Learn how to make the perfect Valentine’s Charcuterie Board for your sweetheart, galentine, or family. This beautiful board is filled with all the good stuff like cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats. Read on for ways to customize and make this board your own!

This post was originally published February 8, 2021. It was updated on January 10, 2022.

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Charcuterie boards may also be referred to as a snack board or smorgasbord. It’s essentially a platter filled with small bites of different, delicious foods. These boards aren’t just reserved for special occasions or holidays— you can also make this type of snack board on other days. Or if you want to surprise your sweetheart with breakfast in bed, try this pancake charcuterie board!

How do you make a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board?

The great thing about charcuterie boards is it’s totally customizable! You get to pick and choose which cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats you use. This is a great option if you want an elegant meal but only have random bits and pieces lying around.

Ready to make your one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Charcuterie board? Go through this list of foods and slowly fill your platter until it’s full. You can use a large wooden block, a cutting board, or a serving tray to build your board.

1. Cheese 

A charcuterie board is only as good as its cheese. Add a variety of both soft and hard cheeses. I always like to go to my local cheese shop and ask for their recommendations. Here are some you might try.

• Flavored goat cheese log (blueberry, cranberry, orange)
• Cheddar 
• Swiss
• Brie
• Parmesan
• Gouda
• Blue cheese
• Mozzarella pearls
• Cashew Milk Cheese (vegan)
• Tofu and Coconut Oil Cheese (vegan)

2. Meat

Most charcuterie meats are some hue of pink or red–making them perfect for this valentine’s charcuterie. If you’re feeling extra festive, use a heart shaped cookie cutter to shape slices of cheese or meat. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can leave the meat out or use a plant-based alternative.

• Salami
• Sopressata
• Prosciutto
• Summer sausage
• Thinly sliced rope sausage
• Lunch meats rolled up
• Vegan meats

3. Dips and Jams

I love adding a bit of dip or jam on a cracker before topping it with cheese or meat. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of both sweet and savory dips.

• Hummus
• Baba ganoush
• Salsa
• Greek yogurt ranch dip
• Greek yogurt peanut butter dip
• Jams – use red or purple colored jams
• Homemade 2-ingredient chia seed jam
• Hazelnut spread

4. Bread and Crackers

My favorite section! This is a great way to clean out your pantry and arrange all those opened cracker and chip bags. Choose whole grain products for a little extra fiber and nutrition boost if you’d like.

• Raincoast Crisps
• Rice cakes
• Baguettes
• Triscuits
• Pita chips
• Chia seed crackers
• Tortilla chips
• Pretzels
• Nut Thins

5. Fruits and Vegetables 

Try to use mostly red, pink, and purple fruits and vegetables to add to the valentine’s feel. Here are some to try adding.

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Figs
• Sliced apples
• Dried cranberries
• Raisins
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red pepper slices
• Purple cauliflower
• Purple or red rainbow carrots
• Beets or beet chips

6. Chocolate and Extras

It’s not Valentine’s Day with a little extra sweets. Use any random bits of candy, chocolate, or baked goods you have on hand. It’s so important to allow yourself the freedom of flexibility when it comes to food during special occasions and holidays. Aim to fit in nutritious, whole foods but also be sure to enjoy your favorite indulgent bites in moderation. It’s all about creating a healthy balance.

• Yogurt covered strawberries
• Chocolate covered strawberries
• Chocolate squares
• Avocado truffles
• Candied nuts
• Lightly salted mixed nuts
• Energy bites
• Oreos
• Rice Krispie treats
• Edible protein cookie dough
• Heart shaped cookies
• Biscotti
• Stuffed dates
• 2Betties healthy donuts (included on my fall charcuterie board!)

What are your favorite combos for this valentine’s charcuterie board? Tag me on Instagram at @cheerfulchoices… I would love to see!

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