This Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board is as beautiful as it is delicious. It combines contrasting flavors and textures—salty meats and cheeses with sweet fruits and cookies—so it appeals to a wide range of tastes. Serve it the next time you have guests and watch it disappear!
This post is sponsored by Nonni’s. All opinions are my own.
This snack board has something for everyone: salty bites, sweet treats, a variety of cheeses and meats, nuts, and fresh fruit. My family usually devours it within minutes of me assembling it. It’s festive, fun to share, and perfect for game day, gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or casual entertaining.
Table of Contents
- What Is Charcuterie?
- Why Make a Charcuterie Board?
- A Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board
- What Goes On a Charcuterie Board?
- Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- More Tasty Appetizers
- Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board Recipe
What Is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) originally refers to cured cold meats, a preservation method used long before refrigeration. Today the term often describes a composed board featuring cured meats alongside cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, spreads, and other small bites.
You can tailor a board to be fully savory, entirely sweet as a dessert board, or a balance of both. Arrange items on a large cutting board, wooden platter, or even a baking sheet if needed.
Why Make a Charcuterie Board?
There are several reasons to assemble a charcuterie board:
- Visually appealing. Boards are eye-catching and inviting—people eat with their eyes first.
- Quick and easy. Most items require no cooking; you simply arrange them.
- Highly versatile. Create a sweet-and-salty mix, focus on cheeses and meats, or theme it for a season or holiday.
A Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board
A sweet and salty board is ideal for the holidays and special celebrations when baked goods and sweets are plentiful. It keeps the traditional charcuterie elements—meats and cheeses—while adding fruits, cookies, and other sweet options.
I included Nonni’s Salted Caramel and Gingerbread biscotti to elevate the board. Nonni’s is an artisan brand that uses wholesome ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar to create soft-biting biscotti that are great for dipping into hot drinks.
The Gingerbread flavor feels festive, and the Salted Caramel adds a rich contrast to savory components. You can serve biscotti on the board or alongside hot cocoa for a cozy pairing.
What Goes On a Charcuterie Board?
Use a mix of the following categories to build a balanced and appealing board:
- Cured meats: Salami, prosciutto, mortadella, and pepperoni are classic picks.
- Cheeses: Include both soft and hard cheeses—brie, goat cheese, provolone, and sharp cheddar are good options. Cubes or slices work, too.
- Crackers and bread: Butter crackers, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or even cookies for a sweeter touch.
- Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, cashews, or walnuts add crunch.
- Dried fruit: Apricots, figs, dates, and dried apples pair well with cheeses.
- Fresh fruit: Berries, apple slices, orange segments, and fresh figs add color and brightness.
- Spreads: Jams, preserves, honey, or chocolate-hazelnut spread belong in small bowls on the board.
- Olives: A briny element like olives adds acidity and balance.
Use a round wooden lazy susan, chopping board, or any platter you have. Finish the presentation with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a gourmet touch.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
The 3-3-3-3 rule is a simple guide suggesting three meats, three cheeses, three carbohydrate options (crackers, bread, cookies), and three spreads.
Start by placing bowls for spreads and small items, then add larger items like cheeses and meats, followed by crackers and fruits to fill gaps.
Classic choices include fig jam, apricot preserves, raspberry, and strawberry jam—pick one that complements your cheeses.
More Tasty Appetizers
Baked Brie and Preserves
Cameroonian Snails Recipe
Deviled Eggs with Cajun Shrimp
Italian Chopped Salad
If you try this board, please leave a rating. Your feedback helps others find the recipe and I love hearing from you. Thank you!
Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board
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Ingredients
Sweet Ingredients
- 8 oz grapes (two varieties, red and green)
- 8 oz strawberries
- 8 oz blueberries
- 6 oz apple sliced
- 1/4 cup dried apricots
- 1/4 cup golden or regular raisins
- 6 oz Nonni’s biscotti Gingerbread or Salted Caramel
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or fruit preserves
Salty Ingredients
- 4 oz prosciutto
- 4 oz salami
- 2 oz pepperoni
- 5 oz spreadable cheese
- 8 oz brie cheese
- 5 oz extra sharp cheddar
- 3 oz olives Greek olive medley suggested
- 1/4 cup salt-roasted almonds
- 4 oz crackers
Instructions
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Arrange grapes around the edge of a wooden board or serving platter.
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Place bowls for olives and jam or sweet spreads on the board. Add spreadable cheese in a small bowl and set the brie in the center, cut into wedges for easy serving.
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Fill the remaining space with the meats, cheeses, crackers, biscotti, nuts, dried and fresh fruit. Use herbs or edible flowers to garnish if desired.
Notes
2. This board is fully customizable—use your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonal items you already have on hand.