From Our Chefs: How To Build the Perfect Spring-Themed Charcuterie Board

As warmer weather and longer days approach, we get an inkling for entertaining. And the easiest app for entertaining? Charcuterie. But, chef’s secret: the best boards don’t just look good—they tell a story, they balance flavors and they make your guests want to linger a little longer.  

Our experts break it down step by step. And trust us—if you follow their techniques, you’ll have an absolute showstopper on your hands. 

Hungry for more? Get set for spring with our collections of seasonally inspired dinnerware and entertaining essentials! 

Shop Our Spring Dinnerware Collections! 

The Charcuterie 3-3-3-3 Rule 

Creating an abundant board is all about variety and balance. That’s where the infamous 3-3-3-3 rule comes in: three cheeses, three meats, three accompaniments and three textural elements.   

With spring in full bloom, we’re leaning into all things fresh, vibrant and colorful. It’s all about intentional placement, layering textures and seasonal ingredients.  

Step 1: Select Three Seasonal Cheeses 

Cheese is the backbone of your board, so think about variety in flavor and texture. A good mix includes:  

• Soft: Goat cheese drizzled with wildflower honey and rolled in crushed pistachios or a bloomy-rind Brie.  

• Semi-hard: Young Gouda or alpine-style cheese for that nutty, buttery goodness—slice it in shards for an artisanal touch.  

• Bold: Blue cheese or sharp cheddar for a rich, salty contrast—serve it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for unexpected depth.  

Pro Tip: Let your cheeses come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor. And cut your cheeses in different shapes: crumbles, triangles, cubes and even whole rounds. This adds visual interest and makes the board feel abundant.  

Step 2: Choose Three Meats & Shape Them Like A Pro 

Adding cured meats brings richness and depth to your board. We’re talking prosciutto ribbons, salami roses and perfectly folded slices. For a spring-inspired spread, go for: 

• Prosciutto: Delicate, buttery and best when lightly folded to add volume. 

• Salami: Try making salami roses. Fold thin slices in half, layer them in a circle around a small glass, then flip for a beautiful floral effect. 

• Soppressata: Add a lighter protein for balance. 

Pro Tip: Arrange meats in natural folds or ribbon-like waves to create texture. Meats should never touch each other directly. Use crackers, fruit or nuts to create separation and contrast—it’s a subtle trick that makes everything look intentional. 

Step 3: Incorporate Three Accompaniments 

This is where we bring in those fresh, vibrant spring flavors: 

• Fruits: Strawberries, apricots, kiwis and pink pearl apples for a pop of color. 

• Vegetables: Spring peas, asparagus spears, radishes and baby carrots for a garden-fresh crunch.  

• Spreads: Wildflower honey, fig jam, apricot preserves or grainy mustard. 

• Pickled Elements: Cornichons, Castelvetrano olives or marinated artichokes.  

Pro Tip: Drizzle honey over blue cheese—if you know, you know. 

Step 4: Add Three Textural Elements  

A board without crunch? Not on our chefs’ watch. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch and contrast:  

• Nuts: Toasted almonds, pistachios or candied walnuts. Scatter them in different spots for a natural, effortless feel. 

• Spring-Themed Crackers: Look for butterfly-shaped crackers, flower-cut water crackers or herb-infused artisanal crisps to create a seasonal presentation. 

• Fresh Garnishes: Edible flowers like pansies, nasturtiums and chamomile for a pop of color or aromatic touches like lavender sprigs or fresh thyme.  

Pro Tip: Repetition is key. If crackers appear in one spot, let them show up again somewhere else. It keeps the board feeling full and inviting. 

Step 5: Plate Like a Chef 

A beautifully arranged board isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about balance, texture and visual appeal. Follow these steps to create a spread that looks as incredible as it tastes. 

Start with the Foundation 

• Choose the right board. A large wooden or marble board provides a sturdy base, while slate can add a dramatic touch. 

• Use the right tools. Offer a variety of cheese knives—pronged knives for soft cheeses, a flat knife for semi-hard cheeses and a spade knife for firm cheeses. 

• Incorporate small bowls and ramekins. These keep spreads, pickled elements and small nuts contained while adding structure to the board. 

Build the Layers 

• Place your cheeses first. Start with a mix of whole blocks, wedges and crumbles to create dimension. If you cut one cheese into triangles, keep that shape consistent throughout. 

• Layer in your crackers. Choose a variety—seedy, long and thin, square. Arrange some in neat stacks, fan others out and toss a few casually for an effortless look. 

• Add meats with intention. If salami appears once, repeat it elsewhere. Fold prosciutto into gentle waves and nestle meats between cheeses and fruits for contrast. 

• Fill in the gaps with accompaniments. Scatter fresh and dried fruits, place nuts in small clusters and add pickled elements in tiny bowls. Balance colors, shapes and textures so every bite is exciting. 

Perfect the Presentation 

• Lean into repetition. Create multiple piles of the same cracker or nut, arranging them consistently for a cohesive look. 

• Mind your spacing. Avoid placing similar colors or textures next to each other. Separate meats, cheeses and crackers with contrasting elements. 

• Add height and dimension. Stack or fold crackers, fan out meats and layer cheeses to make the board visually dynamic. 

• Use toothpicks and skewers. These make it easy for guests to grab small bites without disrupting the arrangement. 

• Garnish intentionally. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs, edible flowers or a drizzle of honey makes all the difference in presentation. 

Final Step: Step back. Look at your board. Adjust for color balance and texture. Then take a pic—because it’ll be gone before you know it. 

Hungry for more? Get set for spring with our collections of seasonally inspired dinnerware and entertaining essentials! 

Shop Our Spring Dinnerware Collections!