A charcuterie board is a fun and festive way to serve snacks or appetizers for any season or occasion. The most important elements of a charcuterie board are meats, cheeses, savory accompaniments, sweet accompaniments, and crackers. Here are some ideas for what to put on a charcuterie board:

Meats:

• Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni
• Sausages such as chorizo and summer sausage
• Pâté or terrine

Cheeses:

• A variety of hard and soft cheese, and cheese made from different animals (cow, sheep, goat)
• Familiar cheese for guests such as cheddar, gouda, or brie
• Blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese for a tangy flavor

Savory accompaniments:

• Olives, pickles, or pickled vegetables
• Mustards, jams, or chutneys
• Nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios
• Dips or spreads such as hummus, tapenade, or spinach artichoke dip

Sweet accompaniments:

• Fresh or dried fruit such as grapes, figs, or apricots
• Chocolate or chocolate-covered nuts
• Honey or maple syrup

Crackers and bread:

• A variety of crackers such as water crackers, wheat crackers, or rice crackers
• Sliced baguette or crostini

When assembling a charcuterie board, its important to choose a board that is food safe and arrange the cheeses and meats on the board before adding the other accompaniments. Use in-season fruits and veggies to make it easy on yourself and add a few special touches for holidays. The sky is the limit with your charcuterie tray, and you’re only limited by your imagination.