Charcuterie boards are a fun addition to any gathering, but there are times when mini individual charcuterie boards make more sense than a larger display. Small charcuterie boards are great for events where you want everyone to grab something quickly and mingle, for a movie night in where you want everyone to get an even mix of the foods, or for an event where you just want to portion everything out ahead of time.

How to Make a Small Charcuterie Board

1. Choose your serving boards. 6” x 9” is a great size to aim for if you’re looking for something that people can easily hold but feels right for snacks instead of a full meal. I love the compostable bamboo trays shown in these images – they are a little rustic with different textures on each but are very sturdy and look beautiful. 
2. Choose and purchase foods. See below for lots of ideas, but aim for 2 meats, 2 cheese, 2 starches, and 2 extras (like fruit, veggies, honey, and nuts).
3. Assemble. You can assemble the boards ahead, with a few exceptions. See below for tips. 
4. Serve! Set them out and enjoy!

Mini Charcuterie Board Ideas

If following the 2-2-2-2 rule for your mini boards, here are a few ideas.

• 2 Cheeses – preferably one firm or semi-firm that you can slice (like manchego, havarti, gruyere, or mimolette) and one softer cheese that can be served in small portions (brie or goat cheese are always good options; I love the mini brie from Trader Joe’s shown in these photos).
• 2 Meats – Prosciutto and salami are my go-to for small charcuterie boards. However, you can get away with just serving one meat, especially if you’ll have nuts on the board for savory protein.
• 2 Starches – Look for 2 very different shapes like crisp breadsticks and small crackers.
• 2 Extras – Here’s where you can get really creative. A small jar of honey or fruit compote can make a fun statement. I love to add green grapes for a pop of color and sweet flavor. Dried fruit or olives are classic. Or even add some small chocolates, chocolate-covered almonds, or another small sweet treat.

Can You Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make charcuterie boards ahead of time, but moisture is the enemy. Keep wet and dry components separate until about an hour before serving them. A good way to assemble the boards is to place the cheese, meat, and fruit on the boards up to a day ahead. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. 30 minutes before serving, you can add the starches and any other extras. 

How to Assemble a Cheese or Charcuterie Board

1. Start with cheese. Place the cheeses on opposite sides of the board.
2. Add the meat. Tuck the meat around the cheese. If using salami, fold them into halves or quarters to add some height and texture.
3. Add the starches. Arrange the crackers around the cheese and meat. 
4. Scatter the extras over the top. If you’re serving a small jar of something or fruit, put those down first in the empty space available. Pile all of the other extras around the board so that they fill in any empty spots. 

How Much to Buy for Each Person

This can vary a lot depending on how much other food is being served, but if you want to serve your mini charcuterie boards as a hearty snack for a gathering that may or may not include other food, here is a good general guideline.

• 2 ounces of cheese / person
• 2 ounces of meat / person
• 10-15 small crackers / person
• 1 cup of extras / person (like ½ cup of grapes and ½ cup of dried fruit or nuts)

More Fun Party Recipes

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Brie and Balsamic Honey

Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Crispy Baked Spring Rolls