The Big List of 20 Charcuterie Boards Themes
Charcuterie boards are no longer simply meats, cheeses, and crackers laid out neatly on a serving tray.
They’ve become a canvas for creative expression, a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and an Instagram-worthy centerpiece for any event.
If you’re tired of the same old cheese boards or just looking for inspiration to spice up your next spread, you’ve come to the right place.
Forget “one size fits all” trays!
With themed boards, you can tailor your charcuterie to fit the occasion, audience, or even a specific craving.
Get ready to explore 20 fun and easy charcuterie board themes that will elevate your hosting game to new heights.
By the end, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to wow your guests and make snack-time unforgettable.
Let’s get started!
What Exactly Is a Charcuterie Board?
A quick refresher before we get into the themes: a charcuterie board traditionally consists of cured meats, cheeses, bread, crackers, and assorted accompaniments (think fruits, nuts, and spreads).
But modern charcuterie has evolved to include everything from themed dinner platters to dessert-centric spreads.
Whether you want sweet, savory, or even dietary-specific options, charcuterie board themes can be customized to suit your needs.
Now, onto the themes!
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Some of the amazing following photos are not my own, click on them to head straight to the source!)
Charcuterie Board Themes for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family brunch, a posh evening soirée, or a themed party, these charcuterie boards are guaranteed to delight.
1. Classic Meat & Cheese Board
You can’t go wrong with the OG of charcuterie boards.
Fill your platter with fan-favorite cured meats like salami and prosciutto, and balance them out with a mix of hard cheeses (like aged cheddar or gouda) and soft cheeses (like brie or goat).
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some grapes, figs, and nuts for that perfect balance of flavors.
2. Mediterranean-Inspired Board
Transport your guests straight to a Greek isle with this flavorful board.
Think marinated olives, hummus, roasted red peppers, pita bread, feta cheese, and a drizzle of honey for that Mediterranean magic.
3. Around-the-World Board
Why stop at one region when you can take your guests on a multi-national food adventure?
Include manchego and chorizo (Spain), parmesan and soppressata (Italy), and cheddar paired with piccalilli (UK).
Add biltong from South Africa or taralli crackers for more variety!
4. Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Yes, charcuterie works for breakfast, too.
Arrange mini pancakes, waffles, mixed berries, sausage links, scrambled egg bites, and small bowls of maple syrup.
It’s like an all-you-can-eat morning buffet, but prettier!
5. DIY Taco Board
Turn Taco Tuesday into a masterpiece.
Offer an array of tortillas, seasoned meat, grilled veggies, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Everyone gets to build their taco exactly the way they like it.
6. Dessert Decadence Board
For the sweet tooth crowd, fill your board with chocolate truffles, cookies, mini cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, marshmallows, macarons, and a side of caramel or hot fudge sauce.
It’s pure indulgence!
7. Movie Night Board
Popcorn is a must for this theme, accompanied by movie-night snacks like candy, movie theater popcorn, pretzels, and licorice.
For a savory twist, include nachos with queso.
8. Vegan Delight Board
Gone are the days when vegans were left out. Load your board with almond cheeses, flaxseed crackers, roasted chickpeas, crudités, hummus, dried apricots, and dark chocolate.
Totally plant-based, totally delicious.
9. Gluten-Free Board
A gluten-free charcuterie board is easy to create with options like rice crackers, gluten-free breadsticks, cheeses, nuts, fresh fruit, and homemade dips.
Everyone can enjoy without the guesswork.
10. Charcuter-‘Kiddie’ Board
Keep the kiddos happy with a board piled high with fun snacks like goldfish crackers, mini sandwiches, cut-up fruit, cheese cubes, and chocolate teddy cookies.
Pro tip: arrange it in fun, playful shapes!
Related Read
11. Italian Feast Board
If you love Italian food, this board is for you. Include mortadella, salami, burrata cheese, marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy breadsticks.
Throw in some tiramisu bites for dessert!
12. Sushi Sampler Board
Swap the cheese and crackers for sushi rolls, edamame, pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce.
It’s perfectly portioned and always a hit.
13. Charcuterie for One
Who says boards are just for parties?
Prep a mini version with slices of your favorite cheese, a handful of crackers, some almonds, and a few sweet treats.
Self-care in snack form.
14. Holiday-Themed Board
Get into the spirit of the season by adding holiday-specific touches.
For Christmas, include peppermint bark, green and red candies, and festive cheese cutouts.
For Halloween, think pumpkin spice treats, orange and black candies, and spooky-shaped cheeses.
15. Brunch-Themed Board
This board is brunch-friendly with smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese spreads, sliced avocado, boiled egg halves, and fresh fruit.
16. Picnic Board
Perfect for outdoor fun!
Fill your board with charcuterie-friendly picnic staples like chicken skewers, potato salad, grilled veggies, soft breads, and figs.
17. Seafood Lovers Board
A board filled with shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, crab dip, and oysters is ideal for seafood enthusiasts.
Pair it with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
18. Keto Charcuterie Board
A keto-friendly board can look just as luxurious as any other.
Include a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, boiled eggs, and fresh veggies.
19. Game Day Board
Score major points with a board made for game day snacks.
Think chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, sliders, dip, and chips.
Add mini football-shaped pretzels for a fun twist.
20. Cheese Lover’s Dream Board
For the ultimate cheese lover, go all in with a wide variety of cheeses like gouda, camembert, gorgonzola, and gruyere.
Pair each with complementary fruits, crackers, honey, or jam.
Tips for Arranging the Perfect Charcuterie Board
- Use Different Textures and Colors
Mix soft and hard textures, add vibrant fruits, and use neutral crackers as a backdrop. It creates a visually appealing spread.
- Use Smaller Dishes for Dips
Add small bowls for hummus, jam, or mustards to save space and make them easy to reach.
- Don’t Overcrowd
Leave just a bit of space between each item to allow everything to shine. A clutter-free board looks clean and inviting.
- Experiment with Shapes
Cut fruits, cheeses, and vegetables into interesting shapes or arrange them in patterns for extra flair.
Explore the Art of Charcuterie
Charcuterie board themes can the perfect combination of creativity and deliciousness.
Whether you’re crafting a lavish spread for a family reunion, putting together a simple dinner board for two, or just satisfying a snack craving, the possibilities are endless.
Happy Decluttering!
