Easy Small Charcuterie Board (2024)

A simple Small Charcuterie Board is perfect for a intimate gathering, light lunch, or just to enjoy on a night in with your partner. Don't be intimidated by the thought building a small cheese board because I'm sharing all my tips and tricks to make it easy and stress free.

What Is A Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board is essentially a fancy way of saying, "Meat and cheese board."

It's a fully display of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and buttery crackers, interspersed with fresh fruit, veggies, and dips. A charcuterie board usually makes a great appetizer or starter, but others (like this small one) also are yummy for lunch or a light dinner.

How To Make A Small Charcuterie Board

Here, I'll walk you through step-by-step instructions of building a small cheese board. I'll teach you all my tips and tricks for building a gorgeous, artfully designed board and in no time at all you'll go from beginner to expert!

1. Start with the cheese

I always start with the cheese as my base because they tend to be the largest items. Lay 2-3 cheeses in the corners on in a triangle shape on your board. I like to use a variety like:

• Hard cheeses: Cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, or gouda. (These can all be sliced and stored beforehand to save assembly time.)
• Semi-soft cheeses: Pepper jack, fontina, or stilton are all able to be pre-cut, but they're not as hard as say, cheddar or parmesan.
• Soft cheeses: Brie, mozzarella (I like the marinated balls), burrata, or goat cheese. (Serve these with a small knife)
• Fun cheese: For this, I like to go to the deli section of the grocery store and grab something I've never had before. Most times its a seasonal cheese with unique flavors!

2. Add the jams and spreads

Next up you're going to add any jams and spreads you like, but I recommend only adding 1-2 because this is a small board. Scoop your spread into a small bowl(s) and place in any large gap near the edge.

• Jams: You can serve either a sweet or savory jam, just think about the other elements on your board. I like red pepper jelly for savory or peach jam for sweet.
• Spreads/ condiments: These would be your hummus, honey, mustards, pesto, ect.

3. Lay out the meats

Now, lay the cured meats in between the cheeses and spreads.

• Fold thin salami into quarters and stack them against one another to make "ruffled" line
• Thick cut salami can be displayed like coins that have been fanned out
• Roll or bunch up prosciutto and lay it in a line

4. Fill in with fruits and vegetables

Any big gaps can now begin to be filled in with fruits and veggies.

• You don't want the fruits to be too juicy or turn brown quickly, so I suggest adding ones like grapes, berries, and figs
• For veggies, I like them to be firm and crunchy like baby carrots, celery sticks, radishes, and cucumber slices. You can also add olives in a small bowl if you'd like

5. Arrange the crackers and dried goods

All of the small gaps can be filled in with crackers and other dried goods.

• Crackers: Buttery club crackers, Ritz, or Wheat Thins are very traditional options. Be sure to also grab any fun shapes or seasonal flavors for variety!
• Dried goods: These would include dried fruits like dates, dried apricots, or cranberries, and nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.

6. Finish with a garnish of fresh herbs

Lastly, you want to garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs to fill in any tiny gaps and make the board stunning and bountiful. My favorite herb garnishes are:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage leaves
• Basil

What type of board is good for charcuterie?

I like to use a small wooden cutting board like this because it's light, sturdy, and fits just the right amount of food for 2-4 people. You could also use ones like these:

• Bamboo cheese board and knife set
• Acacia circular cutting board
• Individual cheese boards with wine holder

More Small Charcuterie Board Ideas

I took this idea and made a very traditional small charcuterie board with cheese, meats, crackers, and dips. However, you can make multiple small cheese boards for a party and make them themed if you want! Here's a few fun theme ideas:

• Mediterranean board: Add Mediterranean ingredients such as feta, olives, dried figs, and tzatziki sauce
• French fry board: Arrange different types of French fries with small bowls of sauces like ketchup, buffalo, or ranch
• Breakfast board: I've done this as a large board, but a few small ones with varying breakfast food themes would be fun. Think about a donut or waffle board!
• Fruit board: Display multiple types of fruits for those looking for a lighter option. Plus, it's easier than chopping everything up for a fruit salad
• Cookie board: If you need a sweet, small charcuterie board maybe try a cookie board! Add a couple rows of your favorite cookies and serve with glasses of milk on the side

Can You Make A Small Cheese Board Ahead Of Time?

I don't recommend making your board too far ahead of time because the cured meats and cheeses really shouldn't be exposed to air for too long.

You can prepare the ingredients before hand and store them in containers in the fridge, then just assemble right before guests are arriving.

How To Store Charcuterie Board Leftovers

Most of the items will keep well, as long as you don't let them sit out for too long. I like to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days.

You can graze on the leftovers or use them in other dishes. The cheeses, for example, work well in scrambled eggs or sandwiches.

Expert Tips For Creating A Beautiful Small Charcuterie Board

• Think about and choose the items you want to serve before you begin assembling
• Keep in mind how many guests you're serving so you have an appropriate amount of food
• Lay the larger items down first and then begin to build your small charcuterie board around them
• Add fruits and veggies for pops of color
• It's best if you assemble your board right before you're going to serve it

Serving Suggestions

This simple charcuterie board is great for so many occasions! Here's a few ideas:

• Small Thanksgiving gathering
• Light weekend lunch
• Date night in with your partner
• Girl's night snack
• Weekend brunch (make a few different small boards)

Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you make and share it.

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