Ingredients
8 oz brie Creamy centerpiece that softens at room temp, pairs with fruits
8 oz camembert Earthy rind cheese for variety, slice into wedges
4 oz sharp cheddar Bold flavor cubes for contrast, easy to skewer
4 oz prosciutto Thin slices rolled into roses, adds salty elegance
4 oz salami Fold into hearts or fans, sturdy and crowd-pleasing
1 pint strawberries Whole or halved, natural heart shapes, juicy sweetness
1/2 pint raspberries Pop of color and tartness, scatter for texture
1/4 small watermelon Cut into hearts, refreshing pink bites
6 oz dark chocolate Shaved or broken bars, indulgent melt
12 chocolate-covered strawberries Pre-made or dip your own, romantic touch
6 fresh figs Soft, jammy slices for sophistication
1 bunch red grapes Clusters cascading down, easy grab
4 oz marcona almonds Buttery crunch, Spanish flair
4 oz pistachios Shelled for pretty green, nutty balance
1 cup mixed olives Briny pop, drain well
1/4 cup honey Drizzle for sweetness, use squeeze bottle
1 box crackers Neutral base, 20-30 pieces assorted
1 baguette, sliced Toasted lightly if desired, crusty edges
4 oz raspberry jam Small jar for smearing, fruity dip
4 oz fig jam Complements cheeses, thick spread
Instructions
1-First Step: Mise en place Gather all ingredients. Wash fruits, pat dry. Slice cheeses into wedges or cubes. Roll prosciutto into 6-8 roses: layer slices, twist gently. Cut salami into hearts with cookie cutter if available. Prep watermelon hearts using small cutter. Shave chocolate. Slice baguette into 1/4-inch rounds.
2-Second Step: Anchor the center Place brie wheel or camembert round in the middle. Add a small bowl of raspberry jam nearby for dipping. This draws eyes and balances flavors.
3-Third Step: Build around meats and cheeses Fan prosciutto roses and salami hearts around the center. Position 3-5 cheddar cubes in odd clusters. Add camembert wedges opposite brie for flow. Leave gaps for other items.
4-Fourth Step: Layer fruits and sweets Arrange strawberries in a heart shape at the top. Cascade grapes down one side. Dot raspberries, figs, and watermelon hearts in gaps. Place chocolate-covered strawberries upright for height. Scatter dark chocolate shavings.
5-Fifth Step: Add crunch and drizzles Sprinkle marcona almonds and pistachios in small piles. Nestle olives. Position crackers and baguette slices along edges for easy access. Drizzle honey over cheeses in zigzags.
6-Sixth Step: Garnish and refine Tuck edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs. Adjust for balance using rule of thirds: divide board mentally into thirds, place focal points at intersections. Step back, fill empty spots with nuts or fruit.
7-Final Step: Finishing touches and serving Let sit 15 minutes to soften cheeses. Serve at room temp with wine glasses. For photos, use natural light. This easy valentines day charcuterie board impresses without effort.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧀 Take cheeses out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow them to reach room temperature – this enhances their flavors and makes them easier to spread
🍓 Use heart-shaped cookie cutters on cheese slices or arrange strawberries in heart shapes to add romantic touches to your presentation
🎨 Create visual interest by varying heights and textures – use small bowls for jams and nuts, and fold meats in different ways to add dimension to your board
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian (with meat options)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of board
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg