Last week I visited my sister and we created a few Small Charcuterie Boards for the family to enjoy. We love charcuteries, after all who doesn't love cheese, crackers, olives, fruit and veggies all together? A small charcuterie board can be the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. After experimenting with different combinations and ingredients, we came up a great small charcuterie board and today I'm excited to share this with you.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Hits All the Cravings – Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy—this board covers it all in one cute little spread.
- Fancy Without the Fuss – Looks gourmet, but it's basically a snack board in yoga pants.
- Totally Customizable – Picky eaters? No problem. Swap stuff in, swap stuff out—it's all good!
A Personalized Wood Charcuterie Board
You'll want to begin by choosing an interesting shaped board or base. You can use a regular chopping board or buy a specially made Charcuterie Board like the wood charcuterie board I ordered from Forest Decor, a family-owned company in Salt Lake City, Utah that produce beautiful hand-crafted wooden products. What is even better is that I could order a custom charcuterie board with my own engraved words or message.
🥚Small Charcuterie Ingredients
When it comes to charcuterie boards, there is no right or wrong way to create one. It's all about personal preference and creativity. The best part about a small charcuterie board is that you can personalize it according to your own taste and dietary restrictions.
Here are the ingredients we used for our Small Charcuterie board.
- Brie Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Grapes
- Bruschetta
- Apricots
- Kalamata Olives
- Pretzels
- Apricots
- Spinach Hummus
- Pepperoni Slices
- Bread Sticks
- Almonds
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
If you or your guests have any dietary restrictions, don't worry. There are plenty of options for substitutions and variations on a traditional charcuterie board. Some ideas include:
- Vegetarian Board: Swap out the meats for marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Board: Choose gluten-free crackers, bread, and fruit options to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Board: Use dairy-free cheeses made from nuts or tofu instead of traditional cheese options. You can also add hummus or other plant-based dips for additional flavor.
🔪 How To Create Your Mini Charcuterie Board
- Step 1: Add the Brie, tomatoes, bruschetta, and apricots.
- Step 2: Next add the grapes, place the almonds and kalamata olives.
- Step 3: Add Breadsticks and the chocolate pretzels to the board.
- Step 4: Add spinach hummus, and fill any gaps with more food items.
Tips for Creating Your Small Charcuterie
Here are some tips for creating your own personalized small charcuterie board:
- Start with the base: Choose a wooden or marble cutting board as the base for your charcuterie board. This will give it a rustic and elegant look.
- Variety of Cheeses: A good cheese selection is essential for any charcuterie board. You can choose from soft, hard, creamy, or aged cheeses depending on your preferences. Some popular options include brie, cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese.
- Crackers and Bread: In addition to cheese, crackers and bread are a must-have on any charcuterie board. Choose a variety of options such as wheat crackers, baguette slices, or gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
- Meats: Add some protein to your board by including cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or smoked ham. These can be rolled up or folded in creative ways to add visual appeal to your board.
- Fruits and Veggies: Fresh fruits and vegetables not only add color to your board but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheeses and meats.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Mix Textures and Flavors: Combine creamy cheeses like Brie with crunchy elements like almonds or pretzels to keep each bite exciting.
- Add a Sweet Touch: Incorporate fruits like grapes or dried apricots to balance savory meats and cheeses with a hint of sweetness.
- Fill in the Gaps: Use small items like olives or cherry tomatoes to fill spaces, creating a visually appealing and abundant-looking board.
💭 FAQ's
A charcuterie board can be left out for 2-4 hours at room temperature. After that, it's best to refrigerate any leftovers.
Yes, you can prepare your small charcuterie board up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. Just add fresh fruits and meats right before serving.
A charcuterie board typically includes cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, and other accompaniments. A cheese board typically only includes a variety of cheeses and maybe some crackers or bread.
Prep ingredients ahead—store meats/cheeses in the fridge, crackers at room temp. Assemble just before serving for freshness.
💖 Serving Suggestions
A small charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering with friends or a fancy dinner party. To complete your spread, you can include some beverages and accompaniments to go with your wood charcuterie board such as:
- Wine: Choose a selection of red and white wines that pair well with the cheese and meats on your board.
- Sparkling Water: For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water or flavored sodas make refreshing choices.
- Condiments: Add some honey, jams, or mustards for extra flavor combinations.
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