Charcuterie platters are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or creating a beautiful spread for a special occasion. The key to an unforgettable charcuterie board is balancing flavors, textures, and colors to create a visually appealing and delicious experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to building the perfect platter, featuring some of our TUCG favorites like St. Albert’s Cheddar Cheese, Meadow Herb and Garlic Vegan Cheese, Rhubarb Jam, Comox Brie, candied pecans, and Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps—with fresh additions like Gala apples, red peppers, hummus, mini cucumbers, and pears for balance.
Step 1: Start with the Cheese
Variety is key when selecting your cheeses. Aim for a mix of textures and flavors to give your guests plenty of options. Here’s how we like to build a balanced board:
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St. Albert’s Cheddar Cheese – This rich, sharp cheddar brings a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet jams and crisp fruits.
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Comox Brie – Soft and creamy with a buttery texture, this cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with fresh fruit.
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Meadow Herb and Garlic Vegan Cheese – Don’t forget your plant-based friends! This vegan option has a smooth texture and flavorful blend of herbs and garlic that complements the other cheeses.
Pro Tip: Cut cheeses into a variety of shapes—wedges, cubes, and slices—to make them easy for guests to grab.
Step 2: Add Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and veggies not only add color and vibrancy but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and meats. We love adding:
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Gala Apples – Sweet and crisp, these apples pair wonderfully with cheddar and brie.
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Pears – Soft and juicy, they balance out the saltiness of the cheeses.
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Mini Cucumbers – Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for dipping in hummus.
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Red Peppers – Slightly sweet with a bit of crunch, they add a pop of color to the board.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Crackers & Breads
Crackers provide the perfect base for layering cheese, spreads, and fruit. For this board, we’re going with:
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Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps – Packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these artisan crisps add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with soft cheeses and jam.
Pro Tip: Offer a variety of cracker and bread options—some crunchy, some soft, and a gluten-free option if needed!
Step 4: Add Jams, Dips & Spreads
A great charcuterie platter always includes something sweet, something savory, and something spreadable. Here’s what we’re adding:
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Rhubarb Jam – Tangy and slightly sweet, it pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar and creamy brie.
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Hummus – Smooth, savory, and a crowd-pleaser for dipping veggies and crackers.
Pro Tip: Place spreads in small bowls with mini spoons to make them easy to access and spread.
Step 5: Sprinkle in Nuts & Sweet Treats
Add some crunch and a touch of sweetness to round out your board. We love:
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Candied Pecans – Sweet, slightly spiced, and absolutely addictive. They’re the perfect contrast to the saltiness of the cheeses and the tang of the jam.
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Chocolate Drops – A little indulgence goes a long way! These bite-sized chocolate drops add a sweet finish to balance out the savory flavors on the board.
- Dried Apricots – Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, dried apricots provide a lovely contrast to salty cheeses and crispy crackers. Their vibrant orange color also adds a pop of brightness to the platter.
Step 6: Add Cured Meats (Optional)
If you want to make your board a little heartier, consider adding a variety of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and capicola. Fold them or roll them into small bundles for a polished look.
Step 7: Arrange Like a Pro
Now that you’ve got all your elements ready, it’s time to arrange them beautifully:
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Anchor with Cheese & Bowls: Start by placing your cheeses and small bowls of jam and hummus around the board.
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Fill in with Crackers & Crisps: Add stacks of Raincoast Crisps and other bread or cracker options.
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Add Fruits, Veggies & Nuts: Fill the gaps with sliced apples, pears, mini cucumbers, peppers, and candied pecans.
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Finish with Details: Tuck in sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a touch of elegance.
With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to building a stunning charcuterie platter that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual weekend get-together, this combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests raving!
