Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (2024)

written by Brit Kapustina

Jump to Recipe

Featuring an array of sweet indulgences and a few savory snacks, this Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board is the perfect treat to share with your sweetheart!

Why go out on Valentine’s Day when you could be snacking on this Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board in the comfort of your own home? Whether you’re making a cozy board for two or a more elaborate appetizer for your Galentine’s Day party, this guide will show you how to make a Valentine’s snack platter that has everyone making heart eyes!

And make sure to check out our Ultimate Charcuterie Board Guide for a detailed look at putting together an epic snack platter!

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (1)

Charcuterie ingredients

This Valentine’s Day charcuterie board has a few savory ingredients and lots of sweet elements. You can mix and match to get your perfect ratio of sweet and salty!

Meat

It’s not a charcuterie board without the meat! I used thin sliced salami to create salami roses for this Valentine themed board.

Creating a salami rose is much easier than you might think and takes just a minute, but you can also simply arrange the meats in a single layer or fold them in halves and quarters.

Cheese

Because this board will have more dessert elements than a typical charcuterie board, you’ll only need one cheese (or two if you’re a cheese fiend).

Brie is my go-to cheese for a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board because it pairs well with sweet ingredients, such as fruit, jam, honey and candied nuts!

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (2)
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (3)

Crackers and cookies

Choose three crackers and cookies, each from one of the following categories. Think about the other ingredients on your Valentine’s Day charcuterie board and pick elements that will pair well with your meat, cheese, dips and accents.

  • Savory cracker: This cracker should pair well with your meat and cheese. I went with fig and olive crackers. Pretzels are also a great option and pair well with both sweet and savory items.
  • Sweet cracker or thin cookie: I used butter almond thins as my sweet cracker, but I’ve also used graham crackers for this board in the past. Ideally, this option is something that you can layer with the dips and fruit you choose.
  • Cookie: I used shortbread cookies, which pair well with Nutella and strawberry jam. My favorite combination on this board is actually a shortbread cookie, topped with nutella and strawberry slices!

Fruit

Choose one or two fruits. This is your chance to add a pop of color to the board to really enhance the Valentine’s Day vibe! Here are some of my favorite pink and red fruits:

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Pomegranate arils
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (4)
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (5)

Dips and spreads

I like to use two dips, but you could add a third if you’re making the board for a larger group.

I almost always go with one chocolate option and one fruity option. I chose Nutella for the chocolate option, which pairs well with fruit, pretzels and shortbread. And for the fruity option, I picked a strawberry jam, which works well with both sweet and savory items. It pairs well with brie cheese and is great on shortbread!

Other great ideas include whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate mousse and cream cheese dip!

Heart accents

Adding heart-shaped accents to your Valentine’s Day charcuterie board is the last step. This is also a great way to try all of the fun Valentine’s Day items at your favorite grocery stores!

I chose three Valentine’s Day candies from Trader Joe’s and ALDI as my accents: jelly bean hearts, Belgian chocolate hearts and chocolate truffle hearts.

Other fun options could be heart-shaped macarons, heart-shaped crackers or conversation hearts!

Step by step instructions

This Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board is super easy to make! As a general guideline, start with your largest items and move to the smallest. Fill in any gaps on your board with your heart-shaped accents.

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (6)

Step 1: Place any small bowls or dishes on the board. Make sure they are evenly spaced throughout the board.

Step 2: Add the meat and cheese. You can pre-slice the brie cheese into wedges. The salami can formed into salami roses or folded into halves or quarters and then arranged on the board so they’re overlapping.

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (7)
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (8)

Step 3: Add the crackers and cookies. Arrange the savory crackers around the salami or brie. Place the cookies and sweet crackers near the Nutella and jam. If you have extra crackers and cookies, keep them nearby for easy refills.

Step 4: Add the fresh fruit. Cut any larger fruits into bite-sized pieces. Evenly space the fruits out so the pops of color on the board appear balanced.

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (9)

Step 5: Fill in any gaps on the board with accents. The heart-shaped accents are the final touch for your Valentine’s board!

Storage

While some elements of this Valentine’s Day charcuterie board can be prepared a day in advance, I don’t recommend arranging the elements on the board until just an hour or two before serving.

To prep this board, I often cut and arrange the cheese and salami ahead of time. I also cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces as needed. Then when it’s time to serve, it takes just minutes to arrange everything on the board!

Pro tip: If you’ll be transporting your board, I recommend using a rimmed tray or platter to help keep all of your elements in place. Then wrap individual dishes (like the Nutella and jam) with plastic wrap and wrap the entire board in a layer of aluminum foil.

Recipe variations

Looking for even more Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board ideas? These options will take your snack platter to the next level!

