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My First Charcuterie Board

Full disclosure: This photo is not the charcuterie board I created. This is a stock photo.

I wish I had taken a photo of the one I made when I hosted book club at my house.

Picture this: three different kinds of cheese—gouda, goat, and brie and two different types of crackers —water and Ritz. Who says it has to be fancy, right?! I also put out little jars of raspberry fruit spread for added sweetness. Then, my board needed fruit, so I washed off some grapes. At first, I picked the grapes off their stems, but then I realized it would look nicer if I put them out in small bunches. It’s a good thing I had more grapes.

I added a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine, and voila…my first charcuterie board was born!

I was proud of myself for a few reasons. First, I wasn’t supposed to host book club that night, but my friend who was going to host had COVID. (We missed you!) I happily volunteered to host instead, but I didn’t have much time to plan what to serve. I knew I could find some things at Fresh Market, and it turned out to be a fun shopping experience. I loved checking out the cheese section, the different jams and other items I could have selected. In the interest of time and money, I decided to make this one simple. But I still remember the excitement I felt that I could put a nice board together without a ton of work.

Second, I usually depend on my husband to help me decide what to serve and how to arrange it. He is generally in charge of the food when we are entertaining because he has a vision. He knows what to make and how it should be arranged. These things stress me out, so I’m okay leaving it in his capable hands and doing the dishes afterward.

We all have our strengths.

But I climbed out of my comfort zone, and it was a big hit!

Finally, knowing it worked out when I tried something new is refreshing. I’m not always confident in my cooking skills or hosting duties. But I will definitely make a new board soon. It is much more fun to do than the spinach dip I am most known for. I’m happy to make the spinach dip, but there isn’t much variety to it. The boards are a chance to be creative and experiment with new foods. Maybe I’ll add olives, pepperoni slices, or mini quiches next time. The possibilities are endless!

And next time, I’ll remember to take a picture. 🙂

Do you make charcuterie boards? How about those new butter boards? Please leave me some suggestions in the comments. 

XO,

Elisa

11 comments on My First Charcuterie Board

  1. Glenda Cates
    January 23, 2024 at 8:35 pm (3 months ago)

    Pretty board and I love how you went out of your comfort zone and I think I will make a meal like this for my families next movie night and I will have my son do the shopping as part of his Homeschool Cooking Class. Thank you for reminding me we can go simple.

    • Elisa
      January 24, 2024 at 11:55 am (3 months ago)

      Thanks Glenda. Great idea! Let me know how movie night goes!

  2. Victoria+Juster
    January 23, 2024 at 9:35 am (3 months ago)

    Well done, Elisa! People have such different taste in food, boards are a great way to serve a variety.

  3. Kebba Buckley Button
    January 22, 2024 at 7:51 pm (3 months ago)

    P.S. What are the new butter boards?

    • Elisa
      January 22, 2024 at 8:16 pm (3 months ago)

      Butter boards are when you have a fancy butter spread on the board and different types of breads or crackers. There’s a ton of variety out there.

  4. Kebba Buckley Button
    January 22, 2024 at 7:49 pm (3 months ago)

    Elisa, I’m proud of you! Those boards are very guest-friendly, like a micro-buffet. How great you stepped up! And yes, I’m sure you will do it again and with more variety. Have fun!

    • Elisa
      January 22, 2024 at 8:16 pm (3 months ago)

      Thank you!

  5. Lily Leung
    January 22, 2024 at 4:05 pm (3 months ago)

    Good for you! I wouldn’t be keen on hosting or going but I know it’s good to be social. I wouldn’t know how much or what to put on the board. Did others bring snacks? We went to a book club meeting Saturday night. All we took was a bottle of wine for ourselves. Some people bought snacks.

    • Elisa
      January 22, 2024 at 8:17 pm (3 months ago)

      When we started book club, everyone brought something but it was a lot of coordination. Now, whoever hosts provides all the food and drink. Much easier!

  6. Nadya
    January 22, 2024 at 2:38 pm (3 months ago)

    Bravo, Elisa!
    Your board sounds lovely and tasty! It’s always a bit of a challange to step out of your comfort zone – well done!

    • Elisa
      January 22, 2024 at 8:17 pm (3 months ago)

      Thanks!