Charcuterie boards are everywhere in all shapes and forms and for every event. I have put together a gluten free charcuterie board with the best of a cheese board and charcuterie board to make one large gluten free party platter. Step by step process of what food to use to how to arrange a charcuterie board.
I have tried to break the process down to its most basic form to include a charcuterie board shopping list, what goes on a charcuterie board, ideas for charcuterie board, and how to scale from a small board for a couple to larger party platters.
A gluten free charcuterie is perfect for a couple's date night, family game night or larger parties, or family gatherings. Served as an appetizer, part of a buffet, or as a grazing board.
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Why we love this
- No cooking involved
- Adaptable
- Grazing table addition
- Easy to put together
What is a Charcuterie board
Charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tər-ee) is a french term for cooked cured cold meats such as ham, pork, and sausages just to name a few. Dating back to the 15th century has become quite a hit in recent years and is often seen with many variations.
A charcuterie board has become popular worldwide as an appetizer by serving cured meats accompanied by cheese, crackers, bread, nuts, fruits, and vegetables on a wooden board, stone slab, or serving platter.
A cheese and cold cuts platter are perfect when hosting guests or an easy addition to a dinner party as there is really very little preparation. No cooking is involved and it is mostly about arranging all the prepared food on a board ready for serving and the guests help themselves.
Charcuterie board shopping list
I have put together a guide of ideas of what goes on a charcuterie board. Below is a guide to help you organize your shopping list when shopping for the cheese and meat platter based on how many people you are serving.
- Mini Charcuterie board for two - choose 2 items from each section below to make a small charcuterie board perfect for date night or Valentine's treat.
- Gluten free platter for 4-6 - choose 3 items from each section below to make a medium-sized board perfect to serve as a charcuterie appetizer or game night nibbles.
- Party Charcuterie board - Choose anything from 3-5 items from each section below depending on how many people are attending the event to make a large charcuterie board.
What boards to use
Really there is no set rule for choosing a charcuterie board. Most commonly the meat and cheese are served on a wooden board but really anything goes. So if you have a serving platter or tray. Glass, wooden, or plastic.
For a small charcuterie board for two, a smaller round board or plate will be perfect. For a larger charcuterie board, a larger tray or board will work better for fitting all the elements.
You don't have to go buy a new board or fancy serving dish. Wrap a regular baking sheet with foil as once all the cheese, meat and accompaniments are on the tray you won't see much of it as the food is the star of the show.
What meat to include
When putting together the meat board it's always good to know the preferences of your guests. I like to add a little variety as I feel you really then can't go wrong.
List of some popular meat for a charcuterie board.
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Hams
- Italian Sausages
- Pepperoni
Really any cured meats work well and you can add in any additional meat that is your favorite. Also see is sausage gluten free for more information.
Always check the packaging ingredients label of any hams, sausages, or meat just to be sure that it contains no gluten ingredients. As some manufacturers may have additional ingredients that may contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination.
What cheese to use
When putting together a cheese and charcuterie board it's good to have a small variety of cheese from soft cheese to harder cheese. Slicing the harder cheese into thin slices or small cubes will make it easier for your guests when serving.
List of some popular cheeses for a charcuterie board.
- Brie
- Camembert
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Feta
- Goats cheese
You can choose from the list above using a variety of soft and harder cheeses and also add in your preferred cheese.
Always check the packaging ingredients label of any cheese. Most cheeses are naturally gluten free. Some manufacturers may have additional ingredients that may contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination.
Gluten free Crackers for Charcuterie board
It wouldn't be a gluten free charcuterie board without gluten free crackers or bread. There are two choices when putting together the board. Serve the crackers and bread on the board or on a separate plate.
I usually make my board fully gluten free and do not serve any crackers or bread that is not gluten free. If you want to have the option of regular bread and crackers for your guests be sure to serve on a separate plate and offer your guest separate utensils to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. We don't want any crumbs containing gluten to contaminate the food on the board.
