Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (2024)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect Valentine’s Charcuterie Board for your sweetheart, galentine, or family. This beautiful board is filled with all the good stuff like cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats. Read on for ways to customize and make this board your own!

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (1)

This post was originally published February 8, 2021. It was updated on January 10, 2022.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own; I never feature a brand that I don’t love! See mydisclosure policyfor more details.

Charcuterie boards may also be referred to as a snack board or smorgasbord. It’s essentially a platter filled with small bites of different, delicious foods. These boards aren’t just reserved for special occasions or holidays— you can also make this type of snack board on other days. Or if you want to surprise your sweetheart with breakfast in bed, try this pancake charcuterie board!

Table of Contents

How do you make a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board?

The great thing about charcuterie boards is it’s totally customizable! You get to pick and choose which cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats you use. This is a great option if you want an elegant meal but only have random bits and pieces lying around.

Ready to make your one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Charcuterie board? Go through this list of foods and slowly fill your platter until it’s full. You can use a large wooden block, a cutting board, or a serving tray to build your board.

1. Cheese

A charcuterie board is only as good as its cheese. Add a variety of both soft and hard cheeses. I always like to go to my local cheese shop and ask for their recommendations. Here are some you might try.

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (2)

2. Meat

Most charcuterie meats are some hue of pink or red–making them perfect for this valentine’s charcuterie. If you’re feeling extra festive, use a heart shaped cookie cutter to shape slices of cheese or meat. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can leave the meat out or use a plant-based alternative.

3. Dips and Jams

I love adding a bit of dip or jam on a cracker before topping it with cheese or meat. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of both sweet and savory dips.

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (3)

4. Bread and Crackers

My favorite section! This is a great way to clean out your pantry and arrange all those opened cracker and chip bags. Choose whole grain products for a little extra fiber and nutrition boost if you’d like.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Try to use mostly red, pink, and purple fruits and vegetables to add to the valentine’s feel. Here are some to try adding.

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Sliced apples
  • Dried cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red pepper slices
  • Purple cauliflower
  • Purple or red rainbow carrots
  • Beets or beet chips

6. Chocolate and Extras

It’s not Valentine’s Day with a little extra sweets. Use any random bits of candy, chocolate, or baked goods you have on hand. It’s so important to allow yourself the freedom of flexibility when it comes to food during special occasions and holidays. Aim to fit in nutritious, whole foods but also be sure to enjoy your favorite indulgent bites in moderation. It’s all about creating a healthy balance.

  • Yogurt covered strawberries
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Chocolate squares
  • Avocado truffles
  • Candied nuts
  • Lightly salted mixed nuts
  • Energy bites
  • Oreos
  • Rice Krispie treats
  • Edible protein cookie dough
  • Heart shaped cookies
  • Biscotti
  • Stuffed dates
  • 2Betties healthy donuts(included on myfall charcuterie board!)

What are your favorite combos for this valentine’s charcuterie board? Tag me on Instagram at @cheerfulchoices… I would love to see!

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (4)

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (5)

Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN

This customizable board is filled with all the good stuff like cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats. Perfect to make for your loved ones on Valentine's Day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

Cheeses of your choice

  • Blueberry goat cheese log
  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Brie
  • Parmesan
  • Gouda
  • Blue cheese
  • Vegan cheeses

Meats of your choice

  • Salami
  • Soppressata
  • Prosciutto
  • Summer sausage
  • Lunch meats rolled up
  • Vegan meats

Dips of your choice

  • Hummus
  • Baba Ganoush
  • Salsa
  • Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
  • Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Dip
  • Jams – use red or purple colored jams
  • Homemade 2 Ingredient Chia Seed Jam
  • Hazelnut Spread

Bread and Crackers of your choice

  • Raincoast Crisps
  • Rice cakes
  • Baguettes
  • Triscuits
  • Chia Seed Crackers
  • Pita Chips
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nut Thins

Fruits and Vegetables of your choice

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Sliced Apples
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Red Pepper Slices
  • Purple Cauliflower
  • Purple or Red Rainbow Carrots
  • Beets or beet chips

Chocolate and extras of your choice

  • Yogurt covered strawberries
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Dark chocolate bar pieces
  • Biscottis
  • Truffles
  • Candied Nuts
  • Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts
  • Oreos
  • Rice Krispie treats
  • Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
  • Nut Butter Stuffed Dates

Instructions

  • Choose a board to use. This could be a wooden cutting board, baking sheet, or large platter.

  • Then, go through this list of foods and slowly fill your platter or board until it’s full.

