a goodsausage tableIt is a must if you like to entertain. Perfect for grazing on variousmeats and cheeseswhile preparing a beautiful centerpiece or appetizer for anymeeting, charcuterie boards can be enjoyed during happy hour, an outdoor picnic, or even date night.
While charcuterie boards by definition mean the assemblage of cured meat, it's not uncommon to see creative boards filled with everything from fresh fruit to chocolate; think of them as a raised snack board. As a result, not all charcuterie boards are created equal. When buying a sausage board, you should look at the material, the size and the ease of cleaning. If you plan to take your board anywhere, you may also want to consider its portability.
We've rounded up a variety of charcuterie boards in different shapes and materials, for gatherings large or small, personalized gifts, one-of-a-kind shapes, and much more. Read on for the best charcuterie board options, starting with our best overall pick, thePottery Barn Rustic Olive Wood Border Cheese Board.
better overall
Rustic ceramic barn olive wood border charcuterie and cheese board
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Advantages:This one-of-a-kind board has beautiful live-edge details and is made from hand-carved sustainable wood, ensuring no two boards are identical.
Contras:It should be kept in a dry place and have regular oil conditioning for longevity.
If you're looking for a stunning centerpiece for your charcuterie board, look no further than this imported cheese board from a family-owned woodworking shop in Sfax, Tunisia. Made from olive trees that no longer bear fruit (making it a sustainable choice), this rustic board is sure to serve as a one-of-a-kind display piece. At approximately 16 inches wide, we think it's the perfect size to house your selections of meats, cheeses, and other favorites.
Simple hand washing after use will do the trick when it comes to cleaning, but for longevity be sure to deep condition every few weeks to months with food-safe oil, depending on how often you use the plate. You should also store it in a dry place so as not to warp the wood.
Price at time of publication: $59
- Material:olive wood
- Dimensions:15.75 x 6.5-7.5 x 0.75 inches (sizes vary)
- Dishwasher safe:No
best custom
Rectangular wood and marble Mark & Graham cheese board
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Advantages:Laser engraving is available for a personalized touch and two ceramic fonts are included.
Contras:Two different materials can make this board a bit more difficult to clean.
This Monogrammed Marble Part, Acadia Wood Part is the perfect monogrammed hostess gift. It comes with two ceramic bowls perfect for complements such as almonds, olives or fig paste. Ceramic bowls also help add some height when styling your charcuterie plate display.
Just wipe with a damp cloth to keep it clean. However, marble can be difficult to care for and one can deteriorate faster than the other with two different materials.
Price at time of publication: $59
- Material:White marble and acacia wood
- Dimensions:24 x 9 x 3 inches
- Dishwasher safe:No
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Advantages:Its material makes it ideal for labeling all types of food and easy to clean.
Contras:Whiteboard can be brittle, so please handle it with care.
Chalkboard charcuterie boards are a great way to take the guesswork out of what's on your plate. This Brooklyn Cheese Board lets you use soapstone chalk (this version comes with chalk and a burlap bag) to write directly on the board, identifying the various meats, cheeses, and other delicacies. Also, the unique appearance is sure to wow the crowd. The boards are easy to wash as long as they are handled with care.
Slate boards can often show oil marks from meat or cheese if left too long, so be sure to wipe them down thoroughly. Although non-slip cork feet are included, the board is fragile: one drop and it's likely to break.
Price at time of publication: $80
- Material:Board
- Dimensions:10 x 8 inches
- Dishwasher safe:Yes, if you don't use your feet
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Advantages:This board has a large surface area with unique grain patterns and a sleek handle for easy maneuvering.
Contras:It can be bulky to store if storage space is limited.
This is the frame for you if you are looking for one with a lot of space. This classic, sustainably sourced charcuterie board is perfect for entertaining large crowds; Its extra large width makes it the ideal flat serving for a large number of cheeses and meats.
Constructed from sustainably sourced wood, each plank is unique due to the natural grain patterns of the wood. The handle of the dish has a hole, making it easy to hang for storage, or is flat enough to sit in a cupboard. Cleanup is simple with hot soapy water.
While this board is great for a large crowd, it's a harder sell just to throw some meats and cheeses on it - there's plenty of room to fill. It can also be bulky to store if you don't have a lot of storage or closet space.
