Everyone loves a good meat and cheese plate. When hosting an afternoon lunch, weekend party, or even just a casual Friday night in, serving up a meat and cheese board is a safe bet. These crowd-pleasing spreads are the perfect party snacks; they’re easy to make, simple to eat, and best of all, pair with an array of wines and cocktails. We scoured the internet to find these 15 swoon-worthy cheese & charcuterie boards to upgrade your simple meat and cheese plate. Take hosting to the next level with one of these ideas for inspiration.
Berries and Breadsticks
Adding fresh berries alongside dried fruits on your cheese board brings a sweet and fresh touch when pairing with cheese. Also, who doesn’t love those cheesy breadstick twists in the background? That’s right — no one.
Bring on the Spreads
Whipping up a homemade spread adds a personal touch to your charcuterie board. We love the idea of serving up this eggplant paté; think hummus, with an upgrade. Serve with a high- acid Greek white like an Assyrtiko for an even more Mediterranean touch.
Garlic Toast FTW!
We love the idea of crunchy garlic toasts on this meat and cheese board. Plus, the brightly colored vegetables in the bottom right add a gorgeous pop of color to the table.
Line it all Up
O.K., the inner OCD in us loves the separation of each entity of this spread: meats on one board, cheese on another, crackers on one dish, and nuts on the side — separated by nut type, of course. Bonus point: Nut-heavy cheese spreads are heavenly when served with dry Sherry.
Add a Seasonal Punch
Adding seasonal ingredients to your charcuterie board brings a festive element to your party. For cooler weather, we love the addition of blood orange and pear to this winter spread; but take advantage of what’s fresh no matter what time of year it is. Plus, the citrus addition will pair gorgeously with classic cocktails.
Grilled Bread With Guac
And for when the weather warms up? A spring-themed board, of course! We love the aesthetic of grilling the bread as well. Also, guacamole. Yep, speaks for itself.
Go Vertical
This vertical cheese board puts a unique twist on your classic wooden or slate serving vessel. Think of it like a shellfish tower… but with cheese.
Never Say No to Mediterranean
This antipasti spread incorporates all of our favorite Mediterranean flavors; salty olives, creamy hummus, tangy red peppers… need we say more?
Deconstruct That Salad
We’re obsessed with this healthy take on the classic meat and cheese board. Turn your favorite salad into a spread like such, incorporating at least one cheese, one nut, and one fruit component. The result is simply stunning — and delicious.
The Breakfast Board
Who says you can’t have cheese and charcuterie to start your day? This breakfast board has it all: fruit, cheese, hard boiled eggs. Your morning fuel never looked this good. Extra points for serving Mimosas… or even better, Champagne.
Chocolate Belongs Everywhere
What’s different about this board from all the others? That’s right — chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! Adding bits of dark chocolate to your meat and cheese board brings a delightful dessert component to the mix. Hint: Serve a ruby port at the end of a meal; alongside both dark chocolate and stinky blue cheese, it’ll make for a heavenly finish.
All Ages Welcome
This simple spread of grapes and cheese cubes is perfect for parents in a rush. Hosting a play date? No problem. This quick snack fix will be loved by kids and grownups alike. Don’t forget a bottle of Pinot Grigio, parents.
Bright, Breathtaking Color
Seriously, how gorgeous is this spread? We’re obsessed with the breathtaking colors all the fresh fruits and veggies bring to the table. Plus, this board is ideal for all of your vegetarian friends’ needs.
The Devil’s in the Details
We love the beautiful little additions here that make this board extra stunning; simply adding little flowers, an adorable honey dipper, and sliced figs goes a long way.
Label Your Goodies
And a last lovely touch? Directions, of course! Serving up your spread on a chalkboard-capable slate instructs your guests as to exactly what is being served. Friends with allergies, fear not! You’ll know precisely what’s being served.
