How to Make a Simple Charcuterie Board Recipe

How to Make a Simple Charcuterie Board Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Billy Parisi on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 40 min

Cost: $110.22 total, $13.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Prosciutto (thinly sliced, fan into half‑moons)
  • 4 oz Soppressata (sliced into bite‑size pieces)
  • 4 oz Salami (folded and stacked, then sliced into triangles)
  • 4 oz Summer Sausage (remove wax paper, slice thinly, keep one chunk for display)
  • 4 oz Beef Sticks (served in a small jar)
  • 8 oz Brie (whole wheel, cut a small wedge for display, keep a knife in the cheese)
  • 4 oz Bleu Cheese (cut a small wedge, crumble the rest into ¼‑½ inch pieces)
  • 4 oz Fontina (cut into small rectangles or squares)
  • 4 oz Aged Cheddar (cut into medium dice; may crumble slightly if very sharp)
  • 4 oz Asiago (pre‑cut into triangles)
  • 1 medium Pear (sliced thinly)
  • 1 cup Grapes (seedless, washed)
  • 0.5 cup Dried Plums (pitted)
  • 2 tbsp Capers (drained)
  • 0.5 cup Cornichons (small pickled gherkins)
  • 0.25 cup Fig and Orange Spread (tart fruit spread)
  • 2 tbsp Whole Grain Mustard (spicy, grainy)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (for a touch of sweetness)
  • 8 pieces Artisan Rye Crackers (place around the perimeter)
  • 8 pieces Butter Crackers (place around the perimeter)
  • 8 pieces Wafer Crackers (place around the perimeter)
  • 0.25 cup Almonds (scatter in gaps)
  • 0.25 cup Spicy Pistachios (scatter in gaps)

Instructions

  1. Choose Your Base

    Select a sturdy cutting board or wooden platter that fits the number of guests; wipe it clean and place it on a flat surface.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prepare the Meats

    Fan the prosciutto into half‑moons, roll the soppressata into bite‑size bundles, fold and stack salami into triangles, slice summer sausage thinly (keep one chunk for display), and arrange beef sticks in a small jar.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Slice and Arrange Cheeses

    Cut a wedge from the brie and insert a cheese knife for display. Slice fontina into rectangles, crumble bleu cheese into ¼‑½ inch pieces, dice aged cheddar, and keep Asiago triangles as is. Arrange cheeses symmetrically around the board, leaving space for other components.

    Time: PT8M

  4. Add Fresh and Dried Fruit & Veggies

    Slice the pear thinly, wash grapes, and scatter dried plums. Place capers and cornichons in small bowls. Distribute fruit and veg evenly, balancing colors on each side of the board.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Place Spreads

    Spoon fig‑orange spread, whole grain mustard, and honey into separate small bowls. Position the bowls near the crackers for easy access.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Arrange Crackers

    Lay artisan rye, butter, and wafer crackers around the outer edge of the board, tucking some under meats or cheeses to keep them from breaking.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Add Nuts and Final Touches

    Scatter almonds and spicy pistachios into any gaps, add extra tongs or small forks, and place a few decorative knives beside the cheeses.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Final Review

    Step back, adjust any items for symmetry, ensure each flavor component (sweet, salty, spicy, umami) is represented, and cover any remaining cheese with plastic wrap for later replenishment.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains nuts, Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free crackers

Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Gluten, Mustard

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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How to Make a Simple Charcuterie Board Recipe

Recipe by Chef Billy Parisi

A crowd‑pleasing charcuterie board featuring a balanced mix of cured meats, assorted cheeses, fresh and dried fruit, pickled veggies, spreads, crackers, and nuts. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sophisticated snack.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
34m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$110.22
Total cost
$13.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fan and arrange meats without tearing them.
  • Slice cheeses appropriately and keep a portion wrapped for later.
  • Balance sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors across the board.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a stable cutting board to prevent knife slips.
  • Handle raw cured meats with clean hands and utensils.
  • Keep knives pointed away from guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a charcuterie board in American entertaining?

A

Charcuterie boards originated from French deli traditions, where cured meats and cheeses were displayed for communal snacking. In the United States they have become a staple for casual gatherings, offering a sophisticated yet easy way to showcase a variety of flavors and textures.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of charcuterie boards in European cuisine?

A

In Italy, boards often feature prosciutto, salami, and olives; in Spain, jamón serrano, manchego, and marcona almonds are common; in France, a classic board includes pâté, terrines, and a selection of soft and hard cheeses. Each region emphasizes local cured meats and cheeses.

cultural
Q

How is a charcuterie board traditionally served in French and Italian cultures?

A

In French bistros, charcuterie is served on a wooden platter with bread, cornichons, and mustard, often as an appetizer. In Italy, it appears as an antipasto spread with cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and focaccia or crostini.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a charcuterie board traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Charcuterie boards are popular at holiday parties, wine tastings, game nights, and casual brunches. They are also a go‑to for cocktail receptions because they pair well with wine, beer, and spirits.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic charcuterie board versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional essentials include cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and soppressata, and cheeses such as brie, bleu, and aged cheddar. Substitutes can be made with locally available cured meats (e.g., pepperoni) or alternative cheeses (e.g., gouda) while maintaining the balance of textures and flavors.

cultural
Q

What other American appetizer dishes pair well with this charcuterie board?

A

Pair the board with a simple mixed green salad, marinated olives, or a light soup such as roasted tomato bisque. A crisp white wine or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this charcuterie board?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the board, using stale crackers, and not balancing flavors (sweet, salty, spicy, umami). Also, slicing cheeses too small can cause them to dry out quickly.

technical
Q

Why does this charcuterie board recipe use a variety of spreads instead of just one?

A

Multiple spreads provide contrasting flavors—tart fig‑orange jam, spicy mustard, and sweet honey—allowing guests to customize each bite and achieve the desired sweet‑salty‑spicy balance.

technical
Q

Can I make this charcuterie board ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Slice meats and cheeses, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Store spreads in sealed containers. Assemble the board no more than 2 hours before serving to keep crackers crisp.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when arranging the cheeses on the board?

A

Cheeses should be cut into bite‑size pieces that showcase their texture—soft cheeses like brie should have a visible wedge, hard cheeses should be diced, and blue cheese should be crumbled into small chunks. The board should look colorful and balanced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi specialize in?

A

Chef Billy Parisi’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable, crowd‑pleasing recipes, especially party‑style dishes, comfort foods, and step‑by‑step guides for home cooks looking to elevate everyday meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Billy Parisi’s approach to American party food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Billy Parisi emphasizes simplicity, visual balance, and flavor harmony, often using everyday grocery items while providing clear, fast‑paced tutorials. He prioritizes practical plating tips that make dishes look restaurant‑quality without complex techniques.

channel

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