How to Create a Simple Mini Charcuterie Board
Have you ever wanted to make a small charcuterie board but don’t know where to start? Today I am so excited to share all of my tips and tricks for creating a Simple Mini Charcuterie Board that everyone will go crazy for.
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Years ago I had never even heard of a smaller charcuterie platter. Then I went to a blogging retreat and that is what they served on the first night. Each person got their own mini cheese boards and it was so much fun.
Not only were they the perfect appetizer but they also were hearty enough for dinner! They were the perfect size and I have been waiting to recreate them!
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What is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a combination of select meats and cheeses that are accompanied by foods that pair well with them.
Oftentimes those items include crackers, fresh fruit, olives, vegetables, nuts and dips. The cool part is that this is where you can get creative.
There are not any rules, so the sky’s the limit and you can customize it to be whatever you want it to be.
What do I put on a Mini Charcuterie Board?
A mini board is the same as a large charcuterie board but also a bit different.
It should be colorful and full of delicious items but the food needs to be smaller in size. It is especially wonderful to use a combination of savory and sweet foods.
Going with food that is in season ensures that everything will taste amazing and be affordable.
Step by Step Guide for Choosing Food
MEATS
A variety of meats is normally the way to go but on a mini board there isn’t much room and most often they are for one person. Choose a single serving of either sliced salami, prosciutto or pepperoni. You can also go with turkey or ham from the deli section of the grocery store.
Transforming the meat into a small salami rose is a wonderful way to elevate the end result. Let me show you two ways to make salami roses here.
CHEESES
Go with a variety of different types of cheeses. I love to start with soft cheese by adding a piece of brie but goat cheese and blue cheese are also great options. In addition, I suggest adding one other kind of cheese cut into cubes. Normally 2-3 cheeses are the minimum but individual charcuterie boards only need 1 or 2 kinds of your favorite cheeses.
CRACKERS/BREADS
A typical charcuterie board always has a variety of everyone’s favorite crackers. Choose a box of crackers that goes well with both the meat and the cheese.
You could also use baguette slices, pita chips or thin pretzels.
FRUIT
Start with seasonal fruits cut into small portions. Items like cherries, grapes and cut apples work well because they are smaller items and don’t take up the entire board. Of course you could always use dried fruit which is easy to find all year long.
VEGETABLES
Using garden-fresh veggies from a farmers market or the local grocery store is great because everything you find will be ripe and ready to use. Plump cherry tomatoes add a wonderful pop of color, along with carrots and sliced cucumbers.
DIPS
Use a super small bowl {I like these clear plastic cups} to add dips to personal charcuterie boards. A savory dip like this Hawaiian Ham recipe is wonderful because it goes with everything.
ADDITIONAL SAVORY ITEMS
Use a combination of nuts, like smoked almonds or pistachios. Everyone also loves olives and pickles. Think about different textures and choose snack food that goes together well.
SWEETS
It is always nice to add something on the sweeter side. Make life easier and go with store bought treats that everyone will love. Small cookies and candies are always my go-to.
You can also make Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies or Mini No Bake Cheesecakes for a fun treat.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Using edible flowers and fresh herbs are a fun way to add just the right finishing touch for a perfect easy charcuterie board.
EXPERT TIPS
- Get creative with what you use for the small boards. Mini wooden boards are super adorable and functional. BUT a dinner plate, salad plates and shaped plates are also fun.
- Keep the size of every item small. The foods shouldn’t be too large because you want to be able to add an abundance of foods on a small plate and not just a couple items.
- Always start with the larger and main ingredients first. Adding the meat and cheeses first allows you to arrange all of the supporting ingredients around them.
- Have a combination of fresh and shelf stable items. Doing a combination of both foods gives you more flexibility. Additions like crackers and nuts can be bought ahead of time and will last long after.
- Use super small bowls to contain items you don’t want rolling around the board. This is especially important when you decide to add a dip to a small board.
- Go back and add in smaller foods like nuts to fill in any empty spaces. To get a lush and gorgeous mini charcuterie board it should be full and covered.
- Give everyone a small knife or fork to eat everything from the tray. This allows everything to be eaten without making a giant mess.
FAQs
You can easily make them up to 4 hours in advance but be sure that you have room in the refrigerator. It should also be covered in plastic wrap to keep everything fresh and then serve at room temperature.
There are so many options and I purchased mine from the dollar section of Target but these boards from Amazon would be perfect.
The truth is that you can serve them anytime. Add them to your menu for special occasions. Serve with your favorite wine on date night or girls’ night or anytime you need a small snack.
If you are needing a larger board, this Summer Charcuterie Board is so delicious.
Do you want other charcuterie board ideas? Check these out…
Did you try this recipe?
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How to Create a Simple Mini Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 1 ounce cured meat {or deli slices}
- 1 ounce cheese in a variety of flavors
- 1 ounce crackers in a variety of flavors and shapes
- ½ ounce ripe fruit
- ½ ounce fresh vegetables
- 2-3 black or green olives
- 2 small pickles
- ¼ cup candy and cookies
- fresh herbs and edible flowers
Instructions
- Add the larger items {meats & cheeses} to the small board. Then place the crackers on the board.
- Next, arrange fruits and vegetables around the meat and cheese. Add a small bowl of dip. Then place olives and pickles {or whatever you prefer}.
- Fill in any empty areas with candy and cookies. Finally, go back and fill in any areas and add fresh herbs and edible flowers. Serve or cover for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Get creative with what you use for the small boards. Mini wooden boards are super adorable and functional. BUT a dinner plate, salad plates and shaped plates are also fun.
- Keep the size of every item small. The foods shouldn’t be too large because you want to be able to add an abundance of foods on a small plate and not just a couple items.
- Always start with the larger and main ingredients first. Adding the meat and cheeses first allows you to arrange all of the supporting ingredients around them.
- Go back and add in smaller foods like nuts to fill in any empty spaces. To get a lush and gorgeous mini charcuterie board it should be full and covered.
