A beginner’s guide to creating the perfect charcuterie board

There's something about those beautifully arranged charcuterie boards that feels both inviting and intimidating. 

With neatly folded cuts of meat, a spread of fancy cheeses, gourmet dips, fresh fruits and nuts, it's easy to think that creating such a stunning board is complicated, best left to experts, or requires a hefty budget to pull off.

But in reality, charcuterie is all about creativity, not complexity. There are no rules or rigid guidelines—just the freedom to experiment with flavours, textures, and colours according to your own preferences, crafting a delicious and visually stunning spread and that, too, within your budget. 

Building the foundation: Boards, dips, and cheese 

For beginners, the first step in creating a charcuterie board is choosing the right base. Wooden boards are commonly used; however, slate platters or even large ceramic trays work just as well. 

The size of your board depends on the number of guests you're serving. A medium-sized board, approximately 12 x 18 inches, is perfect for a small gathering of 4-6 people.

For larger groups of 8-12 guests, opt for a bigger board, around 18 x 24 inches. If you're hosting an even bigger crowd, consider using multiple boards or a grazing table that spans 36 x 48 inches or more, depending on the available space. This ensures there's enough room for variety without overcrowding your layout.

Once you have selected the right board size, plan your layout by placing your bowls for dips on the board to create focal points, then arrange the larger items like cheese and meats around them. 

Classic dip options such as honey, cream cheese, hummus or fruit preservatives work well, but if you want to spin a Bangladeshi twist, try tamarind chutney, mango pickle, raita, or mint chutney. These additions complement the board's savoury and spicy elements while adding refreshing local flavours.

When selecting cheese, aim for variety: a soft cheese like brie, a hard cheese like cheddar, and something unique, like blue cheese or gouda, provide a mix of textures and flavours. 

To add a deshi flavour, you can also consider using paneer. Spiced or smoked paneer cubes will make the board quite interesting.

Meats and carbs: The favourite duo on the board 

For meats, classic options like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo can be swapped for choices popular in Bangladesh, such as beef pepperoni, chicken mortadella, or turkey pastrami. 

For a bold flavour, you could include spiced beef kebabs, chicken tikka strips, or even smoked beef slices. For vegetarian options, grilled vegetables, fritters, or mini alur chops (potato croquettes) provide a unique touch. Tiny samosas are good options too. 

After arranging the cheese and meats, it's time to add the crunch—an essential element that balances the bold flavours of the board. It could also be substituted with naan pieces, perfect for scooping up dips, or mini parathas to bring a comforting touch that pairs wonderfully with spiced meats or paneer.  

For something truly unique, bakorkhani can also be incorporated to add a hint of sweetness and a crisp texture, offering a delightful nod to local flavours. 

Arrange these around the cheese and meats, balancing textures and ensuring easy access for the guests from all sides. 

Adding colours and textures with nuts and fruits

To keep the board visually appealing, fill in any remaining gaps with fresh and dried fruits. Grapes, apple slices, figs, or berries, or coconut slices add vibrant colour and natural sweetness. Dried fruits like dates, raisins, or aamshotto (mango roll-ups) bring a rich contrast in flavour and texture. 

Nuts are another essential addition to a charcuterie board, offering both crunch and richness. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews are classic options, but you can experiment with roasted chickpeas or spiced peanuts for a local twist. Scatter them in small groups around the board, ensuring they don't overwhelm the other elements.

 Final touches

Finally, garnish the board with fresh herbs like mint, which enhance the aroma and provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier flavours of cheese and meats. You can also add rosemary, thyme, or basil for an aromatic touch, or go for parsley or dill, which add a bright, fresh addition to the board.

Once everything is arranged,  make sure the colours are vibrant, the textures are varied, and there's enough space for guests to serve themselves without mixing flavours. Don't forget to add small utensils like cheese knives, spreaders, or tongs to keep things tidy.  

For a final touch, add edible flowers for a pop of colour and aesthetics. Remember, a charcuterie board isn't just about food—it gives you a chance to showcase your creativity and experiment with different flavours, textures, and local twists.  Have fun, get creative, and enjoy the joy it brings to your gathering!