Planning a holiday board is mostly a question of quantity. Too little and the table looks sparse by the second hour, and too much means a week of leftovers. This guide gives you the amounts, a six-step plan and a few shortcuts.
How much to buy
Plan on 1.5 to 2 ounces of cheese and 1.5 to 2 ounces of cured meat per guest when the board is an appetizer. If the board is the meal, double those amounts.
| Guests | Cheese (appetizer) | Cured meat (appetizer) | Crackers and bread |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10 to 12 oz, 3 cheeses | 10 to 12 oz, 2 meats | 1 box |
| 12 | 1.25 to 1.5 lb, 4 cheeses | 1.25 to 1.5 lb, 3 meats | 2 boxes |
| 20 | 2 to 2.5 lb, 5 cheeses | 2 to 2.5 lb, 3 to 4 meats | 3 to 4 boxes |
Build the board in six steps
- Pick the cheeses. Choose a mix of soft, firm and blue, so there is something for every guest. Browse our cheese collection.
- Add two or three cured meats. Sliced prosciutto, a salami and a spicy soppressata cover most tastes. See our cured meats.
- Choose something sweet. Jam, honey or dried fruit works well with sharp cheeses.
- Add something salty or crunchy. Nuts and olives fill the gaps.
- Set out crackers and bread in a separate basket so the board stays uncrowded.
- Take cheese out 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Cold cheese has less flavor.
Shortcuts
- Cheese Spread Sampler ($49.99): four of our cheese spreads plus two crostini, ready to set out.
- Crostini Sampler Set ($27.99): crunchy crostini made to go with spreads and cheese.
- Salami Sampler Set ($59.99): a variety of slow air-cured salami for the meat side of the board.
Skip the shopping
If you would rather not assemble it, the Italian Market Gift Crate serves 10 to 12, and Abbondanza works for a smaller table.
Keep it safe and fresh
Assemble the board a few hours ahead, cover it and keep it in the refrigerator. Set it out shortly before guests arrive, and put leftovers away after about two hours at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How much cheese per person for a holiday party?
About 1.5 to 2 ounces as an appetizer, or 4 to 6 ounces if cheese is the main event.
How many cheeses should be on a board?
Three to five. Fewer feels sparse for a crowd, and more is hard to eat.
What goes on a charcuterie board?
Cheese, cured meats, something sweet, something salty, and crackers or bread.
How far ahead can I make a board?
A few hours. Cover it and refrigerate it, then take it out shortly before serving.
