Small Charcuterie Board

This small charcuterie board may be compact, but it's packed with flavor and charm. With a balanced mix of savory meats, creamy cheeses, crunchy crackers, and more, this quick and customizable snack board is perfect for any occasion.

 

When it comes to hosting, it can be easy to get caught up in the "bigger is better" mentality. But sometimes, smaller can be just as impactful and sometimes more practical. I love crafting a mini charcuterie board for a date night or small gathering. While a charcuterie table is my go-to for a big crowd, smaller boards offer the same flavor in a more manageable size.

Why you'll love a small charcuterie board

• Super easy: With a handful of simple ingredients, this board comes together in just five minutes.
• Make it your own: Like our gluten free charcuterie board or vegan charcuterie board, you can customize the ingredients to make it your own.
• Ideal portion size: A smaller board is great for personal appetizers or date nights. Plus, it's a good way to reduce food waste.
• Aesthetically pleasing: The combination of colors and textures makes this one of my unique charcuterie boards.

The ingredients

While you can customize this mini snack board to your liking, here are the staple ingredients I recommend.

• Crackers: I prefer to use gluten free crackers, but you can use your favorite crackers, pretzel thins, pita chips, mini baguettes, etc.
• Cheese: A mix of hard and soft cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and goat cheese adds variety.
• Cured meats: Sopressata, prosciutto, and dry salami are flavorful and easy to pair.
• Honeycomb or honey: This adds a touch of sweetness and elevates the overall presentation. I love adding a honey stirrer for an elevated look.
• Fresh fruits or berries: Fresh berries or seasonal fruits like grapes or figs add a freshness and color.
• Extras: Add chocolate, olives, or artichoke hearts for more variety.

What types of cheese are best for a charcuterie board?

A variety of textures is key to a great charcuterie board. For a mini board, I recommend pairing a semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss with a creamy type like goat cheese, mascarpone, or blue cheese. This balance of flavors and textures creates a well rounded board.

How to make a small charcuterie board

The foundation: Start by arranging your cured meats, cheeses, and crackers on the small board.

Hint of sweetness: Add the honey comb or chocolate with a little spreading knife.

Fresh finishes: Add fresh berries, fruit, or fresh vegetables for an effervescent look.

Pro Tip: You can estimate about 2 ounces of each cheese and meat per guest to make sure everyone has enough without going overboard.

How can I keep my charcuterie board fresh?

Using small bowls is a great way to keep ingredients like olives, spreads, or dips contained. This prevents the board from getting messy and keeps crackers and meats from getting soggy.

Make ahead and storage

Make ahead: You can make a cheese board in advance and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. However, it's best to add the crackers right before serving otherwise they will get soggy in the fridge.

Storing: Leftovers deli meat, cheeses and fruits can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Crackers and treats can be places into bags or containers and kept at room temperature.

What pairs well with charcuterie?

I like to serve my charcuterie boards with a fun mocktail or drink. This ginger beer mocktail and this virgin mojito recipe are refreshing drinks that pair well with this charcuterie board.

On top of drinks, you can also serve this board with sweets like gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or coconut macaroons.

More charcuterie ideas

• Thanksgiving charcuterie board
• Easy charcuterie board
• Christmas charcuterie board
• Summer charcuterie board
• Italian charcuterie board

Updated September 2023 with more helpful information.