How to make a stunning charcuterie and cheese board at home

Charcuterie takes its name from the French shops that specialised in preserved pork, so meat should anchor your board. Look for a mix of textures and flavours: thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma for delicate saltiness, soppressata for a coarser bite, and a good salami such as finocchiona (studded with fennel seeds) or a Spanish chorizo for depth. Aim for three to five varieties, depending on the size of your gathering. Fold or loosely drape slices rather than stacking them flat—it looks more inviting and makes each piece easier to pick up.

Cheese provides the counterpoint to cured meat, so choose thoughtfully. Include at least three types with varying textures: a firm aged cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Manchego; a semi-soft option such as Gruyère or Comté; and something creamy—a ripe Brie, tangy chèvre or pungent Gorgonzola. Let cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving; cold cheese loses much of its flavour and complexity.

Plain water crackers or seeded oat biscuits won't overpower the main components. Breadsticks (grissini) add height and visual interest. Thinly sliced, lightly toasted baguette works equally well and is often more economical. Whatever you choose, keep it neutral—this isn't the time for rosemary and olive oil crackers.

Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, cornichons and grainy mustard introduce acidity and bite that cut through the richness of cheese and cured meat. Roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts work too, though avoid anything swimming in too much oil.

Dried apricots, fresh figs, honeycomb or a small dish of quince paste (membrillo) provide contrast without cloying. Fresh grapes are reliably good, and pear or apple slices (brushed lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning) add crispness. A pot of fig jam or chilli honey gives guests the option to customise their bites.

Place your largest elements—cheese wheels, folded meats—first, spacing them around the board to create anchors. Fill gaps with smaller items, clustering similar ingredients together rather than scattering them randomly. Tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for fragrance, not fussiness. The goal is abundance without chaos: everything should be easy to reach, and nothing should require a knife you haven't provided.

If you are short of time, various stores also offer premade artisanal platters for your enjoyment. Here are some to try:

The Dempsey Project curates a wide range of cheese platters perfect for any palate. Those with a penchant for Italian flavours can opt for the Italian Platter that comprises taleggio, gorgonzola piccante and Parmigiano. Complementing these aromatic cheeses are parma ham, fresh bread, apple chutney, balsamic vinegar and fruits. Can’t decide what to get? Opt for the Cheese Mongers Selection Board and find a selection of three cheeses and a charcuterie recommended by the restaurant’s cheesemonger. The platter is complete with apple chutney, homemade crisp bread, dried fruit and more. 

Visit the Gourmet Shop’s e-store for a selection of cheese imported from France. On top of offering a wide range of fromage, the shop also curates cheese and charcuterie platters for intimate gatherings. Its 1kg Cheese and Charcuterie Platter features four assorted cheeses including Ermitage Brie, Emmental, blue and mimolette. It’s paired with pork rillettes, country pork pate, orange confit and more. The shop also offers wine pairing recommendations according to the selected cheeses.

If you’re planning a gathering for up to 12, opt for a platter from Da Paolo Gastronomia. Its cheese and charcuterie boards put the spotlight on a range of cheeses and charcuterie, depending on the season. It’s beautifully paired with crudités, gourmet crackers, homemade dip, fresh fruit and more. The Italian joint also offers festive boards complete with adorably decorated gingerbread men.

The Cheese Shop’s lavish Let’s Meat and Cheese platter features some of the gourmet speciality joint’s best-selling cheese, accoutrements and cold cuts. Look forward to cheeses like the brie with truffle, applewood smoked cheddar and Comte 18-months. Slices can be paired with meats, crackers and dips. If you’re not a fan of meat, try the Let’s Get Cheesy platter instead. Accompany the cheese platter with a bottle of wine, available at an additional cost.

Those who enjoy French cheese will revel in The Cheese Deli’s French platter. The collection comprises three popular French cheeses, such as Vacherousse d’Argental, Comte 30-months and Roquefort. It’s paired with a selection of fruits, nuts and crackers. Cheese selection may also change each month, so you can always look forward to trying new cheese breeds. Prefer Dutch cheese instead? Go for its Dutch collection—similar to its French counterpart, the Dutch collection features three popular Dutch cheeses that rotate each month.

When it comes to cheese and charcuterie boards, Cheeselads go all out. Browse through its platters and find a selection of boards ranging from simple to grand. Go for the Epicurean platter that comes generously packed with a selection of four artisanal cheeses, including its aromatic and creamy signature truffle brie. The platter is also decorated with an assortment of cold cuts, soft nougat, dried fruit, honeycomb and housemate water crackers. 

Read more: Are butter boards the new cheese platters? Here’s how to make your own

Lush Platters offers decadent platters that are customisable and made to order. Within each spread, expect a traditional selection of cheese, charcuterie, dips and fruit, finished with vibrant herbs and flowers. Its signature truffle cheese and honeycomb box is a crowd favourite. The box puts the spotlight on its luscious and aromatic triple cream French brie with truffle, accompanied with raw Australian honeycomb, fresh fruit and gourmet crackers. 

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This halal artisanal grazing platter company offers a beautiful selection of charcuterie boards perfect for any occasion. Try its signature palm leaf platter which comprises of a wonderful selection of four artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, fruit and dips. Orders must be placed two days in advance. 

Here, beautifully arranged platters are stuffed with aromatic cheeses, savoury cold cuts, seasonal fruits and gourmet crackers. Go for its gourmet cheese & fruit platter box which features a cornucopia of premium treats, including its fragrant truffle gouda, vibrantly-coloured seasonal fruit and artisanal crackers. Opt to add a bottle of tipple to complete the opulent spread. 

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