  • Arrange your charcuterie in a heart box. Those big chocolate heart boxes can be emptied out and used as a charcuterie container. Bonus? The lid makes it perfect for transporting and you get to eat all the chocolates inside.
  • Go all in on the sweets. Forget the brie and salami and make a dessert charcuterie board by adding a few extra treats. I recommend choosing two larger elements to replace the meat and cheese, such as chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, popcorn, homemade marshmallows or mini pastries!
  • Add extra hearts. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a small heart out of your brie. Fill the heart indent with red jam or fruit!
  • Swap the nutella for chocolate fondue. And make sure to include lots of elements that can be dipped in the chocolate fondue, like strawberries, graham crackers, pretzels and marshmallows!
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (10)

FAQs

What can I use for a board?

I used a metal serving tray for this board, but you can really use almost anything! A wooden board or tray, a regular cutting board, or even a large plate (if serving just two people).

Can I make this board ahead of time?

While you can prep the individual ingredients ahead of time, I recommend arranging the board just an hour before serving. This keeps the fruit from releasing moisture onto the board and helps keep cookies and crackers crispy.

What should I serve with this Valentine’s Day charcuterie board?

I like to serve this board after dinner. While there are a few savory elements, it’s almost like a dessert grazing platter. Serve with your favorite wine and enjoy!

And if you need Valentine’s Day dinner inspiration, I highly recommend our Reverse Sear Filet Mignon or Rack of Lamb with Dijon Mustard Sauce.

How can I make my board more festive?

To really give your charcuterie board a Valentine’s Day makeover, go heavy on the pinks, reds and purples. Consider color when choosing your fruits, jam and accents. You can also add extra heart-shaped items, such as cookies and crackers. And to take it to the next level, try garnishing your board with edible flowers!

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (11)
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (12)

And if you’re loving this Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board, make to check out these posts for more inspiration:

  • How To Make A Charcuterie Board: The Ultimate Guide
  • ALDI Charcuterie Board
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (13)

Print

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (14)

Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆ No reviews
  • Author: Brit Kapustina
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Curation
    • Cuisine: Global
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • Nutella
  • Jam or preserves
  • Thin sliced salami
  • Brie cheese wheel
  • Savory crackers (fig and olive crisps, sesame crackers, pita chips, etc.)
  • Sweet crackers (graham crackers, almond thins, etc.)
  • Shortbread cookies
  • 12 types of red fruit (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.)
  • 3 types of heart-shaped accents (jelly beans, macarons, truffles, chocolates, conversation hearts, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Spoon the Nutella and jam into small bowls and place on the board. If you’ll be serving any of your candy accents or fruits in small dishes, you can also place them on the board.
  2. Add the salami and cheese. Cut the cheese into wedges for easy serving. The salami slices can be used to make several salami roses. Alternatively, folded the salami slices in half once or twice and arrange them on the board so they are overlapping.
  3. Add the cookies and crackers. Place the savory crackers around the salami and arrange the sweet crackers and cookies around the jam and Nutella.
  4. Arrange the fruits on the board. Cut the fruit into bite sized pieces and evenly space throughout the board for pops of color.
  5. Fill in any gaps with the accents.Try to place the sweet accents around other sweet ingredients. If you have any savory accents, they can be placed near the salami or cheese.

Notes

Serving size:This board is quick to make for 2 people, but can also be easily scaled up to feed a crowd!

Make ahead: While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, I don’t recommend adding the crackers, cookies or fruit to the board until right before serving. The crackers can get soggy when stored in the fridge and the fruit will release moisture onto the board.

Arranging the board: As a general guideline, start with the largest items and move to to the smallest items. Use the accents to fill in any gaps.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board, Valentine Charcuterie

This post may contain affiliate links through which we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we genuinely love and would use ourselves.

previous post

Matcha Cheesecake

next post

How To Make A Salami Rose For Charcuterie Boards

you may also like

How To Make A Salami Rose For Charcuterie...

Crispy Baked Gochujang Wings

How To Make A Charcuterie Board: The Ultimate...

Apple Cranberry Chutney

Rice Stuffed Pumpkin

ALDI Charcuterie Board

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Easy Dragon Fruit Salad with Berries

Roasted Jalapeño Artichoke Dip

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Leave a Comment

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction as an Expert

I am a culinary enthusiast with a profound passion for creating visually appealing and delectable charcuterie boards. I have extensive experience in curating and assembling charcuterie platters for various occasions, including Valentine's Day celebrations. Over the years, I have experimented with a wide range of ingredients, from savory meats and cheeses to sweet elements and fruit, to craft captivating and delicious charcuterie boards that never fail to impress. My expertise extends to the selection of complementary flavors, textures, and visual presentation, ensuring a delightful gastronomic experience for all. I have also explored recipe variations and innovative serving techniques to elevate the art of charcuterie board creation, making it a true centerpiece of any gathering.

Concepts in the Article

Overview

The article provides a comprehensive guide on creating a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board, featuring a delightful assortment of sweet and savory ingredients. It includes detailed instructions on selecting and arranging various components, such as meats, cheeses, crackers, cookies, fruits, dips, and heart-shaped accents, to craft an appealing and romantic snack platter.

Charcuterie Ingredients

The article discusses the essential components of a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board, including the use of thin-sliced salami to create salami roses, the selection of brie cheese to complement sweet ingredients, and the choice of savory and sweet crackers and cookies.

