How to Make a Healthier Charcuterie Board

Have you seen pictures of beautifully assembled charcuterie boards and thought about making one at home? It’s easier than you think.

Charcuterie (shar-KOO-ta-REE) is a term that dates back to 15th century France, when it was used to describe products made from pork. Charcuterie boards (or plates) were originally named for displays of cold, cooked meats. More recently, the term has become synonymous with cured meat and cheese boards—platters containing artfully arranged meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, fruits and other snack-size items. 

Once you learn the basics of arranging the platter, you’ll see how fun and easy it is to create a charcuterie board that will impress and delight your guests. I also like to make smaller platters to enjoy with my family when we’re in the mood for a lighter meal. 

Watch my video to see me making a charcuterie board. Below, you’ll find a list of ingredients for making your own. 

Healthier Charcuterie Board

For the platter in my video, I used the following ingredients. Measurements are not important for this recipe—choose quantities based on personal preference and size of the platter or bowls you use for the arrangement. You can replenish various items as needed.

INGREDIENTS

• Meats—sliced ham and roast beef (lower-sodium, all natural), turkey jerky
• Cheeses—Brie, Manchego, cheddar
• Grains—a mix of seeded, oat, and whole grain crackers; pumpernickel sticks
• Nuts and snacks—almonds, cashews, roasted garbanzos (chickpeas), olives
• Red beet eggs and deviled eggs
• Hummus—doctored up classic and roasted beet 
• Fruit—clementine oranges, grapes, dried apricots, dried figs
• Veggies—mini cucumbers, mini bell peppers, snap peas, carrot chips
• Mini dark chocolates

SUBSTITUTIONS

Have fun and experiment! Try any of the following ingredients or any favorites I may have missed.

• Cheeses—use a mix of hard, semi-soft and soft cheeses such as Parmesan, aged gouda, asiago, gruyere, Havarti, burrata, gorgonzola, goat or Boursin
• Meats—prosciutto, sopressata, Genoa salami (add cured meats in moderation for a healthier platter)
• Spreads—tapenade, pate, fruit preserves, marmalade or jam
• Fruits—apple or pear wedges, strawberries, blackberries or raspberries, dates, cherries
• Raw vegetables—baby carrots, grape or cherry tomatoes, radishes, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli
• Grains—crostini, rice crackers, mini pretzels