List of the best gluten free cracker for a charcuterie board.
- Crunchmaster gluten free crackers
- Schar gluten free crackers
- Snack Organisation Rice crackers
- Nairn's gluten free crackers
- Nairn's gluten free oat cakes
- Good Thins gluten free Rice crackers
- Gluten free Flatbreads
- Toasted gluten free breads
Also, check your local store as they may have a gluten free range that includes crackers. I like to include a variety of crackers from smaller crackers to larger crackers. Also toasting gluten free bread and slicing it into smaller bite-sized pieces are great options.
Extra accompaniments
Including additional smaller foods can just elevate the gluten free platter and offer more flavors and textures to complement the meat and cheese on offer.
List of gluten free nibbles for a charcuterie board.
- Nuts
- Fresh Fruit - grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, olives and any seasonal fruit.
- Dried fruit - raisins, cherries, apricots, cranberries, or mixed dried fruit selection.
- Vegetables - sliced or cubed cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes.
- Gluten free mini pretzels or gluten free bread sticks.
- Sauces and dips - olive oil, honey, hummus, jams, and chutneys.
Always check the ingredients label of any condiments. Some manufacturers may have additional ingredients that may contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy free Charcuterie board - use dairy free cheese available in most larger stores.
- gluten free party platters - use smaller serving dishes to make an individual meat board and serve alongside other platters.
- Butter board - I love the idea of this butter board from Justine Doiron as a grazing board idea.
- gluten free cheese board - if you want a meat-free platter then you can make a cheese board excluding the meat products.
Step by Step Instructions
Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make Gluten free Charcuterie Board at home. See the recipe card below for more printable instructions.
Step 1: Start by placing the cheeses on the board. There are no set rules but I like to place cheese on each quarter of the board as I feel this creates balance in the board.
Slice any hard cheese before to make it easier to remove when eating.
Step 2: Add the meats to the board, again with the same concept of creating balance. This is more pleasing to the eye and makes all the food on the board accessible from all angles.
When placing the meats I like to try and make it interesting by creating different shapes with the meat.
- Lay longer stripes of meat to create lines.
- Fold meats to create triangles.
- Bunch together thin slices of meat to create a fan effect.
- Roll the meat and stack them together to create height.
- My favorite is with small round meats like pepperoni sliced halfway into the circle and then rolling the meat from the cut edge into itself to make a small spiral-like appearance. Similar to a rose but much easier and takes little effort.
Step 3: Then add any smaller dipping sauces or chutneys to the board. I like to place any meat around the dishes to create further interest.
You can leave the dipping dishes to the side of the charcuterie board if preferred or if you feel they are a little large and take up a lot of board space.
Step 4: Introduce the crackers and bread to the board. Again using the method of creating balance.
Placing smaller crackers in spaces that are tighter and using larger crackers of slices breads to create lines or fanned appearance.
You will want to keep crackers on a separate plate if you are not creating a fully gluten free board to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
One platter for gluten free crackers and another separate platter for regular crackers. Then this way ti makes the charcuterie board safe and gluten free.
Step 5: Add the chosen fruit, veg, or extras to the board ensuring that there is some at each angle of the board.
I also like to think about color as well as balance when I get to this step. Placing darker fruit near lighter foods on the board and vice-verser.
Is one side of the board noticeably lighter than the other and by adding in a few extra dark berries or grapes balances the color of the board.
Step 6: At this point, all the main elements are on the board. I then continue with the view of filling out any spaces with extra meat, cheese, nuts, and fruit using the balance and color theory to make it aesthetically pleasing.
Serving utensils
- Sharp cheese knife's for cutting cheese
- forks
- Small spoons for chutneys
- Honey wand
- Toothpicks
- Small serving plates
- Napkins
Recipe FAQs
Yes, It is so easy to make a gluten free charcuterie board. Most cured cold meats and cheese are gluten free. Using gluten free crackers or gluten free breads to accompany the food ensures that it is safe for anyone following a gluten free diet.
