Weeknight Easy Charcuterie Board

An Easy Charcuterie Board for any random weeknight? We say YES. Cheese boards don’t just have to be for fancy occasions. A little spread of meat and cheese plus a glass of wine at the end of any day is well-deserved!

about this easy charcuterie board

You know what is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world?

Saddling up to a little mini cheese board spread with a bottle of wine and whoever you come home to at the end of the night. There’s something about just grazing on a variety of different flavors and textures that instantly calms me.

Well, I am sure the glass of wine helps too…

I am one for building a whole aesthetic no matter what I’m eating.

It. Matters.

Which is why always fall back on a cheese board whenever I feel like I need something special.

The secret to an impressive board isn’t fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s about knowing which reliable combinations work together, proper serving temperatures, and how much to buy per person. This guide breaks down everything from cheese selection to accompaniments, plus tips for keeping everything fresh.

Note: This is an updated version of the original published on January 31, 2017. The post now includes added tips and recommendations to make your board the best it can be.

what is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie boards?

The 3-3-3 rule makes charcuterie board assembly a breeze and it’s the perfect place to start if you are unfamiliar with building charcuterie boards. Generally, you want 3 types of meat, 3 types of cheese, and 3 types of accompaniments for the board.

Try to mix up textures and flavors within each category! Your board will look more dynamic and give guests plenty of delicious pairing options.

types of cheese for an easy charcuterie board

Hard cheese. Grab an aged Parmigiano-Reggiano (parmesan), pecorino romano, asiago, gruyere, comte, or manchego – these bring intense, crystallized flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Common cheese. Sharp cheddar, fresh mozzarella balls, aged gouda, or creamy Jack cheese keep things familiar and friendly. These reliable picks play well with everything.

Soft cheese. Creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, blue cheese, or luxurious burrata bring that melt-in-your-mouth magic. These softies are perfect for spreading and pairing with sweet accompaniments.

here’s what you’ll need

The biggest thing to remember when you are making an easy charcuterie board is to keep things simple.

Cheeses. Select 3 cheeses that you love. We usually like one hard cheese, one soft cheese, and one common cheese. However, feel free to mix and match as much as you’d like!

Meats. Mix up textures with thinly sliced prosciutto, spicy salami, and soppressata. For variety, turn to mortadella, speck, calabrese, or coppa.

Crackers/bread. Add 2 to 3 options like crusty Italian bread, sliced baguette, or crispy crackers.

Extras. Finish with a variety of extras from dried fruits (dates, apricots, raisins, figs, cranberries, etc), pickled and tangy elements (gherkins, pickles, olives, pickled vegetables, marinated artichoke hearts, etc), your favorite nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios, pecans). You can even add in a touch of honey (or hot honey!) or your favorite jam. Fresh fruit is another great option from grapes to apples, strawberries to blueberries, raspberries to pears.

this recipe’s must haves

All you need is a large serving platter! We like to use a wooden cutting board, but you could also use a serving tray. Before assembling, slice your cheeses on a separate cutting board with a sharp chef’s knife.

here’s how to assemble a last minute charcuterie board

add bowls

If you are adding jams, jellies, or honey to the board in a bowl, start with small bowls. They are an easy starting point. It’s much better to fill in around them than to try to add them in at the end. Be sure to space the out!

add meats

Arrange the cured meats in sections. We like to fold the prosciutto into little piles and fan out the slices of salami. Space different types evenly across the board to build texture.

add cheeses

Add cheeses to the board after prepping them. Slice the hard cheeses, crumble the blue or gorgonzola cheese, slice brie into wedges, and cut soft cheese into manageable pieces.

add extras

Fill in all the empty spaces with extras like nuts, dried fruit, pickled elements, and anything else you plan to incorporate. If you still have some empty spots, you can fill them in with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.

More easy board ideas to try: Fruit Charcuterie Board | Italian Charcuterie Board | Breakfast Charcuterie Board | Halloween Dessert Charcuterie Board

how long can this board sit out?

Take your meats and cheeses out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving. Room temperature brings out their best flavors and textures.

But keep an eye on the clock! Don’t leave your board out longer than 2 hours total. After that, wrap up any remaining goodies and pop them back in the fridge.

what are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board?

Here are our top 5 items to avoid adding to an easy charcuterie board:

• Raw garlic or onions – the flavor and scent will overwhelm the board.
• Soft fruits like bananas that get mushy and brown quickly. They are also really messy.
• Strong-smelling fish like anchovies and sardines.
• Mayo-based dips or spreads should be avoided if you are leaving this out for a longer period of time. They tend to spoil quickly.
• Super spicy peppers like habanero. As soon as they touch anything else, their flavor and spice spreads. It’s hard to not cross-contaminate!

how much should I plan on per person?

A well-stocked charcuterie board kicks off any gathering with style. Here’s your straightforward guide to portions:

Serving as an appetizer or pre-dinner snack? Count on 3 ounces of meat and cheese per person. This gives everyone enough to nibble while saving room for the main course.

Making it the main event? Double up to 6 ounces of meat and cheese per person. This ensures everyone leaves satisfied and happy.

For all the extras (fruits, nuts, crackers, jams, and spreads), follow your instincts based on your meat and cheese quantities. The beauty of a grazing board is its flexibility – you can always add more of what catches your eye.

✨ Pro tip: Round up when buying your ingredients. A generous board not only looks more inviting but ensures everyone gets their fill of their favorite nibbles. Plus, leftover cheese is never a bad thing!

Quick shopping math: 8 guests for appetizers = 24 oz (1.5 lbs) total meat and cheese 8 guests for dinner = 48 oz (3 lbs) total meat and cheese

Need more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipes page!

what to serve with an easy charcuterie board

The beauty of any charcuterie board is that it is all you need as a stand-alone appetizer. You don’t need anything else!

If you want to know what cocktail to serve with a cheese board, I recommend something simple and approachable. A classic red sangria is wonderful when you want a big batch drink to enjoy. This Patron margarita is flavorful and smooth. For something bubbly, a limoncello spritz is the ideal refresher that pairs with any flavor on your board.

seasonal charcuterie boards to explore

For springtime gatherings, try out easter charcuterie board! You can include the Easter-themed candy, or omit it for a strictly springtime-focused celebration.

Our summer charcuterie board is bursting with fresh produce and refreshing dips to make this spread something special.

This fall charcuterie board is a simple centerpiece that highlights the best flavors of autumn. Ideal for hosting and especially fantastic for Thanksgiving!

During the winter holiday season, this very merry christmas cheese board is festive and fun. It is easy to adjust, no matter what size you gathering may be.

Finally, if you make this easy charcuterie board, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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