• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Biscuits & Burlap logo

  • Home
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Finger Foods

    Published: Mar 14, 2023 · Modified: Mar 8, 2023 by Pam

    Picnic Charcuterie Board – 3 Easy Steps

    Thanks for sharing!

    58 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pin image for picnic charcuterie board.

    Making a picnic charcuterie board is easier than you think! With just a little planning and the tips here you’ll have an outdoor board worthy of any type gathering.

    charcuterie board on picnic table with flowers and wine.

    You could certainly make your board at home and cover it for transporting, but that can be awkward. A full size board won’t stow in most coolers and the elements on the board can shift around and get messy.

    Instead follow these three steps for putting your board together at the picnic, not before you go.

    Step 1: Plan

    The Food

    When you shop for the ingredients keep in mind that this is an outdoor board. Don’t buy anything that’s super sensitive to the summer heat.

    Buying meats and cheeses that are already sliced and even pre-arranged in pretty stacks is a great idea. These “cracker cuts” of cheese are ideal!

    package of sliced cheese on picnic table.

    Keep condiments and messy items (like jams) to a minimum. One or two choices should be plenty.

    What to pack it all in

    For the platter in these photos we used almost all disposable bags and containers.

    celery and other items for picnic charcuterie board in baggies.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an affiliate link and buy something, we may receive a very small commission.  It does NOT result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Click here for our full privacy and disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sandwich bags were perfect for the meats, fruits, briney items and crackers. For the condiments/jams we used disposable shot glasses.

    condiments in disposable shot glasses.

    This homemade pimento cheese (or you could buy some) went into a short disposable drinking glass.

    pimento cheese in plastic cup.

    If you prefer to not go with disposable you should use flat, stacking containers like these.

    Be sure you have on hand a cooler that sits flat and ice packs, preferably that will also sit flat on the bottom of the cooler.

    cooler for picnic charcuterie board on table with flowers.

    You’ll also be getting your hands messy arranging everything so you’ll want to have some hand sanitizer and paper towels or wipes.

    hand sanitizer on picnic table.

    The actual board or platter

    Keep in mind that you don’t want anything heavy. Save your thick wooden board or marble slab for parties at home.

    You could use a lightweight cutting board like one of these or a melamine platter. Our bamboo style one can be ordered from Amazon.

    Step 2: Packing

    Get it all ready

    You’ll want to wash and dry your fruits first. If you’re using grapes go ahead and cut into smaller sections just right for one person. Then put it all in baggies or containers.

    celery and crackers in baggies.

    If the meat and cheese slices need to be cut into smaller pieces do that now. Then place them in the container or your choice.

    Get the condiments into the shot glasses and any spreads (like our pimento cheese) into larger, but short glasses and cover with plastic wrap.

    Pack it up

    Start by lining the bottom of your cooler with ice packs. Then lay everything on top of those.

    Wedge bags of fruit, etc. around the glasses that need to sit upright to keep them secure.

    You’ll probably want a separate bag for items like any plates, napkins, the paper towels and sanitizer. Don’t forget a tablecloth!

    Step 3: Assemble the board

    We usually start with the items we have the most of and work our way down. In this case, and in most, you will start with your meats and cheeses.

    making a picnic charcuterie board step 1.

    To give your board a sense of order begin with a shape. On our breakfast charcuterie board and mini charcuterie board we started with an “S” shape.

    For this one we just made a diagonal line across the platter. Then have fun with it, making sure to put your individual containers in place while you have room for them.

    End up with the small items like the strawberries to fill in any empty spots and add color.

    charcuterie board on picnic table with flowers and wine.

    Suggested items:

    • Meats – this could be ham, salami, bologna, turkey, proscuitto, etc. Two should be enough unless you are making a very large board.
    • Cheeses – For this one we used Gouda slices and the pimento cheese.
    • Crackers or flatbread
    • Condiments – mustards, mayo, honey, jam or any spread you love.
    • Fruits – grapes, berries, orange slices are all good choices.
    • Briney nibbles like olives, pickles, etc. We love pickled okra and use them on this and our Southern Appetizer Board.
    • Nuts – Ritz Carlton Spiced Pecans are a favorite around here.

    picnic charcuterie board with wine and flowers.
    Print
    5 from 2 votes

    Picnic Charcuterie Board

    Making a picnic charcuterie board is easier than you think! With just a little planning and the tips here you'll have an outdoor board worthy of any type gathering.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Active Time10 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Keyword: charcuterie, picnic
    Author: Pam

    Materials

    • 1 pound deli style meats sliced
    • ½ pound deli style cheeses sliced (can use a dip or spread also)
    • 3 Tablespoons condiment of choice mustard, mayo etc.
    • 3 Tablespoons sweet condiment of choice jams, honey, etc.
    • 1 cup briney items like pickles, olives, etc.
    • ½ pound assorted fruits
    • 2 cups crackers or flatbreads

    Instructions

    • Wash and prepare all items doing any slicing, cutting, etc. at home.
    • Pack all items into individual containers, disposable or not.
    • Pack all containers into flat bottom cooler lined with ice packs.
    • Assemble on lightweight board or platter beginning with the bulkiest items.

    Notes

    • Pre-sliced meats and cheeses are excellent choices.
    • Bring sanitizer or wipes for cleaning hands when arranging.
    • Don’t forget spreader(s), tablecloth and a trashbag if your picnic spot doesn’t include a place for disposing of trash.

    You must love eating outdoors if you’re reading this so you’ll want to refer to our Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas the next time you’re planning a cookout.

    Recipes just made for charcuterie boards:

    Homemade Spicy Pickled Okra
    Spicy pimento cheese in a jar
    Smokey Pimento Cheese
    bacon-bourbon-jam
    Bacon Bourbon Jam
    jar of pickled green beans with bow and two more jars behind.
    Pickled Green Beans
    bowl of spiced pecans
    Ritz Carlton Spiced Pecans
    Pineapple Preserves

    Categories: Finger Foods

    Reader Interactions

    Tell us what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, y'all!

    Pam and Sara sitting on blanket with picnic.
    Photo cred: Angie Webb Creative

    We’re Pam and Sara, a Southern mother/daughter team on a mission. We’re here to help you keep those precious food memories alive and create new ones, too. 

    Read more-

    Recent Posts

    • Pepper Jack Pimento Cheese with Jalapenos
    • 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
    • Steak Crostini (Greek Style)
    • Banana Pudding Trifle

    Christmas Dishes

    • Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter
    • Key Lime Cookies
    • Brioche French Toast Casserole
    • Vegetable Au Gratin

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Disclosures and Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us

    Copyright © 2021 Biscuits & Burlap

    58 shares