A thoughtfully arranged cheese and charcuterie board is both an art and a crowd-pleasing appetizer—here’s everything you need to create your own.
This post is written in collaboration with Parmigiano Reggiano. All opinions are mine alone
There’s something so charming and inviting about a well-styled cheese or charcuterie board. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering—casual or elegant—and a fun, creative way to serve a variety of snacks that everyone can enjoy.
And the best part? It’s easier to put together than you might think!
Whether you're planning a dinner party, a holiday aperitivo, or just a cozy night in, here’s how to build a beautiful and balanced board that’s as impressive as it is effortless.
Start with the Main Items
When creating your board, it’s best to start with your main ingredients and build around them. For this aperitivo board, I'm using a big wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano. I like to cut it into rustic flakes for easy grabbing and leave a little cheese knife on the wedge so guests can cut their own if they’d like. It adds both function and charm to the presentation.
You can also start with other standout cheeses or meats—like a creamy Brie, a wheel of goat cheese, or slices of prosciutto—and then plan the rest of the board to complement them.
Choose the Right Base
First of all, you’ll need a serving base: a wooden cutting board, a marble platter, or a large tray. Keep in mind the size of your board based on how many people you’re serving.
👉 Here’s the tray I’m using—got it from Amazon and absolutely love it! AMAZON
If you’re entertaining a larger group, go for something wide and spacious. For smaller gatherings, a round or rectangular board works beautifully.
Use Small Bowls or Ramekins
Next, grab a few small bowls or ramekins to hold anything juicy, sticky, or roll-prone—think olives, fruit preserves, marinated veggies, or honey. Place these on the board first, creating structure and natural zones for the ingredients to follow.
Play with Color and Texture
A visually appealing board is all about contrast! Mix and match:
Soft and hard cheeses
Cured meats folded or rolled
Crackers and sliced bread for crunch
Fresh and dried fruits for color
Roasted nuts and chocolate for richness
Layer ingredients slightly and let them spill over each other—this adds a beautiful, abundant feel.
Tip: Pre-cut or crumble some of the cheeses to make it easier (and more inviting) for guests to grab a bite.
Sweet + Savory Balance
A perfect board offers a little something for everyone. Combine savory, salty bites with sweet and fruity touches:
Pair Parmigiano with fig jam or honey
Add grapes, strawberries, or apple slices for freshness
Toss in dried apricots or cranberries for color and sweetness
Try a few pieces of dark chocolate or candied nuts to surprise the palate
Add a Homemade Touch: Easy Appetizer Ideas
To make your spread even more special, add one or two homemade appetizers from your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ideas that go beautifully with a cheese or charcuterie board:
Italian Focaccia with Olives or Rosemary and Sea Salt
Fluffy, golden, and lightly salty—serve it sliced into squares or strips. Perfect for scooping up creamy cheeses or eating on its own. Find the recipe here: Focaccia with olives. and Focaccia with Rosemary
Mini Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle. Filled with mozzarella and served warm, these little bites are always a hit. Here is the recipe: Arancini
Crostini or Bruschetta
Top toasted fresh slices of bread with fresh tomatoes and a variety of other ingredients. Here are a few alternatives: Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Burrata, Bruschetta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Crostini with Figs
Final Touches
Finish the board with small tongs or cheese knives, sprigs of fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or even edible flowers if you're feeling fancy. Let things overlap slightly, don’t worry about perfection—abundance and color are your friends!
Buon appetito!
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