• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Give it Some Thyme logo
  • Home
  • Summer BBQ
  • Recipes
    • Asian
    • Appetizers
    • Beef and Lamb
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Chicken and Pork
    • Christmas
    • Comfort Food
    • Desserts
    • Fish and Seafood
    • Gluten Free
    • Italian
    • Keto
    • Main Dishes
    • Mediterranean
    • Mexican
    • Pasta and Risotto
    • Pizza and Flatbreads
    • Recipe Collections
    • Salads and Sides
    • Sandwiches and Burgers
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Spring
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetarian and Vegan
  • About
    • Terms and Policies
    • Accessibility
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Summer BBQ
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Weekend Snacking Cheese and Charcuterie Board

    By: Kim Peterson · Posted: Apr 23, 2021 · Updated: May 24, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Weekend Snacking Cheese and Charcuterie Board pretty much sums up my favorite way to kick back, relax and graze with family and friends over great conversation and cocktails. The weather is steadily getting nicer making al fresco dining a must and there's nothing like kicking off the weekend enjoying a beautiful board of cheese, meats, fruits, veggies and spreads in light, breezy evening air. You can customize your board with favorites to create the ultimate appetizer which may just turn into the main event. It's all good.

    Remember to PIN THIS to save the recipe for later!

    Weekend Snacking Cheese & Charcuterie Board – Relax and enjoy this seasonal snack board loaded with cheeses, Italian meats, fruits, veggies and fresh pesto.

    How to Create a Delicious Snacking Board

    When you consider arranging a large spread with a number of elements, it can seem intimidating at first, thinking where the heck do I start?! The good news is, it becomes very doable and rather easy once you commit to what you're including, tackle each category and decide what will have the most presence on your board.

    Key Components:

    • The Board or Boards - I had plenty of room to work with on this nearly 20-inch diameter board. However, feel free to use multiple boards of varying shapes and sizes to comfortably fit everything you want to include.
    • Have a theme! - It's easier to compose a board that has complementary elements in terms of region, holiday, season and course. I leaned toward 'savory Italian in spring' here.
    • Cheese - Burrata and marinated mozzarella are featured along with goat cheese because I had them in the fridge. Try to include 3-4 different cheeses and vary them to what you enjoy most.
    • Meats - I'm never without prosciutto and the red wine salami was a delicious addition. Go with whatever you and your gang like!
    • Veggies and Fruit - Marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, and olives all went nicely together. Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe is always a fave, and fresh strawberries and grapes easily fill in gaps with a pop of color.
    • Spreads - I whipped up a pesto with my readily available herbs and included a baby bowl of honey. Sweet and savory jams and flavored mustard are always yummy options as well.
    • Breads and Assorted Crackers - The look and texture of naan wins me over regularly but any type of toasted or grilled bread will be fantastic along with a variety of crackers or parmesan crisps.
    Close up of burrata and pesto

    Tips on Arranging

    So at this point you figured out what you want on your board, now you need to actually arrange it all without feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Fear no more! Here are some loose guidelines that will help make everything come together seamlessly.

    Do's:

    • Put any component that's oily, marinated or a spread in a bowl and arrange the bowls on the board first.
    • Arrange the next most prominent component, usually the meats, in a few areas. Roll up or curl the meats so they can be more vertical rather than just lying flat. It creates more visual interest and takes up less real estate.
    • Next add larger or clustered items such as cantaloupe spears, small bunches of grapes and cherry tomatoes.
    • Now you can fill in spaces that hold crackers vertically and other small spaces with pieces of fruit and piles of nuts.
    • Garnish as appropriate with fresh herbs. They're always a nice eye-pop of color.
    • Have some extra of each component on hand to replenish the board as needed depending on the size of your crew and intent for how long it's meant to last.
    Close up of marinated mozzarella balls

    Don'ts:

    • One thing to avoid is piling things on the board that have liquid or oil and aren't contained. You really don't want oil and brine from the olives making the nearby crackers soggy.
    • It's easy for the imagination to start running wild, so having some sort of theme, type of meal the board is meant for, and complementary food pairings in mind will keep you focused and streamlined so your spread doesn't run amok. This will keep you from overspending at the grocery store too!
    • Don't put the whole thing together the night before! By all means there are things you can prep ahead, but if it has any chance of oxidizing (like avocado) or going from crunchy to soggy (crackers, crisps and nuts), wait until before serving to add them to your board(s).
    Close up of cantaloupe slices wrapped in prosciutto

    Final thoughts...

