Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

by | Jan 18, 2023

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!

Learn how to make the perfect Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board for your loved ones. This customizable board is filled with all the good stuff like cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats.

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

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own; I never feature a brand that I don’t love! See my disclosure policy for more details.

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.

Colorful valentine's charcuterie display

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.

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.

Raincoast crisp crackers on wooden board

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.

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.

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

Close up of small bites on charcuterie
Valentines Day Charcuterie Board 1

Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
This customizable board is filled with all the good stuff like cheeses, meats, dips, fresh fruit, vegetables, and sweet treats. Perfect to make for your loved ones on Valentine's Day!
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients
  

Cheeses of your choice

  • Blueberry goat cheese log
  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Brie
  • Parmesan
  • Gouda
  • Blue cheese
  • Vegan cheeses

Meats of your choice

  • Salami
  • Soppressata
  • Prosciutto
  • Summer sausage
  • Lunch meats rolled up
  • Vegan meats

Dips of your choice

  • 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

Bread and Crackers of your choice

  • Raincoast Crisps
  • Rice cakes
  • Baguettes
  • Triscuits
  • Chia Seed Crackers
  • Pita Chips
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nut Thins

Fruits and Vegetables of your choice

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Sliced Apples
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Red Pepper Slices
  • Purple Cauliflower
  • Purple or Red Rainbow Carrots
  • Beets or beet chips

Chocolate and extras of your choice

  • Yogurt covered strawberries
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Dark chocolate bar pieces
  • Biscottis
  • Truffles
  • Candied Nuts
  • Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts
  • Oreos
  • Rice Krispie treats
  • Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
  • Nut Butter Stuffed Dates

Instructions
 

  • Choose a board to use. This could be a wooden cutting board, baking sheet, or large platter.
  • Then, go through this list of foods and slowly fill your platter or board until it’s full.
  • Enjoy with your sweetheart, galentine, or family!

Video

Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

save this valentine’s charcuterie board recipe on pinterest:

Save this Valentine's Charcuterie Board on Pinterest

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

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I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

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3 Comments

  1. Mackenzie Burgess

    Hi there! That’s fine! You can link with credit back to me. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Emily

    5 stars
    Made this over Valentine’s Day! I plan on making it again in Feb just because it’s so cute!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      I’m so glad you were able to try this board! It really is something that can be made year round for your loved ones! ~Mackenzie

      Reply

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