Valentines Charcuterie Board for Two

Name: Valentines Charcuterie Board for Two
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 4 oz Brie cheese; 4 oz aged cheddar cheese; 4 oz prosciutto; 4 oz salami; 1 cup mixed nuts; 1 cup assorted olives; 1 cup seasonal fruits (strawberries, figs, or grapes); 1 jar homemade or store-bought strawberry jam; Crackers or breadsticks for serving

Highlighted under: Authentic World Food Collection

I love setting up a special charcuterie board for my significant other on Valentine's Day. It’s not just about the food; it’s an experience we share together. I curate a selection of our favorite cheeses, meats, and some seasonal fruits that create a lovely visual appeal. The true magic happens when we pair everything with a beautiful bottle of wine, making it a perfect romantic evening. It's simple yet so meaningful, and I can’t wait to create this delightful spread for us again this year.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-01-12T06:59:34.746Z

When I first made a charcuterie board for my partner, I was a bit overwhelmed by the options available. But I found that sticking to a balance of flavors and textures, like creamy brie alongside sharp cheddar, was the key. Adding some homemade dips made it even more special!

One tip I learned is to include a star ingredient, like a unique cheese or a seasonal fruit, to elevate the experience. This year, I’m excited to add some homemade strawberry jam, which pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delicious variety of flavors to please both of your palates
Beautifully arranged for a romantic presentation
No cooking required, which means more time to relax together

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting quality ingredients is essential for an impactful charcuterie board. When picking cheeses, I recommend a mix of textures—creamy Brie pairs beautifully with the firm aged cheddar. Look for cheeses with distinct aging; the flavor profiles will complement each other and enhance your tasting experience. For meats, opt for thinly sliced prosciutto and salami; their savory notes balance the richness of the cheese spectacularly. Specialty stores often have fresh options, but if you can’t find prosciutto, try substituting with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter option.

Seasonal fruits not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheeses and salty meats. Strawberries, figs, or grapes work well, but feel free to substitute with other fruits you love, such as apple slices or pears. If you choose apples, give them a quick squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Additionally, assortment of olives adds both flavor and variety. For an extra kick, consider marinating the olives in herbs and spices a day ahead for an enhanced taste.

Presentation Tips

Arranging your board is as much about visual appeal as it is about taste. Use a large wooden cutting board or a slate board for a rustic touch. Start by placing the cheese items, allowing them to be the focal point. Then, build around them with meats—layering creates depth. Remember, eye-catching supplies like edible flowers or fresh herbs can accentuate your presentation. Consider placing contrasting colors next to one another to draw the eye and create an engaging layout, inviting your partner to explore the flavors.

For the best experience, serve the board at room temperature. This means removing the cheeses and meats from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This simple shift allows their flavors to blossom, making each bite more enjoyable. To elevate your experience further, pair each section of your board with a suitable wine—a light Chardonnay works wonders with Brie, while a full-bodied red pairs well with aged cheddar. Matching drink options add another layer of enjoyment while indulging in your spread.

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients to create your charcuterie board:

Charcuterie Ingredients

4 oz Brie cheese
4 oz aged cheddar cheese
4 oz prosciutto
4 oz salami
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup assorted olives
1 cup seasonal fruits (strawberries, figs, or grapes)
1 jar homemade or store-bought strawberry jam
Crackers or breadsticks for serving

Feel free to mix and match based on your favorites!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your charcuterie board:

Prepare the Cheese

Cut the Brie and cheddar into wedges or slices and arrange them neatly on one side of the board.

Add Meats

Layer the prosciutto and salami next to the cheese, either in folds or rolled, for an appealing look.

Incorporate Fruits and Nuts

Fill in the gaps with seasonal fruits and a handful of mixed nuts, which add color and texture.

Add Olives and Dips

Place olives in small bowls or clusters and add a jar of strawberry jam for a sweet contrast.

Finish with Crackers

Arrange crackers or breadsticks around the edges, allowing guests easy access to pair with cheese and meats.

Enjoy your romantic evening indulging in this delightful spread!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Don't be afraid to swap out cheeses or add a homemade dip for a personal touch.

Flavor Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your charcuterie board, pairing flavors is key. I love combining creamy cheeses with sweet accompaniments like strawberry jam or honey for a delightful contrast. Jam serves as a bridge between the salty prosciutto and the smooth cheeses, making each bite more harmonious. Additionally, don’t shy away from experimenting with flavor—the addition of spicy nuts or pickles can introduce an exciting twist to your board.

Consider adding a small selection of spreads, like hummus or mustard, alongside the jam. These not only provide a great flavor boost but also encourage more combinations—try a slice of cheese with a smear of mustard for a zingy taste experience. Marking combinations helps create a unique tasting adventure, allowing both of you to explore different flavor profiles together.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about a charcuterie board is that much of it can be prepared in advance. The cheeses can be cut the night before and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep fruits fresh, consider preparing them shortly before serving; however, grapes can be washed and dried in advance without issues. Just remember to avoid slicing apples early, as they tend to brown quickly if not coated in lemon juice or stored properly.

If you're looking to impress without stress, you can also make small portions of the board in advance and freeze them. Wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then in foil, the meats can last up to two months in the freezer. Simply take them out a few hours before you're ready to serve, letting them thaw in the fridge. This means come Valentine’s Day, you can simply arrange everything beautifully, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy your evening together!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this charcuterie board ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and assemble the board up to an hour ahead, then cover it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

→ What types of cheese work best?

A mix of soft and hard cheeses is ideal. Consider including a creamy blue cheese for some bold flavor.

→ Is it necessary to add meats?

No, if you're vegetarian or vegan, you can omit meats and focus on delicious cheeses, nuts, and fruits for a balanced board.

→ What wine pairs well with a charcuterie board?

A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a bubbly Prosecco pairs beautifully with charcuterie offerings.