Summer Charcuterie Board

It's summer and nothing beats a get together with a simple yet gorgeous summer charcutrerie board. Fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, and all of my favorite things - this summer board is such a fun way to a put a summer twist on the perfect charcuterie board.

If you are entertaining, then you have to check out more delicious options for an appetizer grazing table, like this Breakfast Charcuterie Board, Halloween Charcuterie Board, and this Dessert Charcuterie Board!

These warm summer night have been so perfect. Since we've moved into the house, I've been making it my utmost priority to use the back deck as much as possible.

Every week, I go to our local farmer's market and bask in all of the beautiful summer produce.

I'm talking stone fruit, seasonal fruits, edible flowers, garden-fresh veggies, and just about any great option you can think of for the perfect summer charcuterie board.

The first rule for making a simple summer charcuterie board is that there are no rules! What I enjoy most about assembling charcuterie boards is how fun it can be. It's great way to get creative with colors, textures, and most importantly, taste!

You can use and add whatever you want - slices of bread, different types of cheeses - soft cheeses, sharp cheese, hard cheese - pita chips, your favorite fruits, and any variety of meats you can think of!

Whether it's a pool party, a holiday, a picnic, a girls' night in, or just grown-up snack time, cheese boards are a versatile treat.

What cheeses go on a good charcuterie board?

The appeal of charcuterie boards is the variety so even if you're only making enough for two, make sure you use different kinds of cheese. I would include a minimum of 2-3 with distinct flavors and textures.

• Familiar: go with the classics like cheddar, gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack.
• Firm: Go for a hard, aged cheese like Gruyère, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Asiago.
• Spreadable: You'll want something smooth to spread over bread or crackers. A wheel of brie or goat cheese would be good options. These cheese also pair exceptionally well with fresh bread!
• Blue: And finally, something blue! Blue cheese, that is. For those with a more distinguished palate, opt for a bold cheese like gorgonzola.

Don't forget to bring a cheese knife for easy cutting and spreading!

Meats for a Charcuterie Board

After determining what cheeses to include, add a good assortment of meats. Great additions are slices of salami, chorizo, or prosciutto. Think of what meats would pair well with summer fruits and what would be a great addition for the best summer charcuterie board.

Some other great options would be mortadella, sopressata, capicola, and Iberico ham (one of the finest ingredients of all).

Side note: I also like to add smoked salmon too. It's not a charcuterie meat but it goes so nicely on a summer board for brunch or breakfast.

Other Ideas!

• Savory: Aside from charcuterie, consider adding other savory foods like nuts, olives, or roasted veggies like asparagus and brussels sprouts.
• Sweet: Use fruits that are in season to add some natural sweetness to your fruit platter. But the options are endless! You can add dried fruits, honey, chocolate, grapes, and even baked goods.
• Spicy: Use spicy cheese, jalapenos, roasted peppers, or spicy mustard or hummus.
• Bread: For an added crunch consider choosing something like baguettes, bread sticks, sesame sticks, crackers, or pretzels. For softer bread, you may like sourdough or pita bread.

TIP: to make your charcuterie board extra stunning, add some garnish (extra points if it's edible). You can use anything including lemon wedges, edible flowers, and fresh herbs.

Types of Boards

Assemble the board on a sturdy flat surface like a wooden tray or marble slate. I like using a larger board for a big party, and a smaller board for petite gatherings. However, if you don't have either of those, a cutting board, a large plate, a baking sheet, a countertop or even an entire table will work. Just remember that the board is your canvas!

How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board

Begin assembling your cheese platter by determining what board or surface you will use. You should assemble wherever you or your guests plan to graze so that you don't have to carry the finished product (it will probably be heavy and you don't want to accidentally drop it or have to fix the arrangement).

First step, add larger items first:

• such as baguette slices, ripe fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, any meat products etc. (best tips - add a minimum of 2-3 cheeses around the board in various spaces)

Then add the charcuterie:

• add the meats. If we are thinking of the board in fourths, cheese and meat should be in every "zone." The meats should be sliced or folded. (they don't have to be but it's easiest for grabbing)

Add your favorite accoutrements:

• this includes crackers, preserves, jams, jellies, spreads, fresh herbs, veggies, etc. You can even place handfuls of fresh summer berries onto the board for a sweet yet fresh vibe.

Lastly, add your garnish:

• Finally, place your garnish in any empty spaces or on top of other inclusions.

Wine and Champagne Pairings

You almost always need something to wash it down with. Wine, champagne, a good cocktail, or a sparkling cider are a perfect to enjoy this summer board.

For wines: I recommend a dry white wine or a sweet red!

For champagne: a brut champagne is perfect with this summer board!

Cocktails: something mild yet fruity!

Tips for a Perfect Board

There's no wrong way to make a beautiful charcuterie board. However you choose to make your board, it'll be perfect for summer entertaining.

• Splurge on one "fancy" cheese, cut it into smaller pieces, then fill up the board with cheaper options.
• Check out Trader Joes's for inexpensive, high-quality cheeses and meats. They have so many options for a great snack board!
• Shop your pantry! Have some munchies you haven't finished yet? Add them to the cheese board platter.
• PRO TIP: use different textures and small bowls to make it easier to grab and fun to eat.
• Serve your charcuterie plate at room temperature for optimal taste!
• Garnish with fresh herbs for a few seasonal touches. I love adding rosemary and sprigs of thyme, especially in the summer months.
• To make this a savory board, make this omit the fruits and jellies.

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Holidays are the perfect time to show off your new skills! This gorgeous summer charcuterie board can be turned into a holiday board to be enjoyed throughout the year. It's also an easy way to entertain no matter what time of the year. Make this the main course at any gathering.

The key to seasonal cheese boards is to include what's in season. It's your typical charcuterie board but with a twist. It will also be easier to find at your local grocery store, and more affordable. Also, if it is fresh produce, then it will taste much better! Here are some great additions for any time of the year.

Easter: Strawberries, Meyer lemons, Fudgy Mini Egg Brownies, deviled eggs

Summer: Watermelon, fresh berries, fig jam, and even zucchini

Fall: Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Icing, pumpkin seeds

Christmas: Chutney, figs, Peppermint Bark Brownies, Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

More Tasty Appetizers

• Baked Brie with Jam
• Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Dipping Sauce
• Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles
• Pao De Queijo - Brazilian-Inspired Cheese Bread
• Smashed Potatoes with Whipped Herb Ricotta
• Pear and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry
• Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry with Brown sugar Figs

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Let's stay connected on social media and continue to cook together! Also, if you decide to make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and leave a comment below! Tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can see your creations! I hope that you love this recipe as much as we do!