    The more forethought you put in to planning your creation whether it's for a party of 2 or 20, the more efficient you'll be in terms of time and money spent putting it together. And most importantly, have fun building! You'll feel really satisfied with the result and your gang will certainly be impressed. Happy snacking and Cheers to the weekend! xx, Kim

    Weekend Snacking Charcuterie Board Ready to be enjoyed.

    More Snacking Inspo!

    French Onion Smashed Potato Bites

    Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Nachos

    Cheesy Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists

    Hot Cheesy Crab Dip

    Greek Lamb Meatballs w/ Creamy Green Herb Sauce

    Before you go, stay in touch on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, and join our email community by subscribing above!

    Weekend Snacking Charcuterie Board | giveitsomethyme.com – Relax and enjoy this seasonal snack board loaded with cheeses, Italian meats, fruits, veggies and fresh pesto. Check out the tips for pulling your own board together in minutes!

    Weekend Snacking Cheese and Charcuterie Board

    Relax and enjoy this seasonal snack board loaded with cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, fresh pesto and more! Customize as desired and have fun arranging!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 270kcal
    Author: Kim Peterson

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces fresh burrata
    • 8 ounces marinated mozzarella balls
    • 4 ounces goat cheese
    • 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
    • 4 ounces thinly sliced salami
    • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
    • 6 ounces each cantaloupe spears , strawberries, grapes
    • 4 ounces each marinated artichoke hearts , sun-dried tomatoes and assorted olives
    • 4 tablespoons pesto and honey , homemade or store-bought
    • ¼ cup pistachios
    • Assorted crackers, toasted naan or crostini

    Instructions

    • Place the burrata in a small bowl and top with pesto and a few cherry tomato halves.
    • Transfer marinated mozzarella to another small bowl. Also place artichoke hearts, olives, pesto and honey into separate bowls.
    • Arrange the bowls on a large bread board or serving platter.
    • Add goat cheese to the board and drizzle with honey.
    • Wrap cantaloupe spears with a slice of prosciutto and place on the board.
    • Arrange remaining prosciutto and salami around the board in a few areas.
    • Next add on cherry tomatoes and grapes.
    • Fill in the board with strawberries, nuts, crackers and toasted naan or bread.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 220mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @giveitsomethyme or tag #giveitsomethyme!

    This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, whenever you purchase an item after clicking an Amazon link through this website, we receive a small percentage from Amazon. It doesn’t cost anything extra to you! It simply helps maintain the blog. Thanks so much!

    « Cod Asparagus and Fennel Packets
    Crockpot Adobo Chicken Quesadillas with Mango Salsa »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle | Sift & Simmer says

      April 25, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      Great tips for making a charcuterie board! This one is so beautifully styled, Kim!

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        April 25, 2021 at 6:42 pm

        Thanks so much Michelle! It was really fun to put together!

        Reply
    2. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      April 24, 2021 at 8:07 am

      I'd repeat that this is stunning Kim! I'm a simple guy, and we usually just grab some cheese and crackers on a plate, most of times hehe. But of course a charcuterie board adds a strong visual and festive element. Thanks for all your tips, too. Needless to say, the photos are beautiful - simply artwork!

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        April 24, 2021 at 8:58 am

        Thanks so much Ben! Once I have a plan I really enjoy putting them together. Good thing I spent the time photographing since it didn't look like this for long! 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Kim | Creator and Author of Give it Some Thyme

    Welcome! I'm Kim - author, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Give it Some Thyme. Here you'll find wholesome, classic and contemporary recipes that make memorable meals every home chef can prepare. Pull up a chair!

    More about me →

    Summer BBQ Recipes

    • Southwest Black Bean Burgers (Vegan Recipe)
    • What to Serve with Pulled Pork: 27 Best Sides
    • Tropical Smoothie Bowl Recipe (Vegan)
    • German Fruit Flan Recipe
    • Root Beer Pulled Pork Tenderloin (Crock Pot)
    • What to Serve with Scallops: 27 Best Side Dishes
    • Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos (Quick & Easy!)
    • Asian Red Cabbage Slaw (Quick & Easy Side Dish!)

    Popular Recipes

    • Gourmet Italian Grilled Cheese with Pesto
    • Birria Tacos with Consommé
    • Beef Birria Recipe (Birria de Res)
    • Oven Roasted Root Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze

    Footer

    Image of media outlets listed that have featured Give it Some Thyme's recipes.

    ↑ back to top

    SUBSCRIBE

    About

    • Terms & Policies
    • Accessibility Policy

    Follow

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Give it Some Thyme