Gluten Free Charcuterie Board

This gluten free charcuterie board is packed with cured meats, hard cheeses, gluten-free crackers, fresh herbs, and more! The perfect appetizer anytime but especially for special occasions and holidays.

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008, which was a big life change. It can be tricky to follow a gluten-free diet, but I have done a ton of research and figured out what works best for me.

My mom and one of my best friends were also diagnosed with celiac disease around the same time, so we all worked together to figure out how to make the life change. Luckily, there are plenty of great gluten-free options out there.

I love making charcuterie boards for the holiday season or other special events. My favorite board to make with a large group of people is this grazing table but small charcuterie boards are perfect for smaller gatherings.

Maybe you love making charcuterie boards or maybe you are asking yourself, what is a charcuterie board? Either way, you are in for a treat with this one!

Many classic charcuterie boards contain gluten in the form of crackers and bread. So if you're someone with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, this is the perfect charcuterie board for you. Pack this board with your favorite toppings to make it your own!

The best part about charcuterie boards is that you can add all types of foods for a variety of flavors. It's the perfect way to serve picky eaters because there's always something for everyone.

Similar to our easy pineapple cheeseball, our best cheeseball, this beef cheeseball or our mini cheeseballs, this is a simple appetizer that is so rich and delicious. 

Why you should make this recipe

• It is soooo easy to make.
• This recipe does not take long to put together at all.
• Your gluten-free friends will be thankful.

Ingredients needed

• Cheeses - You can get as creative as you want with the cheeses you use. Goat cheese, blue cheese, vegan cheeses, fresh mozzarella, aged cheddar, pepper jack, and dairy-free cheeses are all great options!
• Cured meats - Like the rest of the ingredients, you can pick whatever meats are your favorite. I recommend at least one type of salami and some prosciutto! If you're not a meat eater, you'll love this vegan charcuterie board.
• Gluten free crackers and pretzels - Add your favorite gluten-free crackers, baguettes, or toasted bread to your epic board. There's nothing better than extra soft cheese spread on crackers!
• Fresh berries - Fresh or dried fruit is the perfect way to add a nice pop of color to your board. Some of my favorites are fresh berries, apple slices, red grapes, etc.
• Fresh veggies - Veggies add beautiful colors to the charcuterie board that creates an aesthetic look.
• Chocolate - Yup, I said chocolate. I'm always a fan of chocolate, so I try to sneak it in my recipes wherever I can.
• Jam or spread - Two small jars will do the trick.
• Olives - Olives are a charcuterie board classic, so of course we needed to add them.
• Fresh herbs - Adding herbs creates a fun aesthetic, so your charcuterie board is tasty and Instagram-worthy.

How to make a gluten free charcuterie board

Select cheeses and meats

Go to your local grocery store and pick up 3 types of cheeses and 3 types of Italian meats. I always find the best options at Trader Joe's.

Some of my favorites include a really hard parmigiano reggiano, fruity white Stilton, smoked apple walnut cheddar, and a Buffalo mozzarella. For meats, I absolutely love sopressata, Italian dry salami, prosciutto di Parma, and wagyu beef salame.

Arrange the meats and cheeses

Find a marble, wood, or slate board around the house, or order a cute charcuterie board on Amazon. Begin arranging the meats and cheeses in separate areas of the board.

I recommend placing cheese knives next to each cheese so that each flavor doesn't mingle. These cheeses have strong flavors, so you don't want to mix them up.

Fill in the spaces

Fill the space in between with other delicious items. I love serving crackers or toast to fill in the gaps.

Olives, artichoke hearts, raw nuts, and fruit also make great fillers. This step is when you can get creative with the colors and aesthetic of the board.

Add the finishing touches

Now, add all of the yummy treats! Chocolates and gluten-free cookies are perfect for this board.

Lastly, add some fresh herbs. I find it gives the board a live, effervescent look.

Tips for recipe success

• Plan ahead - Cheese is best served at room temperature, so make sure to take it out of the fridge a few hours before serving.
• Research - It never hurts to research which cheeses and meats go well together. You can also look into what drinks taste best with specific cheeses and meats.
• Have fun with it - Making a charcuterie board can seem overwhelming, but trust me when I say it is super easy. Have fun putting the board together and make a piece of art with it.

Storage and Freezing

Storing - Leftover cheese, meats and fruits or veggies can be stored in the refrigerator. It is usually best to just toss leftover crackers as they tend to be a bit covered in cheese. 

Freezing - If you wrap the cheese well in plastic wrap, you can freeze it. It should last up to 2 months.

FAQ

How do you serve charcuterie at a party?

Although there is no "right way" to arrange your food items, when done right it can leave a lasting impression on your guests! They'll be satisfied and their taste buds will be enticed by what will be served next.

Why is charcuterie so popular?

Charcuterie is so popular because of how the flavors and colors contract to bring great taste and experience. At restaurants, a charcuterie board always sparks my interest over anything else on the menu!

Is charcuterie meat gluten-free?

Quality cured charcuterie meat products like genoa salami, prosciutto, black forest ham, rillettes, etc. are unlikely to contain gluten but it's always best to check the label to make sure. Cheaper deli meat (beef sticks) are more likely to have gluten.

Ways to enjoy

Mocktails pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards. Make a fun virgin mojito and enjoy a yummy drink with a tasty snack. We also love our strawberry mocktail because it is delicious and absolutely gorgeous.

Another fun thing to do is make dessert charcuterie boards. This Valentine's charcuterie board, our birthday charcuterie board and this cookie charcuterie board are such a fun twist on the classic charcuterie platter!

It's so easy to get creative with charcuterie platters because you can really add whatever you want! One year I even made a Halloween charcuterie board that everyone loved! It was so fun and festive.

And if you don't want to use crackers, try out our charcuterie cones. They are a twist on a charcuterie board, making them easy to carry around in a cute little cone.

Get our free charcuterie board shopping list printable HERE

Originally published on July 28, 2017, updated on May 4, 2023.