Whether you’re entertaining family, hosting a book club or cooking up a romantic dinner at home, a charcuterie board never fails to satisfy. It’s a lovely balance of an abundance of flavors that appeals to everybody’s palette. Try this blueprint for a charcuterie board so delicious that not even a crumb will remain at the end of the night. 

Board
First things first, you have to have something to display your creation. If you don’t have a designated charcuterie board, don’t fret. You can use decorative plates or cutting boards. 

Bread and Crackers 
This portion of your board is essential to its success. In addition to being the vehicle for cheeses and spreads, bread and crackers are an excellent neutral palette cleanser. Use crostini, baguettes, rice crackers, rosemary crackers, club crackers and water crackers. 

Cheese
Your cheese selection needs to be balanced, yet diverse. You should incorporate soft, hard, aged and light cheeses into your board. Brie, mozzarella, goat cheese, gouda, havarti, cheddar and cream cheese are all great options. 

Meats
Make sure to use a variety of meats to give your charcuterie board an extra punch. Prosciutto, salami, mortadella, pepperoni and chorizo are all great additions to any charcuterie board.

Fruit
The sweet balance to a savory selection, fruit offers a delicious flavor contrast to the rest of your board. Slice up apples, peaches, pears, berries and oranges. Scatter grapes through the selection. Incorporate dried dates, apricots and mango to bring your board to the next level. 

Nuts and Olives
This salty component is imperative to the success of your board. Include roasted almonds, cashews and candied pecans. A variety of olives is also a great addition to any spread. 

Veggies 
Sweet peppers, cucumbers, grape tomatoes and snack pickles are a great way to incorporate a different crunch into your spread. Use veggies to enjoy dips and spreads. 

Dips & Spreads
This is the glue that holds any charcuterie board together. Enjoy hummus, fruit jams, artichoke dip, whipped honey and tapenade with all the other elements of your board