Italian Charcuterie Board

Take your entertaining to the next level with this Italian charcuterie board that effortlessly combines flavors and textures for a crowd pleasing appetizer. This easy to assemble board will transport you to Italy and have you singing, That's Amore!

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a cozy date night, or simply craving an Italian-inspired snack, this cheese board caters to every moment.

 

After traveling to Italy this summer, I feel like the fresh nuts, cheese, cured meats and olives on this board really embody the spirit of this beautiful country. We ate so much cured meat and olives and I would never complain about it!

One thing I love about charcuterie boards is that they're so customizable. From a small charcuterie board to a large Mexican charcuterie board, there's a charcuterie board for everyone and every occasion.

While I love pairing this Italian inspired board with a lemon mocktail during the summertime, it also hits the spot during those warm and cozy christmas months. Serve with a cranberry mocktail to truly embrace the festive spirit and flavors.

Plus, it's super easy to customize to dietary restrictions by making a gluten-free charcuterie board or even a vegan charcuterie board. Pick and choose your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, and more to make the charcuterie platter exactly how you'd like.

Why you'll love this Italian-themed board

• The diverse blend of meats and cheeses creates a savory, palate-pleasing experience.
• You can easily throw this board together in minutes, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
• With customizable ingredients, you can tailor this board to personal preferences or any dietary restrictions.
• Although it's easy to assemble, this snack board is aesthetically pleasing.
• This board is easy enough for casual get togethers but fancy enough for special events.

What kind of tray do you use for a charcuterie board?

The general rule of thumb is that you should have a wooden base for your board but other than that, it's up to you. The size of wooden board you choose will depend on the number of guests and how much those guests will be eating. A 9x13 board is standard.

Italian ingredients

• Cheeses - You'll want a variety of cheese for this board for different flavor profiles. I recommend parmesan cheese, creamy burrata, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and/or other Italian cheeses.
• Cured meats - An assortment of cured meats ensures a wide range of savory notes. Salami, prosciutto di parma, chorizo sausage, wagu beef, and pepperoni are some of my favorite options but use your favorite Italian meats.
• Produce - Seasonal fruits and vegetables take this board from good to great. For fresh fruit, I prefer berries or grapes.
• Crackers - Crackers and pretzels provide a crunchy base for the other ingredients. Pick your favorite types of crackers, there is no wrong option.
• Sweets - I like to add a little bit of chocolate to my board. It pairs well with the fruit and sometimes you can't help that sweet tooth!
• Extras - Honey, green olives, fresh herbs, jam, etc. are great additions.

How to make an Italian charcuterie board

Step 1: The large ingredients

Place the large ingredients, like the cheese wedges or cheese wheels, on the board where you see fit.

Step 2: Dippers

Add the honey, jam, and other dips to a small serving bowl and arrange them throughout the board.

Step 3: The good stuff!

Place meats, small cheeses, crackers fruits, and fresh vegetables around the board. This is where you can get creative.

Step 4: Final touches

Add the sweets and any other remaining ingredients to fill in the gaps.

Pro tip: Cheese is best served at room temperature so be sure to take it out of the fridge a few hours before serving.

How do you cut cheese for charcuterie?

I like to cut cheeses into different shapes to add variety onto the board. Harder cheese is easier to cut while spreadable cheeses and creamy cheese might be easier to leave as is. Cutting cheese into small triangles or cubes is my favorite way to "cut the cheese."

Can I prepare charcuterie in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this Italian cheese board in advance. Refrigerate the prepped board for a few hours and then bring it to room temperature before you're ready to serve. I do not recommend preparing more than a couple of hours in advance.

Variations

Like most charcuterie boards, there are tons of different ways to customized this easy Italian charcuterie board. Here are a few of my favorite ideas...

• Give a touch of "caprese salad" by adding mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and some balsamic vinegar.
• Everyone loves the classic Italian bread and basil pesto sauce combo. Consider adding small pieces of crusty bread and a small bowl of pesto.
• Good quality parmigiano reggiano is an Italian favorite that cannot be replaced! If you need more cheese ideas, checkout this list of the best cheese for charcuterie.

Storage

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 - We do not recommend freezing leftover charcuterie as the ingredients will not keep well.

More recipes you'll love

• This easy charcuterie board is filled with a variety of flavors and different textures that makes it the perfect addition to any special occasion.
• If you're looking for another simple charcuterie board, try this summer charcuterie board.
• While I love appetizers, these instant pot meatballs make the best main course.
• Another great, and easy, Italian meal is this instant pot spaghetti recipe!