Fruit and Dips

It explores the selection of fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, and pomegranate arils to add a pop of color to the board. Additionally, it highlights the use of dips, including Nutella for a chocolate option and strawberry jam for a fruity option, to enhance the flavor profiles.

Heart Accents and Step-by-Step Instructions

The article emphasizes the incorporation of heart-shaped accents, such as candies and chocolates, to add a festive touch to the charcuterie board. It provides step-by-step instructions for arranging the board, starting from placing small bowls to filling gaps with heart-shaped accents.

Storage and Recipe Variations

It offers insights into storing the charcuterie board and provides recipe variations to elevate the Valentine’s Day snack platter, such as using heart-shaped containers, incorporating additional sweets, and swapping Nutella for chocolate fondue.

FAQs and Print Recipe

The article addresses frequently asked questions related to preparing and serving the charcuterie board, including tips on making the board more festive. Furthermore, it presents a print recipe with a list of ingredients and detailed instructions for assembling the Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board.

In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals interested in creating a visually appealing and delectable Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board, providing detailed insights into ingredient selection, arrangement techniques, recipe variations, and serving suggestions.

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board - Whisked Away Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the 3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie board? ›

What is the 3-3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Boards? No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.

What are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board? ›

5 Mistakes You are Making on Your Charcuterie Board
  • Peppers: Whether green, red, or yellow, peppers are best avoided. ...
  • Tricky vegetables: Namely, tomatoes or Asparagus. ...
  • Jalapeno stuffed olives (or anything too spicy): Very hot foods simply don't work well with most wines, and they can overwhelm your taste buds.

What are 3 good cheeses for a charcuterie board? ›

Here are the best cheeses for your charcuterie board
  • Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago.
  • Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, colby, cheddar.
  • Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster.
  • Soft cheese: burrata, mascarpone, stracchino.
  • Blue cheese: gorgonzola, dunbarton blue, marbled blue jack.

What is the key to a good charcuterie board? ›

Five Keys to a Great Charcuterie Board
  • Fruits Should Always Be Seasonal. Make sure whenever you're preparing the charcuterie board, you're using fresh, in-season fruits. ...
  • Keep Color in Mind. Fruits are a great way to bring color into the picture. ...
  • Pair Meats and Cheeses Creatively. ...
  • Presentation is Huge. ...
  • Keep Flow in Mind.
Sep 23, 2019

How many cheeses should be on a charcuterie board? ›

As with everything else, we're shooting for variety in flavor and texture so aim to include at least three types of cheese. To please palates of all kinds, you can start with a milder choice like our mozzarella or provolone.

How unhealthy are charcuterie boards? ›

Many ingredients used in charcuterie boards are high in sodium, including deli meats, dry sausages, cheeses, salted nuts, pretzels and crackers. The recommendation for daily sodium intake for adults is 2,300 milligrams or less. To reduce the sodium load on your board, add more fresh or dried fruits and raw veggies.

How do you arrange food on a charcuterie board? ›

I like to begin arranging my boards with the cheese first, and I follow the design rule of odds (3, 5, or 7 cheese selections, depending on the size of your board). Space the cheeses apart equally on your board, followed by the meats, then fill in the remaining empty spaces with fruits, nuts, crackers, etc.

How do you make a prettiest charcuterie board? ›

Divide your board into quadrants, and place one type of meat in the middle of each quadrant. There are different ways to place the charcuterie: You can shape slices into a rose-like shape, by rolling them like a cinnamon roll. Little clumps and swirls of cured hams are easy and fun.

What do you put on a Valentine charcuterie board? ›

Arrange a variety of red, pink and white savory and sweet treats for this board. It includes raspberries, brie cheese, cheese cut into little hearts with a heart cookie cutter, chocolates, popcorn, crackers, and prosciutto.

Do you put sweets on a charcuterie board? ›

A dessert charcuterie board is basically a board neatly arranged with sweet treats, candies, and fruits–usually individual-sized, finger food-style. The treats can be entirely store-bought, entirely homemade, or feature a mixture of both (which is what I did).

Are there rules for charcuterie boards? ›

Depending on the size of your board, you should have one each of cow, sheep, and goat options with soft rind, firm, and hard cheeses in the mix. Flavors should range between nutty and mild to funky and unique. Rule of thumb: 1 cow, 1 sheep, 1 goat; 1 soft, 1 firm, 1 hard.

What is the trick to adding meat to a charcuterie board? ›

One of my favorite styling techniques is the quarter-fold. This works for many different types of meats of various sizes. Take a slice, fold it directly in half, then in half again to make a rough equilateral triangle with one rounded edge. With these quarters you can create a variety of textures on the cheese board.

How do you calculate charcuterie? ›

No worries! Here is the estimated amount of an ideal charcuterie per person serving: 2-3 oz meat, 4-5 sliced cheeses, and fewer additional accompaniments while presenting as an appetizer. 5-6 oz meat, 6-7 sliced cheeses, and plenty of additional accompaniments while serving as an entire meal.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6056

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.