Fall is here, and that means cozy get-togethers, football watch parties, and holiday dinners are just around the corner. What better way to wow your guests (and keep them happily snacking) than with a charcuterie board that doubles as art?
Start with colors and textures that feel like fall: rich reds from plums and grapes, bright green olives and kiwi, creamy white cheeses, and golden citrus slices. Mix it up with a variety of cheeses, meats, and fruits so there’s something for everyone.
Get creative with placement: Roll or twist salami and prosciutto into little rosettes, fan out cheese slices, and decorate fruit with playful cuts. Use small bowls for olives, pickles, or nuts to add height and keep things neat.
And here’s your secret weapon: flowers or greenery. Tuck in some white roses or sprigs of herbs for an elegant, unexpected touch.
Finally, don’t be shy: Layer, overlap, and fill every inch so it looks abundant and irresistible. With a little flair, your fall charcuterie board will steal the show and earn you major hostess points!
Expert Tips
The beauty of a great board lies in its variety—offering a little something for everyone, from the savory and salty to the sweet and unexpected. If you're not sure where to start, here’s a breakdown of delicious pairings and thoughtful touches to help you build a board that’s as impressive as it is inviting.
Cheeses—Choose three to five
- Soft/creamy: Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, Boursin
- Semi-soft: Havarti, fontina, Munster
- Firm: Manchego, aged gouda, cheddar
- Sharp/blue: Blue cheese, gorgonzola, Roquefort
- Unique additions: Truffle cheese, smoked mozzarella, herbed goat cheese
Cured Meats
- Classic: Prosciutto, Genoa salami, soppressata
- Spicy: Calabrese salami, chorizo
- Sliced meats: Capicola, mortadella
- Snackable: Pepperoni sticks, summer sausage, beef bresaola
Fruits
- Fresh red or green grapes
- Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Apple or pear slices (brush with lemon juice to prevent browning)
- Dried apricots, cranberries, dates, figs, cherries
Nuts
- Marcona almonds (perfectly salty and soft)
- Pistachios (in or out of the shell)
- Cashews, walnuts, candied pecans
- Smoked or spiced almonds
Breads & Crackers
- Crostini or baguette slices
- Artisan crackers (use a variety of whole grain, seeded, etc.)
- Breadsticks or grissini
- Flatbreads or pita chips
Optional Extras to Elevate the Board
- Olives (Castelvetrano, kalamata, stuffed green)
- Cornichons or pickled vegetables
- Honey or honeycomb
- Whole grain or Dijon mustard
- Fig jam or apricot preserves
- Dark chocolate squares or chocolate-covered almonds
MarissaFiskCatering.com |@modernmomchef
Chef Marissa Fisk
A food blogger, chef, and mom of two with a flair for styling and flavor, Fisk shares approachable recipes, clever entertaining tips, and drool-worthy charcuterie boards that anyone can recreate. Her passion for making everyday moments feel special shines through in everything she does—whether it’s crafting a seasonal board, baking with her kids, or hosting a casual dinner party. Known for her vibrant style and knack for mixing practicality with pretty, Fisk inspires moms everywhere to slow down, savor the season, and gather around good food.