Whether it’s date night, a catch-up with friends, a lazy weekend with family, or just you on the sofa with something chilled — a charcuterie and cheese board is the answer. It’s easy to put together, looks impressive, and makes any moment feel a bit special.
Watch & Learn: Charcuterie Styling with Steven Wallis
Not sure where to start? Steven Wallis, MasterChef winner and flavour expert, shows you how to build a beautifully balanced board with ease and style. Watch the video below for tips on arranging ingredients, flavour pairings, and how to bring the whole thing together.
How to Build a Beautiful Board in 5 Simple Steps
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Pick your cheeses – Go for variety: soft (brie), hard (cheddar), and something bold (blue).
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Add some meats – Think salami, prosciutto or something a bit spicy.
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Fill in the gaps – Use fresh fruit, nuts, olives or dried figs.
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Layer on the flavour – Add chutneys and jams to elevate every bite.
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Serve it up – On a handmade wooden board, with a drink in hand.
Accompaniments That Steal the Show
These bold condiments take your board from good to unforgettable:
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Raspberry & Chilli Jam – Sweet, punchy and perfect with brie or blue cheese
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Mango & Chilli Chutney – A fruity hit that pairs well with sharp cheddar
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Palestinian Shatta (chilli jam) – Adds aromatic heat and depth
Spread, dip or drizzle — they work beautifully with everything on the board.
Switch the Wine
We love wine, but cider deserves a moment.
Mango & lime cider is a refreshing swap — it cuts through the richness of the cheese and brings a zesty lift. Also great: elderflower spritz, sparkling kombucha or a cold alcohol-free rosé.
Serve It in Style
A good board deserves a good board.
We recommend the handmade wooden boards from Ben Simpson, a family-run maker crafting boards that are rustic, beautiful and built to last. They’re perfect for serving indoors or out.
Quick Kit List
Here’s what you’ll need:
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✅ 2–3 types of cheese
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✅ 1–2 kinds of cured meats
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✅ Fruit (grapes, figs, apple slices)
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✅ Crackers and nuts
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✅ Your choice of jam or chutney
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✅ A wooden serving board
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✅ Something to sip
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble just before guests arrive and keep it chilled if it’s warm outside.
What if I don’t eat meat?
Go heavy on the cheese, add hummus, marinated veg, and extra crackers or roasted nuts.
Can I take this on a picnic?
Absolutely — pre-slice what you can, pop everything into containers, and bring a wine cooler or flask to keep drinks chilled.
Save This for Later
Planning a picnic, party or just feel like grazing on something tasty?
📌 Save this guide and tag us when you make your own board — we’d love to see what you come up with!
