Summer Charcuterie Board
A colorful and easy-to-assemble summer charcuterie board featuring cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, crackers, and dips.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 pieces Brie, goat cheese, cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, feta, or a soft herbed cheese
Cured meats
- 1-2 types Prosciutto, salami, soppressata, pepperoni, or smoked turkey
Fresh fruit
- 2-3 types Strawberries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, melon, or figs
Fresh vegetables
- 2-3 types Cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, snap peas, radishes, carrots, or celery
Crackers and bread
- 1-2 types Water crackers, seeded crackers, crostini, sliced baguette, breadsticks, or pita chips
Dips and spreads
- 1-2 types Hummus, whipped feta, fruit preserves, honey, mustard, olive tapenade, or tzatziki
Salty extras
- 2 types Olives, pickles, roasted nuts, marinated artichokes, or cornichons
Sweet additions
- 1-2 types Dried fruit, dark chocolate, chocolate-covered nuts, or a few cookies
Garnishes
- 1-2 types Fresh basil, rosemary, mint, edible flowers, or lemon wedges
Instructions
Preparation
- Choose your board. Select a large wooden board, serving platter, or tray.
- Prepare the ingredients. Wash and dry the fruit and vegetables. Slice larger produce and cut cheese into wedges.
Assembly
- Place the largest items first: dips, olives, pickles, nuts, or preserves.
- Add cheeses around the board, varying their shapes.
- Arrange meats in folds or fan slices around cheeses.
- Fill in with crackers and bread, placing some near each cheese and spread.
- Add fresh produce, grouping similar items while mixing colors.
- Add finishing touches like honey or preserves and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serving
- Serve the board promptly with small plates, napkins, and cheese knives.
Notes
For best flavor, let firm cheeses come to room temperature. Keep perishable ingredients chilled until shortly before serving.