SMALL CHARCUTERIE BOARD (2024)

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This small charcuterie board is so beautiful and makes a stunning presentation while being effortless to make! It has everything you are looking for in a charcuterie board but in a smaller size. It has the perfect balance of cheeses, meats, and fruits with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this small charcuterie board delivers everything you love in a compact size!

Why You Will Love This Small Charcuterie Board

It effortlessly combines beauty and simplicity.
You can create a stunning presentation with ease.
This charcuterie board is the perfect small size for two to enjoy.
It is the ultimate combination of meat, cheese, dips, and fruit.
You can assemble this charcuterie board quickly and easily.
We share plenty of ideas on how to customize this small charcuterie board.

What Is On A Small Charcuterie Board?

This small charcuterie board features the ingredients you would find on any charcuterie board but in a smaller size. This small charcuterie board features various cheeses, cured meats, jams, nuts, dips, and fruits. It is the ultimate array and is easy to put together.

Ingredients Needed

Cheese: Pick two to three different cheeses for your charcuterie board. Use a variation of cheeses and textures.
Cured Meat: Pick two to three cured meats to feature on your charcuterie board. Pick a variation of various meats. We used salami, prosciutto, and sliced turkey.
Nuts: Add some of your favorite nuts, such as Marcona almonds, candied pecans, or walnuts.
Fruit: Include a variation of both fresh and dried fruit. Some fruit options include sliced apples and bunches of grapes. For dried fruit, add dried cranberries or dried cherries.
Vegetables: Include some fresh chopped vegetables. Some great options are cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumber, and celery.
Dips: Add dips to enjoy with the vegetables. We added our white bean hummus to the board.
Jams: Fresh jam or honey pairs wonderfully with the cheese. Try our homemade blueberry jam.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to garnish the board.
Bread: Slice a toasted baguette to enjoy with this charcuterie board.
Crackers: Serve this charcuterie board with your favorite crackers.

Best Cheese For A Charcuterie Board

Cheese is essential for a charcuterie board! For this small board, pick two to three cheeses to feature. Don’t pick cheeses all made with the same type of milk. For example, try to use one cheese made with cow’s milk, another with goat’s milk, and another with sheep’s milk. Use about 2-3 ounces of each type of cheese.

Also, vary the texture of the cheeses. Pick one hard cheese and at least one soft cheese for different flavors and textures on your board. You want to have an arrangement of cheese options. Some soft cheese options are goat cheese, blue cheese, brie, burrata, and Fromager d’affinois. Some hard cheese options include manchego, sharp cheddar, and gouda.

Which Meat To Use

Use a variety of cured meats. For this small charcuterie board, pick two to three different meats. Some great options include prosciutto and salami. Try to use a variety of textures and types of meat. To lighten up this charcuterie board, use your favorite sliced deli meat, such as sliced turkey or ham.

How To Make A Small Charcuterie Board

Step 1: Pick The Board

The first step for making this charcuterie board is to pick the board you will be using. Pick a small board with enough room, without being too large. A wooden board or marble and wooden board are great options. The ideal size is a board that is around 12-18 inches in length and 6-12 inches in width.

Step 2: Add The Cheese

Arrange the cheese in different sections, not all in one area. Pick cheese with a variety of flavors and textures. Slice the hard cheese into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Add Vegetables, Dips, and Nuts

Place the sliced vegetables, dips, and nuts in individual small bowls. Then, place the bowls throughout the board.

Step 4: Add Meat

Roll the meat into individual servings. For example, roll the sliced turkey, fold the salami, and arrange the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces. Then, place the meat around the board.

Step 5: Fruit, Jam, and Garnish

Fill in the board with the fresh and dried fruit. Slice the fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces. Add small bunches of grapes, trimming excess stems, and placing them throughout. Then, add the dried cranberries or other dried fruit. Also, add the jams or honey to individual small bowls and place them on the board. After all components are on the board, garnish with fresh herbs.

Step 6: Bread and Crackers

Toast a small baguette and slice it to enjoy with the charcuterie board. Or, serve it with your favorite crackers.

How To Serve A Charcuterie Board

After you assemble your small charcuterie board, it is time to serve it. We recommend serving it with toasted bread or crackers. Also, include small cheese knives on the board for serving. You can use some small plates and napkins, as well. Charcuterie boards are incredible to serve with wine, which complements the flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, serve this board with mocktails or sparkling water.

Expert Tips For Making The Best Small Charcuterie Board

Arrange The Cheese: Place the cheese throughout the board in different sections. You don’t want all of the cheese in one area.
Room Temperature Cheese: You can assemble your charcuterie board about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to come to room temperature.
Roll The Meat: Roll the cured meat into bite-sized pieces. It makes it easy to enjoy this charcuterie board and provides a beautiful visual appeal. Roll the sliced turkey into smaller bites, fold the salami, and roll the prosciutto. Don’t just place the meat onto the board, as it is large and will take up too much space.
Use A Variety Of Ingredients: Use a variety of cheese, meat, and fruit on your board. It is best to have a spread of various textures and flavors. Pick 2-3 different cheeses, 2-3 meats, 1-2 vegetables, 1-2 fruits, and 1-2 nuts.
Place Larger Items First: When assembling the charcuterie board, start with the large items, such as cheese, meat, vegetables, fruit, and dips. Then, fill in the board with the remaining small ingredients.
Small Bowls: For contrast, visual appeal, and separation, place different components in small bowls on the board.
Garnish With Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a stunning presentation. Garnish your charcuterie board with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

Frequently Asked Questions

When To Make A Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie boards are excellent for so many occasions. This small charcuterie board is easy to assemble and the perfect size for two people to enjoy. We love making small charcuterie boards all year round. They are especially great for gatherings and the holidays.

Can I Make A Charcuterie Board Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare the ingredients for this small charcuterie board ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, make the dips, and chill them in the refrigerator. You can get everything ready, so all you have to do is assemble.

Can I Store Leftover Ingredients?

If you have any leftover cheese, you can tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or cheese paper and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy again later. Do not store any leftover sliced fruit or cured meats, as they will not be as fresh after sitting out. If you have any leftover vegetables, store them in an airtight container with filtered water to keep them crisp.

More Recipes To Try Next!

Vegetable Charcuterie Board
Cottage Cheese Dip
Blue Cheese Dressing
Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes
Cottage Cheese Toast

If you love Trader Joe’s, check out our charcuterie board made with Trader Joe’s items!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you. We hope you enjoy this small charcuterie board!