The 6-ingredient board
Brie, cheddar, salami, crackers, grapes and a drizzle of honey on the brie. The template for everything else.
You need: 6 items
for-twono-cook
Charcuterie · small & simple
Small and Simple Charcuterie Board Ideas
You don't need 20 ingredients. These boards use six to eight items and take ten minutes, and they still look great.
Quick answer
A simple charcuterie board needs just six things: 2 cheeses (one soft, one firm), 1–2 meats, crackers, one fruit and one extra like olives, nuts or honey. For two people, plan about 3 oz (85 g) of cheese and 3 oz of meat in total as a snack. A cutting board or large plate is all you need.
Date night snack plate
Manchego, chorizo, almonds, quince paste and crusty bread. Spanish tapas in five minutes.
You need: manchego, chorizo, almonds
for-twono-cook
Caprese board
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic and baguette slices.
You need: mozzarella, tomatoes
no-cookbudget
Apple and cheddar board
Sharp cheddar, sliced apple, walnuts, honey and oat crackers.
You need: cheddar, apple
budgetno-cook
Picnic box board
Pack a food container with cheese cubes, salami, crackers, grapes and cornichons for an easy picnic.
You need: a container
for-two
Prosciutto and melon
Wrap melon wedges in prosciutto, add burrata and rocket. Summery and elegant.
You need: melon, prosciutto
for-twono-cook
Weeknight snack board
Whatever's in the fridge: a cheese, a meat, a fruit, a cracker and a pickle. Cut neatly and it looks intentional.
You need: fridge leftovers
budget
Cheese and chocolate board
Two cheeses, dark chocolate, strawberries and a dessert wine.
You need: chocolate, berries
for-two
Pickle plate
Cornichons, pickled onions, olives, a sharp cheddar and rye crackers.
You need: jars of pickles
budgetno-cook
Hummus mini board
Hummus, pitta triangles, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and feta.
You need: hummus, pitta
budgetno-cook
Mini butter board
Softened butter swooshed on a small board with honey, flaky salt and warm bread.
You need: butter, bread
budget
Cheese flight
Three cheeses from mild to strong with a small note on each, plus crackers and grapes.
You need: 3 cheeses
for-two
Movie night plate
Popcorn, cheese cubes, pretzels and grapes in little piles.
You need: popcorn
budget
Breakfast for two
Croissants, jam, butter, ham, cheese and berries.
You need: croissants
for-two
Individual 'jarcuterie'
Small jars with a cheese skewer, folded salami, a breadstick and grapes.
You need: jars, skewers
no-cook
Tips that make it work
Use a plate
A dinner plate or chopping board works fine for two. Smaller boards look fuller, which looks better.
Cut a few pieces
Pre-slice part of each cheese so it looks inviting and people know how to start.
One drizzle
Honey over brie or olive oil over mozzarella makes a simple board feel special.
Frequently asked questions
What is the simplest charcuterie board?
Two cheeses, one cured meat, crackers and grapes. Five ingredients, five minutes.
How much charcuterie for 2 people?
About 3 oz (85 g) of meat and 3 oz of cheese as a snack, or double that if it's dinner.
How long can a charcuterie board sit out?
Up to 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour if it's above 90°F/32°C). For longer parties, refill a smaller board from the fridge instead of putting everything out at once.