These long charcuterie board ideas are perfect for special occasions. Use these extra long charcuterie board ideas for your next party!
Crafting a long charcuterie board is a creative way to serve food while providing a fun experience for your guests. Whether it's a dinner party, holiday gathering, or Christmas day celebration, a big board can be the main event or a great start to the meal.
Find some amazing large charcuterie board ideas below including a hearty Chili Charcuterie Board and super fun Waffle Charcuterie Board!
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How Big Should a Charcuterie Board Be?
When assembling a long charcuterie board, start with a generously sized wooden board, serving platter, or charcuterie tray. This provides ample space to showcase a variety of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, creating a visually striking display.
If you don't have a large board you can assemble several smaller wooden boards near each other to create a dinner-worthy charcuterie board.
What to Put on a Traditional Charcuterie Board
There's no wrong way to assemble a long charcuterie board; the key is to have fun, be adventurous with flavors and textures, and tailor it to the preferences of your guests. So, gather your favorite cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, and start creating your own epic charcuterie board for the next celebration.
Cured Meats
An assortment of meats is always included in the best charcuterie boards.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, dry-cured ham.
- Salami: Various types like Genoa or soppressata.
- Chorizo: A spicy, cured sausage with a distinctive flavor.
- Capicola: Dry-cured pork shoulder, often seasoned with red pepper.
Cheeses
Using a combination of these types of cheese such as sharp cheeses, spreadable cheese, and harder cheeses is a great place to start. These kinds of cheeses are great options for a cheese board or cheese platter as well.
- Brie: A soft, creamy French cheese.
- Camembert: A similar soft cheese with a stronger flavor.
- Aged Cheddar: A firm and sharp cheese.
- Goat Cheese: A tart cheese with a soft texture.
- Gouda: A semi-hard Dutch cheese with a mild flavor.
- Blue Cheese: A pungent, veined cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
- Manchego: A Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a nutty taste.
Accompaniments
A great way to add different flavors and different textures to your classic charcuterie board is with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, bread, and crackers.
- Baguette Slices: Crusty bread or breadsticks for a base.
- Crackers: Choose a variety, including plain and flavored options.
- Grapes: Sweet and refreshing, they are a good choice for complementing the richness of cheeses.
- Apple Slices: Provide a crisp and slightly sweet contrast.
- Figs or Dates: Dried or fresh for a sweet, chewy element.
- Nuts: Marcona almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch
- Olives: Offer a selection of olives or an olive tapenade for a savory touch.
Condiments
Adding condiments is a great option to complement the other items on the charcuterie platter.
- Whole Grain Mustard: A classic condiment that pairs well with meats.
- Honey: Drizzle over cheeses for a touch of sweetness.
- Fig Jam: A popular accompaniment, especially with soft cheeses.
- Olive Tapenade: A savory spread made from olives, capers, and herbs.
- Pickles or Cornichons: Add a tangy and crunchy element.
Additional Options
Here are a few different options to make your next charcuterie board a little bit unique.
- Pâté: A spreadable mixture of ground meat and fat, often liver-based.
- Smoked Salmon: Thin slices for a luxurious touch.
- Quince Paste: Sweet and slightly tart, it pairs well with cheese.
- Honeycomb: A visually appealing and sweet addition.
How to Arrange a Charcuterie Board
Creating the perfect charcuterie board is an art form, and with a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can impress your guests with a visually stunning and delicious display.
- Use a wooden board or slate for an authentic and rustic look.
- Arrange items in clusters for a visually appealing layout.
- Consider different shapes and heights to add dimension.
- Label cheeses and condiments to guide your guests.
- Fold or roll slices of meats for an attractive display.
- Create interest by arranging items in different shapes and sizes.
- Use small bowls or cheese domes to add height and dimension.
- Ensure guests have easy access to small plates and napkins for serving.
- Place cheese knives strategically to make it easy for guests to slice and enjoy their favorite cheese.
Remember, the beauty of a traditional charcuterie board lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and your guests' preferences. Check out this guide about Charcuterie Boards vs Cutting Boards!
Long Charcuterie Board Ideas
Emily says
Never thought to do a charcuterie across a long kitchen island. Great ideas!
Jen Talley says
Thanks! It's fun to get creative with charcuterie boards!