Price at time of publication: $60 per average board only
- Material:olive wood
- dimensions: 11 x 28 inches
- Dishwasher safe:No
Related:For Instagram-worthy deli spreads, check out these pro-approved picks
best marble
West Elm Marble and Brass Round Top
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Advantages:Brass handles allow for easy movement, as well as making it a more decorative or formal option.
Contras:Marble can be difficult to care for.
This marble and brass charcuterie board is a stunning slab of marble with convenient brass serving handles. It's the perfect garnish for meats and cheeses and is versatile enough for cocktails. Its sophisticated design instantly elevates even the simplest table of some types of meat, cheese and fresh fruit. Or use it as a display tray on a bar cart or kitchen island.
The manufacturer recommends hand washing this tabletop and making sure to handle it with care as marble stains and scratches easily.
Price at time of publication: $60
- Material:Marble
- Dimension:14 x 10 x 2 inches
- Dishwasher safe:No
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Advantages:This handmade sign has optional legs with different heights.
Contras:At around 11 pounds, this board is heavy and can be difficult to maneuver into closet space.
It's hard not to love these thick, round charcuterie boards that look like pieces of a real tree. Handcrafted and hand-sanded from solid natural acacia wood, the panel is covered in a light natural stain and a matt lacquer finish to protect the wood. At 16 inches in diameter, there's plenty of room for various meats, cheeses, and fruits. Fill them to the brim with sausage or leave gaps to let the natural wood grain shine through.
Cleaning couldn't be easier: just wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth. They also make a version with a 3-inch pedestal, a great look for having cross bars of various heights.
These boards weigh 11 pounds each. If you plan to take your board anywhere, stay away. Keep in mind that storage can also be more difficult.
Price at time of publication: $99
- Material:acacia wood
- Dimensions:16 x 2.25 inches
- washable: No
Related:The 6 Best Cutting Boards for Every Kitchen Task
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Advantages:Its striking and exclusive design can function as a decorative piece or tray.
Contras:Its narrow shape does not offer much surface area.
This natural stone sign is different from most signs on the market with its rich colors and unique natural patterns. A semi-precious stone formed when molten minerals become trapped in porous volcanic rock, agate ensures no two planks are the same. This is the perfect chalkboard to start a conversation with a friend over a glass of wine, or simply leave it on display as a tray or decorative piece on its own.
Price at time of publication: $90
- Material: agate
- Dimensions:11.5 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches
- Dishwasher safe:No
our favorite
Our best overall pick, theRustic cheese board with olive wood border, you will ensure a quality and unique sign that is sure to showcase your deli display in style.
Factors to consider
Size
Ryan Culver, co-founder ofplate full, a pre-made charcuterie board company, recommends a 12x8 board for a more standard charcuterie board. If you are looking for something larger or to feed a larger crowd, a plate that is about 20 x 12 inches should do the trick. To give you an idea of how to build a charcuterie board for different sizes, a 12x8-inch board will typically accommodate two types of cheese, one cured meat, and three sides, plus crackers.
Material
Cutting boards come in a variety of materials, including wood, slate, and marble. You may see other materials like glass or ceramic and a variety of compostable options as well. Wood and bamboo are the most common, but marble and slate are also becoming more popular these days.
easy to clean
Most charcuterie boards are easy to clean with warm water and dish soap like Dawn, Culver says. Some boards are dishwasher safe, although it's best to hand wash them for longest life. Other boards may crack or warp if placed in the dishwasher. Be sure to completely dry any plates. Many wooden boards benefit from oiling every few months with food-grade mineral oil, depending on how often you use it.
Professional Panel Q&A
What is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is a grazing board designed for people to snack on. It usually comes in wood, bamboo, marble or slate. It is sometimes sold with accessories such as cheese knives, bowls, or small signs to label cheeses and meats.
What is usually on a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board usually has a variety of cheeses, cold meats, and garnishes such as olives, dried fruit, or nuts. Some people get creative and include things like chocolates or cookies.
What is the best material for a charcuterie board?
Culver prefers wood because it is more traditional but unique, with interesting features like sharp edges or wood grain patterns,” he says. It is also easy to clean. That being said, there are many materials to choose from (such as slate and marble). so choose one that reflects your aesthetic preferences.
our experience
Contributor, seasoned food writer, and former Eater Chicago associate editor, Samantha Lande, selected the best charcuterie boards for meat and cheese displays after speaking with experts and evaluating several models with varying features and price points. We determined our winners based on their design, material, durability, size, and ease of cleaning.