Forget The Main Course, It’s Charcuterie Board Season (2024)

This epic cheese board is the whole package. It includes two ceramic bowls, two plates, a sliding drawer knife set, labels, and markers to identify each snack or dip.

It even includes a wine opener, so you really get your money's worth with this one.

Rave Review: "This was purchased as a wedding gift and the couple absolutely loved it! Very well made!"

For just $38, this has sliding drawers with knives that make this perfect for small or large gatherings alike. Simply extend the drawers when you have a bigger group coming over. The black, anti-slip slate finish in the middle is a great way to divide your cheeses, too.

Rave Review: "I like the little side drawers and super quality utensils. The wood is beautiful."

This set of six stone boards can be used as serving platters for different snacks, or even as appetizer plates at a small dinner party. The best part? You can write directly on the slate with chalk to identify each snack.

Rave Review: "I bought these as a surprise Christmas gift for our daughter-in-law (something not on her Amazon list!). She LOVED them. She uses them as charcuterie boards and they work and look great."

This olive wooden piece is a unique addition to any charcuterie board collection. It's a unique standalone decor piece when you're not using it as a serving platter, and a picture perfect accent for your buffet table.

Rave Review: "I wanted something for a charcuterie board and saw these. I ordered the smaller size just to see if I liked it. I LOVE it! The grain is gorgeous! I seasoned it with some olive oil, which really brought out the grain."

This simple acacia wood serving plank doesn't have any divots or drawers to separate snacks, so it's a great choice for simple wine and cheese nights. Display it on your kitchen counter to use as a chopping board in between happy hours.

Rave Review: "This is a really nice board. The finish is beautiful. It is small, but exactly as described by the seller. It is good quality, well-made, and attractive."

How cute is this customizable board? It makes a great housewarming gift for your loved ones or to yourself. Pick from three wood stains—maple, cherry, or walnut—and then decide what you want written on it. It's that simple.

Rave Review: "I ordered this on Monday and it just arrived—it's Thursday. Seriously! That's impressive! This is personalized with our names and anniversary year. So, they made it, personalized it, shipped it, and I received it all in 3 days. It is beautiful, too! Exactly what I wanted."

This ultra chic marble cheese board with gold foiling is all about the aesthetics. It's the perfect "first impression" piece when you want to go all out for your favorite people.

Rave Review: "Very nice product! There's a nice hefty weight to it and the gold and marble look beautiful together."

This stunning board is where food and art combine. Dazzle your guests with this stunning piece featuring a blue, green, and white marble pattern. It'll make your food look that much more appetizing.

This brand doesn't feature reviews on their website, but this board is an editor's pick for its elevated, artsy finish.

This may just be the biggest board you'll find on the internet. At 26 inches, it's the perfect size to feed a large crowd snacks. Then, you can use it as a serving tray for post-dinner night caps afterwards.

This brand doesn't feature reviews on their site, but it's an editor's choice for its size and expert wood craftsmanship.

This serving board from Ayesha Curry's line of cookware is made from parawood construction that's durable and long-lasting. It's treated with a clear matte food-grade finish to protect the wood from warping.

Rave Review: "This cutting and serving board is smooth and thick, with a unique shape that also makes it suitable for serving. It's notable that you can only use it on one side because of the raised edge."

You've probably seen them trending all over IG and have even grabbed a prosciutto slice or 10 off of them (no, that's not just you!).

But if you're looking for a technical definition, here it is: "A charcuterie board is an appetizer of cured meats, cheeses, pâtés, crackers, and bread traditionally served on a wooden platter," says Chase. In other words, a charcuterie board is a yummy time.

The options are truly endless. "Building a charcuterie board starts with a selection of cured meats, like prosciutto, bresaola, Guanciale, genoa salami, or if you’re splurging, jamon Iberico (Iberico ham)," says Chase.

From there, she recommends adding a mix of hard and soft cheeses that complement the meats you've chosen to throw on your board. Some options might include aged or smoked gouda, herbed goat cheese, manchego, or sharp cheddar.

After you go through these basic steps, you can then get creative, says Chase. "I like adding in some roasted Marcona almonds, crostinis, seasonal berries or fruits that are chopped into bite-sized pieces, and hot honey on the side to drizzle on top."

If you want to add another element of decor, Chase recommends throwing some beautiful herbs and/or edible flowers onto the board, too.

Material

"The best material for a charcuterie board is one that’s made out of non-porous hardwood, like hard maple, olive, or acacia," says Chase. A non-porous option will last you longer, as it's typically sealed to prevent liquids or bacteria from seeping in and causing damage.

Bamboo and walnut are also great options, says Chase, since they're naturally antimicrobial. For a sleek presentation, you can also opt for sealed slate or marble, but they may make boards feel a little heavier, which typically isn't great if you're walking around serving something.

Style

The rest comes down to personal preference and your entertaining/hosting needs, says Chase. "If you regularly host bigger parties, it might be worth investing in a bigger board. I personally have a collection of boards in different sizes and materials, so I have options for a number of occasions." You can also choose between different wood stains or customized options with features like engraved wording.

It's important that you don't throw your charcuterie boards into the dishwasher, as they’ll warp or shatter in the heat, depending on the material of the board, Chase explains.

"I clean my charcuterie boards with hot, soapy water and a clean sponge, making sure to thoroughly clean both sides," she says. Then, you can towel off the board and let it air-dry before putting it away in storage.