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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Appetizers ยป Small Charcuterie Board

    Small Charcuterie Board

    Published: Sep 20, 2023 ยท Modified: Oct 2, 2024 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 2 Comments

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    3 images of small charcuterie boards in a collage with title
    Small Charcuterie Boards pin

    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.

    Small Charcuterie Board collage

    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.
    Small Charcuterie Board on a little wood board on a white plate

    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.

    Small Charcuterie Board on a charcuterie table

    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.

    Small Charcuterie Board on a wood board on a white plate

    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.

    Small Charcuterie Board on a little marble board on a wood plate

    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.

    Small Charcuterie Board with chocolate in a girls hand

    More charcuterie ideas

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

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    Small Charcuterie Board

    Small Charcuterie Board on a wood board on a white plate
    5 from 3 votes
    This small charcuterie board may be compact, but it's packed with flavor and charm. With a balance mix of savory meats, creamy cheeses, crunchy crackers, and more, this quick and customizable snack board is perfect for any occasion.
    PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 10 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: charcuterie
    Servings: 4 small boards
    Calories: 824kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces GF crackers
    • 8 ounces Cheese
    • 8 ounces Cured meats
    • 4 ounces Honeycomb, honey or chocolates
    • 4 ounces Berries or other fresh fruit optional
    • Fresh greenery for estheticย  optional

    Instructions

    • Get four small charcuterie boards and place 2 ounces of cheese, cured meats and crackers on each board
    • Add some honeycomb or honey with a little spreading knife
    • Finish by adding in fresh berries or fruit and the green herbs to give it a live, effervescent look if you'd like

    Notes

    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.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1small board | Calories: 824kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 2164mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 1mg

      Updated September 2023 with more helpful information.

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      Chandice of This Vivacious Life

      Hi, I'm Chandice!

      Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Abby says

        February 17, 2022 at 6:20 pm

        5 stars
        I was so excited to try this recipe out for my Bachelor night! The girls loved it!

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          February 17, 2022 at 8:27 pm

          So glad to hear it, thanks!

          Reply
      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Chandice of This Vivacious Life

      Hi there, Iโ€™m Chandice!

      I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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