10/05/2026
Maybe you don’t need a charcuterie class…maybe you just need a few tried-and-true tips!
After making more charcuterie boards, boxes, cups, and grazing tables than I can count, I’ve learned a few things along the way. Some came from experience, some from trial and error, and a few came from standing in the kitchen thinking, “Well…that didn’t work!”
So here are a few of my Two Sisters Charcuterie tips:
START WITH A PLAN
Before you start putting everything on the board, think about how many people you’re feeding and what you want your board to look like. A little planning saves a LOT of rearranging!
CHOOSE A VARIETY OF CHEESES
I like having different textures and flavors—something creamy, something firm, something sharp, and something mild. Variety makes the board much more interesting.
DON’T JUST LAY THE MEAT FLAT
Fold salami, roll it, fan it, or make little ribbons. It adds height and makes the board look fuller without needing a mountain of meat.
ADD COLOR & FRESHNESS
Grapes, berries, strawberries, dried fruit, olives, pickles, and other little bites can completely change the look of a board. We eat with our eyes first!
DON’T FORGET THE CRUNCH
Crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, nuts, and other crunchy goodies give people something to pair with all that cheese and meat.
A LITTLE SWEET GOES A LONG WAY
Honey, jams, preserves, chocolate, or a few sweet treats can balance out the salty and savory flavors.
FILL THE LITTLE GAPS
Those tiny empty spaces? That’s where your grapes, nuts, berries, olives, herbs, or little candies come in handy. Fill the gaps and suddenly the whole board looks finished!
WORK IN LAYERS
Start with your larger items first—cheeses and bowls—then add your meats, crackers, fruits, and smaller items. It’s much easier than trying to figure out where everything goes at the end.
ADD HEIGHT
Little bowls, risers, folded meats, stacked crackers, and strategically placed cheeses can give your board dimension. Flat boards can look a little…well…flat.
AND DON’T STRESS ABOUT PERFECTION!
Charcuterie is supposed to be fun! There really isn’t one “right” way to build a board. Use the things your people love, make it pretty, make it plentiful, and most importantly…
MAKE IT YOUR OWN!
And remember—sometimes the best boards are the ones that look like you just gathered a bunch of delicious things from the kitchen and said, “Let’s make this work!”
Now tell me…
What is the ONE thing you absolutely have to have on a charcuterie board?
Cheese? Meat? Pickles? Grapes? Chocolate?
I want to hear your must-have!
Two Sisters Charcuterie
Making gatherings a little more delicious, one board at a time.
