What to Put on the Perfect Charcuterie Board — From the Table of Harrison Daniel Studio
What to Put on the Perfect Charcuterie Board — From the Table of Harrison Daniel Studio
At Harrison Daniel Studio, we craft pieces that bring people together — whether it’s around a dining table, a kitchen island, or a handcrafted charcuterie board. Few things capture that spirit of shared experience quite like a well-styled, thoughtfully prepared charcuterie board.
But what exactly makes a charcuterie board perfect? It's a balance of textures, flavours, and colours — all presented in a way that invites people to slow down, taste, and connect.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or setting the tone for a quiet night in, here’s our guide to building a charcuterie board that’s equal parts rustic charm and refined elegance.
🧀 1. Start with the Cheese (3–5 Varieties)
Cheese is the anchor of any charcuterie board. Aim for a mix of textures and milk types:
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Soft & Spreadable – Brie, Camembert, or a herbed goat cheese
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Firm & Sharp – Aged cheddar, Manchego, or Gruyère
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Blue or Funky – Gorgonzola or Roquefort for depth
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Fresh – Mozzarella balls or burrata for creaminess
Pro tip: Take cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavours bloom.
🥩 2. Add Cured Meats (2–3 Types)
Choose a few high-quality meats to layer in salty, savoury richness:
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Prosciutto – Fold into soft ribbons
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Soppressata or Salami – Slice thinly for easy stacking
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Chorizo or Coppa – For a touch of spice
If you want to keep things vegetarian, swap in marinated mushrooms, smoked tofu, or grilled artichokes for umami flair.
🍞 3. Offer a Bread & Cracker Base
Your guests will need something to build on. Offer a mix of textures:
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Rustic baguette slices
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Seeded crackers
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Gluten-free crispbreads
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Breadsticks or flatbread shards
Place them around the board or in a separate bowl to prevent sogginess.
🍇 4. Add Fresh and Dried Fruits
Fruit brings sweetness, colour, and a seasonal element. A few go-to favourites:
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Fresh – Grapes (still on the vine), figs, sliced apples or pears
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Dried – Apricots, cherries, or Medjool dates
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Seasonal – Pomegranate seeds in winter, peaches in summer
The goal is to balance the saltiness of the meats and cheese.
🥜 5. Don’t Forget Nuts and Extras
These little touches make your board feel layered and intentional:
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Marcona almonds or candied pecans
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Olives (Castelvetrano or Kalamata)
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Cornichons or pickled veggies
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Honeycomb or fig jam
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Whole grain or Dijon mustard
We love using small handmade ramekins or pinch bowls to hold wet or messy elements. (Tip: Our studio occasionally crafts small vessels and accessories to pair with our boards — ask us what's available!)
🌿 6. Garnish with Greenery
A few sprigs of rosemary, edible flowers, or arugula leaves can add colour, freshness, and structure to the layout. It’s the simplest way to elevate the presentation from snack tray to centerpiece.
🪵 7. Choose the Right Board
Of course, the foundation matters. A beautifully made board elevates the whole experience.
At Harrison Daniel Studio, our charcuterie boards are handcrafted with care using responsibly sourced hardwoods like walnut, maple, and cherry. Each one is designed not just for function, but to become a part of your gatherings — and maybe even an heirloom of your own.
We offer:
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Live-edge serving boards
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Handled trays for easy serving
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Custom engraved boards for gifts or special occasions
🍷 Bonus Tip: Pair It With a Drink
No board is complete without a thoughtful drink pairing. A few ideas:
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Red wine – Try a Pinot Noir or Cabernet
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White wine – Go for something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc
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Craft beer – Belgian ales or farmhouse saisons pair beautifully
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Non-alcoholic – Sparkling water with herbs or a homemade shrub
Final Thoughts
A charcuterie board isn’t just food — it’s an experience. It invites people to linger, to taste something new, to talk, and to share. And like the custom furniture we create at Harrison Daniel Studio, the best boards are made with care, intention, and a deep love for craft.
Ready to serve in style?
Explore our handcrafted boards or contact us for a custom piece that fits your style and space.