5 Simple Charcuterie Board Ideas You Can Make for Under $30

If you love entertaining and want a new way to wow your friends and family, a charcuterie board is the way to go. Charcuterie boards are a beautiful and simple way to give your guests a satisfying snack with minimal effort. Plus, charcuterie boards can be made for under $30 — so what’s not to love?

In this post, we will share five simple charcuterie board ideas for under $30. We’ve broken down each idea and included easy-to-follow instructions to make them. We will also provide a detailed list of everything you need to put together a gorgeous charcuterie board at home. 

What You’ll Need 

• Utensils: Before building your charcuterie board, you’ll want to pick up utensils, such as knives and forks as well as wooden toothpicks and tongs. 
• Cheeses: Variety is key when choosing cheeses for your charcuterie board. Look for a mix of soft, semi-hard, hard, aged, and blue cheeses for maximum contrast in texture and flavor. 
• Meats: A combination of thinly sliced cured meats is great for adding meaty flavor to your charcuterie board. Salami, prosciutto, and mortadella are all popular options.
• Crackers: Crackers are a great way to add crunch to your charcuterie board. Select a few different varieties, such as flatbreads, rye crispbreads, and water crackers, for optimal contrast in texture and flavor. 
• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and veggies can add color to your charcuterie board while providing sweetness and crunch. Select items that are in season for the best selection and quality. 
• Other snacks: Nuts or other snacks like roasted chickpeas or veggie chips can provide an extra crunch factor to the charcuterie board while adding unique flavors. 

Charcuterie Board Idea #1

Start by spreading out the crackers on the edge of the plate in an overlapping pattern. Then, arrange the other components in neat piles throughout the center of the board. Place mild cheddar cheese in one corner of the plate, followed by gouda cheese in another corner, and brie cheese in a third corner so they don’t overcrowd each other. Add small piles of prosciutto slices along with mounds of raw nuts and seeds, olives and peppers, and dried apricots and figs throughout the rest of the platter in neat rows or piles as desired.

Charcuterie Board Idea #2 

Start by creating three sections on your plate using wheat crackers as dividers between sections. Place soppressata salami, smoked Gouda cheese, and blue cheese crumbles together in one section. Scatter piles of marinated artichoke hearts around each pile of cheese so that they do not overcrowd each other on the plate. In another section, place piles of cranberries and raisins. In the remaining section, spread out marinated olives around mounds of nuts and seeds. Arrange each component in neat rows or piles as desired.

Charcuterie Board Idea #3

Start by scattering wheat crackers randomly across one end of the plate. Place small piles of chorizo sausage slices around them. In another section on the plate, scatter cream cheese crumbles and small piles of pitted dates and cherries on either side as desired, along with mounds of nuts and seeds scattered throughout the remaining areas. Reserve space near the center for smoked Gouda cheese slices, which should be arranged in a neat circle. Add additional olives and crackers around it as desired. 

Charcuterie Board Idea #4 

Start by arranging a circular pattern with pepperoni slices at the center of the plate. Surround the pepperoni with sharp cheddar cubes arranged evenly around it, followed by piles of dry salami slices nearby. Decorate open spaces with assorted crackers in an aesthetically pleasing way. Scatter mounds of marinated artichoke hearts throughout the remaining areas as desired. Reserve space near the center for serving roasted red peppers. Add additional olives and crackers around it according to individual preference. Arrange each component in neat rows or piles as desired.

Charcuterie Board Idea #5  

Start by placing honey ham cubes into larger circular shapes near the center of the plate. Neatly arrange provolone strips next to the ham. Arrange pieces of a seafood medley throughout open areas with strawberries placed in small piles between them as desired. Scatter grape tomatoes evenly throughout the remaining areas as desired. Reserve space near the edges for serving drained kalamata olives, which should be arranged in neat rows. Add additional olives and crackers in open spaces, arranging each ingredient in neat rows or piles as desired.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious and eye-catching charcuterie board doesn’t need to be complicated. With these simple charcuterie board ideas, you can create an impressive visual display that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. All you need is a few essential items and a bit of creativity to arrange each component in an aesthetically pleasing way. So, why not try it and impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board today?