At a Glance
- Little prep, no cooking required — ideal for holiday entertaining
- Build around four categories: cheese, charcuterie, sweet and savory items, and crackers
- Pair with a mix of white and red wines to complement every cheese and meat on the board
- Sterling picks: Napa Valley Chardonnay, Reserve Cabernet Franc, and Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
A well-constructed board is one of the easiest ways to entertain during the holidays. Cheeses are purchased. Meats are sliced. Spreads and dips go into small bowls. There's no recipe to follow and almost nothing to cook — just thoughtful assembly and good wine. Here's how we do it at Sterling.
Key Ingredients
Cheese
Variety is the foundation of a great board. During the holidays, local stores often carry festive cheeses and seasonal flavors worth exploring. Our favorites: cheddar, gruyere, Mimolette, blue cheese, smoked gouda, parmesan, brie, goat cheese, and Havarti.
Sterling tip: Aim for a mix of textures — at least one soft, one semi-hard, and one aged or bold. This gives every wine on the table a natural partner.
Charcuterie
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced "shar-kuh-tuh-ree") is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats. Mostly pork-based, these meats are fatty and salty by nature — which makes them an ideal counterpart to both cheese and wine. Our go-to picks: peppered salami, soppressata, calabrese, and prosciutto.
Sweet and Savory Items
Fresh and dried fruit add color and contrast. Olives, pickles, honey, candied nuts, and figs round out the board with unexpected flavor combinations that keep guests reaching for more.
Crackers and Bread
Choose a range of shapes, sizes, and flavors. A neutral water cracker, a seeded crisp, and a sliced baguette give guests options without competing with the cheese or charcuterie.
Wine Pairings for Your Board
| Wine | Style | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling Napa Valley Chardonnay | Crisp, acidic white | Soft cheeses, brie, goat cheese, mild charcuterie |
| Sterling Malvasia Bianca | Fruit-forward, aromatic white | Fresh fruit, honey, mild cheeses |
| Sterling Reserve Cabernet Franc | Medium-bodied red | Gruyere, aged cheddar, soppressata |
| Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied, structured red | Hard cheeses, smoked gouda, bold meats |
We recommend offering at least one white and one red so guests can explore what works best with each bite. You really can't go wrong — so pour a glass, start tasting, and have fun.
How to Assemble Your Board
- Choose the board. Size it to your guest count. For larger gatherings, use multiple boards or lay craft paper across a kitchen island to create a grazing table.
- Start with the cheese. Place cheeses in different spots across the board. Pre-cut a few slices or crumble a corner of each wedge so guests know how to approach it.
- Add condiments and bowls. Place olives, honey, pickles, and spreads in small bowls first — they take up the most space and anchor the layout.
- Layer in the charcuterie. Fold salami in half twice for a fan effect, or drape thin-sliced prosciutto in ribbons. Stagger the presentation so every section of the board has something to pull from.
- Fill gaps with sweet and savory items. Tuck in fruit, nuts, and figs between the cheese and meat. Group items that pair well together and contrast colors where you can.
- Finish with crackers and bread. Distribute throughout the board so crackers are always within reach of a cheese or spread. No empty corners.
More Pairing Ideas from Sterling
FAQs
What wines pair best with a charcuterie board?
A mix of white and red wines works best. A crisp white like Chardonnay pairs well with soft cheeses and mild charcuterie, while a structured red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc handles aged cheeses and bold cured meats. Offering both gives guests the flexibility to find their own favorite combination.
What cheeses should I put on a holiday charcuterie board?
Aim for variety in texture and intensity: one soft cheese (brie or goat cheese), one semi-hard (gruyere or smoked gouda), and one aged or bold option (parmesan or blue cheese). Three to four cheeses is a good range for most boards.
What meats go on a charcuterie board?
Classic picks include peppered salami, soppressata, calabrese, and prosciutto. Choose two to three varieties with different fat content and spice levels for contrast.
How much cheese and charcuterie do I need per person?
A general rule is 2 to 3 ounces of cheese and 2 ounces of charcuterie per person when the board is served as an appetizer. Scale up if it's the main spread of the evening.
What is the best way to arrange a charcuterie board?
Start with your largest items first — cheese, condiment bowls, and any decorative elements. Then add meats, followed by fruits and nuts to fill gaps. Finish with crackers distributed evenly throughout. The goal is visual abundance without overcrowding.
