Charcuterie has become the ultimate crowd-pleaser — it’s interactive, beautiful, and feels way more special than setting out chips and dip. But serving it well is an art. Here’s how to make your board (or tray) look and feel effortless.
1. Mix Textures and Flavours
Charcuterie isn’t just meat and cheese. The magic is in the contrast. Pair salty prosciutto with sweet fruit, creamy brie with crunchy crackers, spicy soppressata with cooling cucumbers. A good spread feels balanced and keeps people going back for “just one more bite.”
2. Think Colour and Shape
A board that looks good gets eaten faster. Fold salami into little petals, slice cheeses into different shapes, scatter grapes or figs for pops of colour. It doesn’t have to be perfect — in fact, the less “lined up,” the more natural and abundant it feels.
3. Don’t Forget the Extras
Olives, cornichons, roasted nuts, honeycomb, jams. These little sides take a board from basic to memorable. Bonus: they’re easy to add without extra work.
4. Portion Smart
As a rule, plan 3-4 oz of cheese and 2–3 oz of meat per person if charcuterie is the main event. Less if it’s just a snack. And always have extra bread or crackers on hand.
5. Serve It Right
Room temperature is key — cheese and cured meats taste best after 30 minutes out of the fridge. If you’re worried about fuss, order a Cured tray: everything comes pre-arranged, portioned, and ready to drop on the table.
👉 Hosting hack: add a fruit platter or candy tray next to your charcuterie. It balances the savoury with something fresh (or sweet) and keeps the spread from feeling too heavy.