  • Enjoy with your sweetheart, galentine, or family!

Video

Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

save this valentine’s charcuterie board recipe on pinterest:

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (6)

Related

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices (2024)

FAQs

Valentine's Charcuterie Board - Cheerful Choices? ›

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie board? ›

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements.

What are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board? ›

5 Mistakes You are Making on Your Charcuterie Board
  • Peppers: Whether green, red, or yellow, peppers are best avoided. ...
  • Tricky vegetables: Namely, tomatoes or Asparagus. ...
  • Jalapeno stuffed olives (or anything too spicy): Very hot foods simply don't work well with most wines, and they can overwhelm your taste buds.

How do you make an aesthetically pleasing charcuterie board? ›

Use small side dishes to elevate some foods and keep the board neater. Then, use fruit, nuts, and chocolate to fill in the extra spaces. For garnish, use fresh herbs like thyme to add extra decorations. You can also add small sides of sauces and jams.

What are the best 3 cheeses for a charcuterie board? ›

Here's some of the best cheese for charcuterie boards: Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago. Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, colby, cheddar. Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster.

What goes first on a charcuterie board? ›

Arrange the items on the board – Once you've selected your meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, it's time to start arranging them on the board. Start by placing the larger items, like meats and cheeses, on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments.

What foods compliment a charcuterie board? ›

Add savory and sweet accompaniments.

For example, mustard, briny foods and nuts near salami and sopresseta, and sharp cheeses like parmesan. Pair sweet accompaniments like fresh fruit, jams, and candied nuts, near the brie cheese or goat cheese. Cheddar cheese pairs well with savory and sweet.

How do you make the most beautiful charcuterie board? ›

Divide your board into quadrants, and place one type of meat in the middle of each quadrant. There are different ways to place the charcuterie: You can shape slices into a rose-like shape, by rolling them like a cinnamon roll. Little clumps and swirls of cured hams are easy and fun.

What not to put on charcuterie? ›

There are a few that I would stay away from eggplants, brussels sprouts, turnips, beets, zucchini and mushrooms. Many of these vegetables taste best when cooked, and Charcuterie boards generally don't include steamed or cooked veggies.

What is the secret to a great charcuterie board? ›

7 Tips For Making the Perfect Charcuterie Board
  1. Use the perfect board. ...
  2. Choose cheeses with a range of flavors and textures. ...
  3. Serve 2 ounces of charcuterie per person. ...
  4. Don't forget the baguette! ...
  5. Add something fresh and herbal. ...
  6. It's all about diversity. ...
  7. Pair with wine, sangria, or both.
Oct 14, 2022

What is the secret to charcuterie? ›

In addition to balancing flavors (sweet, salty, sour), you also want to balance textures. For cheese, you'll want something hard, medium and soft. For meat, pair a thinly sliced meat (like prosciutto) with something a bit denser (like a salami) and something more spreadable (like a pate).

How to make a Valentine charcuterie board? ›

Arrange a variety of red, pink and white savory and sweet treats for this board. It includes raspberries, brie cheese, cheese cut into little hearts with a heart cookie cutter, chocolates, popcorn, crackers, and prosciutto.

Do you put sweets on a charcuterie board? ›

A dessert charcuterie board is a fun and festive way to enjoy Valentine's Day at home this year! Fill up a big board with your favorite sweet treats, fresh berries, chocolate candies, homemade treats like brownies or truffles, and satisfy your sweet tooth!

What is the key to a good charcuterie board? ›

Five Keys to a Great Charcuterie Board
  • Fruits Should Always Be Seasonal. Make sure whenever you're preparing the charcuterie board, you're using fresh, in-season fruits. ...
  • Keep Color in Mind. Fruits are a great way to bring color into the picture. ...
  • Pair Meats and Cheeses Creatively. ...
  • Presentation is Huge. ...
  • Keep Flow in Mind.
Sep 23, 2019

What are the three starches for a charcuterie board? ›

3 Starches: we like Taralli (a traditional Italian cracker almost like a small, circular breadstick), Artisan Crisps by Rustic Bakery, and baguettes from Gilles Baguettes. 3 Accompaniments: Cerignola olives, Marcona almonds, French cornichons.

Are there rules for charcuterie boards? ›

Stick with cuts of meat shaved from a larger piece of meat, like prosciutto or cured, thin-sliced ham, as opposed to blended meat like salami.) The flavors can be paired with the cheeses or chosen for their unique qualities, but always aim to have something spicy, something smoky, and something unexpected.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 5898

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.