PT2M
Fresh Elements
Scatter grapes, mixed berries, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices around the board, filling any remaining gaps.
Time: PT3M
Final Touches
Place small tongs, toothpicks, and a spoon for the spreadable cheese on the board.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Assorted Crackers: Rice crackers, Pita chips
- Instead of Pretzel Sticks: Breadsticks
- Instead of Pepperoni Slices: Salami, Prosciutto
- Instead of Salami Slices: Soppressata
- Instead of Whole Salami Log: Pepperoni log
- Instead of Smoked Spreadable Cheese: Smoked cream cheese
- Instead of Sharp Cheese: Gouda
- Instead of Brie Wheel: Camembert
- Instead of Seedless Grapes: Sliced apples
- Instead of Mixed Berries: Raspberries
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes
- Instead of Cucumber Slices: Zucchini
- Instead of Small Bowls for Dips: Ramekins
- Instead of Toothpicks: Small skewers
- Instead of Small Tongs: Fork
Equipment Needed
- Serving Tray
- Small Bowls
- Champagne Flute (optional)
- Cheese Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Tongs
- Toothpicks (optional)
- Small Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make a Salami Rose
- Cut the Brie into wedges before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Mix textures: crunchy crackers, soft cheese, juicy fruit for a balanced bite.
- Use contrasting colors to make the board eye‑catching.
- Arrange items in groups rather than a random scatter for easier grabbing.
Troubleshooting
Board looks sparse or empty
Add more variety—include nuts, olives, or additional crackers to fill gaps and increase visual appeal.
Cheese becomes too soft before guests arrive
Keep the cheese refrigerated until just before plating and cut wedges right before arranging on the board.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover leftovers tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; cured meats may change texture when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours while being served.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice all meats and cheeses a few hours ahead and keep them chilled.
- Prepare the salami rose, place it in a glass, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Store fruits in a separate bowl and add to the board just before serving.
- Keep spreads in small bowls covered with foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of charcuterie boards in European cuisine?
Charcuterie boards originated in French taverns where cured meats and cheeses were displayed for communal snacking. Over time they became a staple of European aperitivo culture, symbolizing hospitality and the art of meat preservation.
What are traditional regional variations of charcuterie boards in France and Italy?
In France, boards often feature pâtés, terrines, and a variety of French cheeses like Camembert and Roquefort. Italian versions, called "antipasto platters," include prosciutto, salami, marinated olives, and cheeses such as Parmigiano‑Reggiano and mozzarella.
How is a charcuterie board traditionally served in French bistros?
French bistros serve charcuterie as a starter, presented on a wooden board with sliced baguette, cornichons, mustard, and a selection of regional cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by a glass of wine.
What occasions or celebrations is a charcuterie board traditionally associated with in Western culture?
Charcuterie boards are popular for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, game nights, and casual weekend entertaining, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-assemble snack for social settings.
How does a charcuterie board fit into the broader American entertaining tradition?
In the United States, the charcuterie board has become a go‑to appetizer for gatherings, reflecting the American love for variety, convenience, and visual presentation while borrowing techniques from European traditions.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic charcuterie board versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and pâté; cheeses such as Brie, aged cheddar, and blue cheese; crusty bread or crackers; and accompaniments like olives, nuts, and fruit. Substitutes can include smoked turkey, goat cheese, or gluten‑free crackers while preserving the balance of flavors and textures.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when assembling a charcuterie board?
Common mistakes include overcrowding the board, mixing strong flavors that clash, not providing separate utensils for each item, and leaving perishable items out at room temperature for too long. Keep the layout spacious, balance flavors, and serve promptly.
Why does this charcuterie board recipe use a salami rose instead of a simple meat pile?
The salami rose adds visual drama and height, turning a simple meat selection into a centerpiece. Rolling the salami also makes it easy for guests to pick individual slices without handling a large slab.
Can I make this charcuterie board ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes—prepare all components separately, keep meats, cheeses, and spreads chilled in airtight containers, and store fruits in a separate bowl. Assemble the board no more than two hours before serving to maintain freshness.
What does the YouTube channel Sarah Rae Vargas specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sarah Rae Vargas specializes in quick, approachable home cooking tutorials, focusing on everyday meals, entertaining ideas, and practical kitchen hacks for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sarah Rae Vargas's approach to charcuterie board building differ from other food channels?
Sarah Rae Vargas emphasizes simplicity and minimal prep, using everyday pantry items and clear visual guides, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate, themed boards with specialty ingredients. Her style is down‑to‑earth and budget‑friendly.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
