Easy Spring Charcuterie Boards For Any Gathering

Now that spring is here and entertaining is kicking into full gear, having some go-to appetizers is a big-time saver. A spring cheese board or cheese charcuterie board is the answer! Whether you are entertaining at home or invited out, a cheese board or charcuterie board is a wonderful way to offer something that has selections for everyone. It’s easy to put together, easy to transport- add some garnishes for some bright colors and you are ready to go. Side note– bring a few packages of cute cocktail napkins for your hostess.

A charcuterie board is often described as an assortment of cheeses, and other nibbles served on a wooden board, cutting board, large platter, a large handled basket or even a tray. Typically, they include cured meats, cheeses, starches, fresh fruit and other accompaniments. We have seen how boards are a great way to entertain and can be tailored to each season and to your guests tastes. There are many board ideas out there- meat and cheese boards, even meal boards. They are a wonderfully creative way to add an interesting centerpiece to your tablescape for any gathering. They are perfect for a larger crowd as well and are a great ice breaker for your guests.

Easy Spring Charcuterie Boards For Any Gathering

Items To Help Build Your Board

You first have to decide what you would like to build your charcuterie board on. The possibilities are endless. You can build your board on any flat surface. Examples are a cutting board, a marble slab, ceramic platters, a wicker basket with handles or a lazy susan.

Small boards for small gatherings are good depending on the size of your group. Gigantic boards and trays that can feed a large party are all to be considered.

Here are some examples of boards to build your spring charcuterie board on! Just click on the picture for more information!

This beautiful William Sonoma Teak Board comes in varying sizes and no two are alike. In addition, the curved edges which add so much interest to the board.

Loving the beaded brass trim on the Mark & Graham cheese board. Added benefit -you can also have it personalized for that extra special touch.

If you golf or have a golfer in the family the Figural Gold Marble Board would be a nice addition to your collection of boards!!!

The Pottery Barn Marquee Marble Boards are available in many different sizes. They are made of real marble and have purple veining. No two are alike!!

Love the honeycomb design and the little bees adorning it. The board from Williams Sonoma is definitely in Val’s cart!

The Williams Sonoma Hammered Tray can be used for so many things besides a cheese board. Imagine it on your bar paired with classic tortoise glasses!! The best!

Another fun tiered tray from Williams Sonoma with the bee motif. I could also be a good tray to have around to serve cookies or small desserts.

The Williams Sonoma Meadows Tray gives you the feeling that spring really has arrived.

Everyone could use a rattan serving piece. This serving tray from Amazon fits that bill and is only $22.99!

Accessories To Complete Your Charcuterie Board

Sharing some items that will not only be important to the workings of your board but will also add just that extra something to make it attractive!!

Cheese Knives

Small Bowls

Cheese and Olive Pick

Cheese Papers

One of the best tools we have found to build a beautiful charcuterie board is a crinkle cutting tool. The cheese you put on your boards then have a pretty wavy edge which amps up the look of the board. This tool is so easy to use! Take a look here to see this amazing tool!

What Are Good Cheeses To Use For A Charcuterie Board

We love cheese….really love cheese! The types of cheeses you can choose for your board are endless but it is usually a good idea to follow the 3 – 3 – 3 – 3 rule. What does that mean? Three meats, three cheese, three starches and three accompaniments. When selecting the cheese we like to utilize a white cheese, a yellow cheese and maybe a unique cheese that no one has tried! In truth you should always select the cheese that you enjoy the most. Some of our favorite cheeses are gouda, white cheddar, brie, parmesan, asiago, havarti and muenster. Also soft cheeses, namely, boursin, burrata, goat cheese and blue cheeses. They all have varying colors and textures which will make your board more interesting. Side note – buy fig preserves and coat the top of the brie…it is deee-licious!!!

Assemble Your Cheese Tray

Keep this simple — anything that needs to go in a ramekin or bowl like jams, nuts, dips or mustard should all be filled first so you can then position them at strategic points on your board. For example, the mustards should be in close proximity to the meats.

Offering three cheeses is a great start. Serve cheeses at room temperature and consider slicing harder cheeses before. Who likes wrestling with that cheese knife anyway? You do not have to slice all of your cheeses….you can put a chunk of your favorite cheese on the board so your guests can slide their own piece! Plus,,, it really looks good on the board too! Place cheeses starting in the middle and fanout toward the edges.

Place the meats alongside the cheeses. Add any dips or mustards that you want to serve with them. Make sure you include appetizer knives and forks in areas around the meats and mustards for spreading purposes.

Add the crackers on various areas of the tray filling those empty spaces.

Add the remaining accompaniments to add interest to your board. Accompaniments are items such as fruits, dried fruits, or nuts!

How To Keep A Cheese Board Fresh

You can create your cheese board a day ahead as long as you keep the crunchy items like nuts and crackers off since they will get soggy. You can fill your ramekins or bowls with the dips and mustards and cover them with Saran Wrap.

How To Store

Cover the cheese board after it is made in parchment or wax paper then wrap it all over with aluminum foil. This will protect the cheese board. Keep it in a cool environment like your refrigerator …… making sure you have it wrapped as described above very tightly to avoid it from drying out.

When to Serve

Don’t serve the cheese board too soon… a half hour before guests arrive is a good idea so the cheese will come to room temperature and will be easier to cut. Add the crackers at the last minute so they stay nice and crunchy.

Make it a point to put the charcuterie board away when cocktail hour is over and you are preparing to serve your main meal.

Spring is such a fun season to entertain outside and charcuterie and cheese boards are the way to go. There are no rules! Have fun putting it together and get adventuresome in selecting the cheeses and accompaniments. Decorating your boards for the current season or holiday is something to consider. Putting flowers on a summer board or little pumpkins on the board in the fall are examples of this!

If you would like more inspiration we have found this book here which will help you as your build your special charcuterie board.

If you want to create your own charcuterie board bur just don’t have the time consider ordering one from Boarderie!! We both have ordered from Boarderie for different occasions and love their boards!! Check out their website here!

Please share any ideas you may have with us since we always love a new idea when creating these boards!

Happy Spring Everyone!

Bev & Val

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