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Perfect Appetizer Tray Charcuterie Board Guide: Easy Assembly Tips

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This charcuterie board is a crowd-pleasing appetizer tray packed with cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and condiments. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

  • Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or sliced
  • Brie or camembert cheese
  • Smoked gouda or provolone cheese
  • Goat cheese, crumbled
  • Salami, thinly sliced
  • Prosciutto
  • Pepperoni
  • Chorizo or soppressata
  • Water crackers
  • Multigrain crisps
  • Mini breadsticks or sliced baguette
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries or sliced apples
  • Dried apricots or figs
  • Blueberries or raspberries
  • Roasted almonds
  • Pecans or walnuts
  • Honey or fig jam
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Olives (green, black, or stuffed)
  • Pickles or cornichons

Instructions

  1. Choose a large board or tray (wood, slate, or ceramic), at least 18×12 inches. Wipe clean and dry.
  2. Arrange small bowls or ramekins for condiments, jams, olives, or nuts around the board.
  3. Slice or cube cheeses for easy grabbing. Fan out slices, crumble goat cheese, and place soft cheeses near the edge for spreading. Allow cheeses to come to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
  4. Fold or roll salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Arrange in waves or rosettes next to cheeses. Separate meats with parchment paper if needed.
  5. Fan out crackers in lines or small piles. Tuck bread slices in corners or alongside cheeses for dipping. Keep gluten-free options together.
  6. Add grapes, berries, and sliced fruits in clusters near cheeses. Brush apple slices lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  7. Sprinkle nuts around the board for crunch. Drop olives and pickles into bowls or nestle into gaps. Drizzle honey or jam beside soft cheese for dipping.
  8. Fill in gaps with extra crackers, fruit, or nuts for a bountiful look.
  9. Add cheese knives and small forks. Tuck in fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for aroma and color, if desired. Step back and check for balance and color.
  10. Troubleshooting: If cheeses sweat or stick, chill briefly before serving. Add crackers just before serving to keep them crisp. Stack ingredients vertically for visual interest if space is limited.

Notes

Customize the board with seasonal fruits, gluten-free or dairy-free options, and your favorite condiments. Let cheeses come to room temperature for best flavor. Keep wet ingredients in bowls to prevent soggy crackers. Assemble just before serving for freshness. For vegetarian boards, skip meats and add roasted veggies or extra cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, appetizer tray, cheese board, party snacks, easy entertaining, holiday appetizer, grazing board, meat and cheese platter, crowd pleaser, potluck

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