Most cured meats from the deli are naturally gluten free. Although some manufacturers have been known to add additional ingredients that contain gluten. Always check the ingredients label to be sure that any meat is gluten free.
More gluten free recipes
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Charcuterie Board
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.
Equipment
- Board, serving platter or tray
- Sharp cheese knife's
- Small spoons for chutneys
- Honey wand optional if serving honey
- Toothpicks
- Small serving plates
- Napkins
Ingredients
Ingredients for a gluten free charcuterie board
Meat - Choose 3-5 for a party platter
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Sliced cooked Ham
- Italian Sausage
- Pepperoni
Cheeses - Choose 3-5 for a party platter
- Brie
- Camembert
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Feta
- Goats cheese
Gluten free crackers - Choose 3-5 for a party platter
- Crunchmaster gluten free crackers
- Schar gluten free crackers
- Snack Organisation Rice crackers
- Nairn's gluten free crackers
- Nairn's gluten free oat cakes
- Good Thins gluten free Rice crackers
- Gluten free Flatbreads
- Toasted gluten free breads
Extras - Choose 3-5 for a party platter
- Nuts
- Fresh Fruit - grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, olives, and any seasonal fruit.
- Dried fruit - raisins, cherries, apricots, cranberries, or mixed dried fruit selection.
- Vegetables - sliced or cubed cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes.
- Gluten free mini pretzels or gluten free bread sticks.
- Sauces and dips - olive oil, honey, hummus, jams, and chutneys.
Instructions
How to assemble a charcuterie board
Adding Cheese
- Slice any hard cheese before to make it easier to remove when eating.
- Start by placing the cheeses on the board. There are no set rules but I like to place cheese on each quarter of the board as I feel this creates balance in the board.
Adding the meat
- Add the meats to the board, again with the same concept of creating balance. This is more pleasing to the eye and makes all the food on the board accessible from all angles.
- When placing the meats I like to try and make it interesting by creating different shapes with the meat.
- Lay longer stripes of meat to create lines. Fold meats to create triangles. Bunch together thin slices of meat to create a fan effect. Roll the meat and stack them together to create height. My favorite is with small round meats like pepperoni sliced halfway into the circle and then rolling the meat from the cut edge into itself to make a small spiral-like appearance. Similar to a rose but much easier and takes little effort.
Dips and chutneys
- Then add any smaller dipping sauces or chutneys to the board. I like to place any meat around the dishes to create further interest.
- You can leave the dipping dishes to the side of the charcuterie board if preferred or if you feel they are a little large and take up a lot of board space.
Adding crackers
- Introduce the crackers and bread to the board. Again using the method of creating balance.
- Placing smaller crackers in spaces that are tighter and using larger crackers of slices of bread to create lines or fanned appearance.
- You will want to keep crackers on a separate plate if you are not creating a fully gluten free board to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Adding fruit, vegetables, and extra nibbles
- Add the chosen fruit, veg, or extras to the board ensuring that there is some at each angle of the board.
- I also like to think about color as well as balance when I get to this step. Placing darker fruit near lighter foods on the board and vice-verser.
- Is one side of the board noticeably lighter than the other and adding in a few extra dark berries or grapes balances the color of the board.
Completing the gluten free charcuterie board
- At this point, all the main elements are on the board. I then continue with the view of filling out any spaces with extra meat, cheese, nuts, and fruit using the balance and color theory to make it aesthetically pleasing.
Notes
- Mini Charcuterie board for two - choose 2 items from each section below to make a small charcuterie board perfect for date night or Valentine's treat.
- Gluten free platter for 4-6 - choose 3 items from each section below to make a medium-sized board perfect to serve as a charcuterie appetizer or game night nibbles.
- Party Charcuterie board - Choose anything from 3-5 items from each section below depending on how many people are attending the event to make a large charcuterie board.
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.
I hope you enjoyed this Gluten free Charcuterie board recipe.
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