Charcuterie board tutorial the full video is on my instagram
Charcuterie board tutorial 💕 the full video is on my instagram!!! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Bourque | The Orange Table on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min
Cost: $57.49 total, $7.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 jar Fig Jam (8‑oz jars, place in center of board)
- 4 oz Toscano Cheese (Creamy, rind on, cut into small triangles)
- 8 oz Brie Cheese (Soft, creamy, cut into wedges for topping with honeycomb)
- 4 oz Manchego Cheese (Firm, sliced thinly and laid flat)
- 4 oz Cheddar Cheese (Rustic chop (irregular pieces) for visual interest)
- 4 oz Salami (Folded in half twice, arranged like a river)
- 6 pieces Strawberries (Halved for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Dried Mango (Soft, juicy, from Trader Joe's)
- 2 oz Honeycomb (Small piece, placed on top of Brie)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Raspberries (Used to garnish honey‑topped Brie)
- 1 sprig Edible Flowers (optional) (For a pretty finish, optional)
Instructions
Place Fig Jam Centerpieces
Open the two jars of fig jam and set them side‑by‑side in the middle of the serving board; they will act as the visual centerpiece.
Time: PT3M
Slice Toscano Cheese
Using a cheese knife, cut the Toscano cheese into small triangles (about 1‑inch sides) while keeping the rind on, then arrange the pieces around the jam jars.
Time: PT4M
Arrange Brie Cheese
Slice the Brie into wedges about 1‑inch thick, place each wedge near the Toscano, and set aside a spot for the honeycomb topping.
Time: PT3M
Slice Manchego Cheese
Thinly slice the Manchego cheese and lay the rounds flat in a fan shape around the board.
Time: PT3M
Rustic Chop Cheddar
Cut the cheddar into irregular, rustic‑style pieces (not perfect cubes) to add visual texture.
Time: PT4M
Fold and Arrange Salami
Fold each slice of salami in half, then fold again, creating a narrow ribbon; line the ribbons in a river‑like fashion across the board.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Strawberry Garnish
Wash the strawberries, remove stems, and cut each berry in half lengthwise; scatter the halves around the board for color.
Time: PT2M
Add Dried Mango
Place the soft dried mango pieces in a small pile near the fruit section of the board.
Time: PT2M
Top Brie with Honeycomb and Raspberries
Using the tip of a knife, lift a small piece of honeycomb and place it on each Brie wedge, then garnish each with a few fresh raspberries and an optional sprig of edible flower.
Time: PT4M
Final Touches
Step back, adjust any items for balance, and serve the board at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten‑free (if gluten‑free salami is used)
Allergens: Dairy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fig Jam: Apricot jam, Honey
- Instead of Toscano Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Brie Cheese: Camembert, Triple‑cream cheese
- Instead of Manchego Cheese: Queso Manchego, Aged Gouda
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack
- Instead of Salami: Prosciutto, Pepperoni
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, Blueberries
- Instead of Dried Mango: Dried apricots, Dried pineapple
- Instead of Honeycomb: Honey drizzle, Bee pollen
- Instead of Fresh Raspberries: Fresh blackberries, Fresh strawberries
- Instead of Edible Flowers (optional): Microgreens, Fresh herbs
Equipment Needed
- Large Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Cheese Knife
- Small Bowls or Dishes
- Serving Spoon or Small Spreader
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice Toscano cheese into triangles
- Rustic chop cheddar for visual texture
- Fold salami into river‑like ribbons
- Place honeycomb on Brie and garnish with raspberries
Chef Tips from the Video
- A mix of soft, semi‑soft, and hard cheeses adds texture and flavor contrast
- Arrange colors from dark (fig jam) to light (strawberries, mango) for visual appeal
- Use a wooden board for a rustic look; a marble board keeps cheese cooler.
Troubleshooting
Cheese looks dry after sitting.
Allow the board to sit at room temperature for 10‑15 minutes before serving; cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel if needed.
Honeycomb crumbles when placed on Brie.
Use a warm (but not hot) knife tip to gently lift the honeycomb; handle it over a plate to catch any crumbs.
Fruit becomes soggy.
Pat fruit dry before arranging and keep jam in separate dishes to prevent moisture transfer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover the board tightly with plastic wrap; store up to 24 hours. Remove honeycomb and fresh fruit before refrigerating.
Freezer: Do not freeze the assembled board; individual components (cheese, jam) can be frozen separately.
Room temperature: Serve at room temperature for 1‑2 hours after assembly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice all cheeses and store them in airtight containers in the fridge
- Portion jam into small bowls and cover
- Prepare fruit garnish and keep dry until serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a charcuterie board in American entertaining?
Charcuterie boards originated from European meat‑preserving traditions and have become a staple of American casual entertaining, symbolizing abundance and the art of sharing a variety of flavors on a single platter.
What are the traditional regional variations of charcuterie boards in European cuisine?
In France, boards often feature pâtés, cornichons, and baguette; in Italy, cured meats like prosciutto and olives dominate; in Spain, jamón serrano and manchego are key. Julia’s board blends these influences with American fruit and jam accents.
How is a charcuterie board traditionally served in French cuisine?
In French tradition, a charcuterie board is served as an entrée or appetizer, accompanied by crusty bread, a selection of wines, and often presented on a wooden platter with cheese placed after the cured meats.
What occasions or celebrations is a charcuterie board traditionally associated with in American culture?
Charcuterie boards are popular at holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, game nights, and casual brunches, offering a versatile, no‑cook option that suits both formal and informal celebrations.
How does a charcuterie board fit into the broader American appetizer tradition?
It embodies the American love for variety and convenience, allowing guests to sample multiple flavors and textures without the need for a full‑course meal, fitting perfectly into the appetizer culture of finger foods.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic European charcuterie board versus acceptable substitutes used in this recipe?
Traditional boards feature cured meats like salami, pâté, and hard cheeses such as aged cheddar. Julia substitutes dried mango for fresh figs and adds honeycomb for sweetness, which are modern, accessible alternatives while keeping the core cheese and meat components.
What other American dishes pair well with this charcuterie board?
Pair it with a crisp white wine, sparkling water with citrus, or a light salad of mixed greens. It also complements grilled chicken skewers or a simple quinoa salad for a more substantial spread.
What makes Julia Bourque’s charcuterie board special or unique in the context of American entertaining?
Julia emphasizes visual balance by using a rustic chop for cheddar, folding salami into a river shape, and topping Brie with honeycomb and raspberries, creating a cohesive, artful presentation that feels effortless yet curated.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this charcuterie board?
Common errors include overcrowding the board, using cold cheese straight from the fridge (which can be hard to cut), and placing jam too close to fresh fruit, which can make the fruit soggy.
Why does this recipe call for a rustic chop of cheddar instead of uniform cubes?
The rustic chop creates visual interest and mimics the natural, imperfect look of a well‑curated board, making the presentation feel more relaxed and inviting.
Can I make this charcuterie board ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, slice all cheeses and meats, cover them separately, and store in the refrigerator. Assemble the board no more than an hour before serving to keep fresh fruit and honeycomb at their best.
What does the YouTube channel Julia Bourque | The Orange Table specialize in?
The Orange Table focuses on approachable, visually appealing home cooking, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, elegant plating, and step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday entertaining.
How does the YouTube channel Julia Bourque | The Orange Table's approach to charcuterie differ from other cooking channels?
Julia prioritizes effortless elegance, using simple techniques like folding salami and rustic chopping, and highlights unique garnish ideas such as honeycomb on Brie, setting her style apart from more formal or overly complex charcuterie tutorials.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
