Summer is nearly here in the Midwest (although it was definitely summer in Key West last week!), and one of my favorite things to do is host friends and family in my backyard. When you don’t want to stand by a hot stove or grill, a beautiful charcuterie board is the perfect centerpiece for people to graze on. With a wide variety of delicious recipes and flavors, charcuterie boards are ideal for any occasion. Here are my top recommendations for the best charcuterie cookbooks that will inspire your next spread.
If you're looking for even more ideas, check out some homemade cookbook gift ideas for the perfect treat.
Jump to:
- Around the Board by Emily Delaney
- Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen
- Easy Charcuterie Boards by Marco Niccoloi and Aubrey Niccoloi
- Beautiful Boards by Maegan Brown
- On Boards by Lisa Dawn Bolton
- Graze by Suzanne Lenzer
- Big Boards for Families by Sandy Coughlin
- The New Charcuterie Cookbook by Jamie Bissonnette
- FAQ
Around the Board by Emily Delaney
This new charcuterie cookbook is a great addition for anyone who loves seasonal flavors. With step-by-step photography, it offers boards centered around specific holidays or seasons, using only the freshest ingredients. It’s perfect for those who want to elevate their charcuterie boards with base ingredients that fit each time of year.
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Platters and Boards by Shelly Westerhausen
A true food-crafter’s dream! This book is packed with boards that feature a wide variety of recipes, from savory to sweet. With insider tips on how to create different cheese combinations and spectacular spreads, it’s a great starting point for those new to the art of charcuterie or seasoned home cooks.
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Easy Charcuterie Boards by Marco Niccoloi and Aubrey Niccoloi
For anyone looking for a traditional charcuterie board book with classic pairings, this is the one. Packed with meats like traditional saucisson sec and Mexican chorizo, it’s perfect for crafting the best charcuterie board with slices of meat, cheeses, and more. This cookbook is especially great for those who want an easy introduction to the world of charcuterie.
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Beautiful Boards by Maegan Brown
This great book is for anyone who loves to entertain with both beautiful boards and good stuff. Featuring everything from artisan cheeses to dessert boards adorned with edible flowers, it’s the perfect book for those looking to create memorable spreads with their own boards. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual get-together, this book offers fantastic ideas for making a beautiful and delicious spread.
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On Boards by Lisa Dawn Bolton
This book is a celebration of the art of charcuterie and shared meals. Packed with creative ideas, On Boards offers recipes for every occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings. Bolton’s signature charm shines through in her unique combinations, like dessert boards with specialty cheeses and savory spreads featuring artisan meats. The book is perfect for those new to charcuterie or seasoned hosts looking for fresh inspiration. With its step-by-step photography and expert advice, it’s a great addition to any charcuterie enthusiast’s library.
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Graze by Suzanne Lenzer
If you love the idea of small, shareable plates, this book is a fantastic guide to creating charcuterie-inspired spreads. Grazefocuses on casual, approachable boards and platters with plenty of variety, including vegetarian options and ideas for incorporating seasonal produce. The recipes emphasize simplicity, allowing home cooks to create delicious, visually appealing boards without fuss. From creative cheese boards to wholesome spreads, this book offers spectacular spreads and is a great addition to any collection for anyone who loves the art of charcuterie.
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Big Boards for Families by Sandy Coughlin
This is a great book for creating large boards perfect for families, featuring kid-friendly recipes that go beyond the typical charcuterie board. Whether you’re making a cheese board or a full chopping block of delicious treats, this cookbook offers fantastic ideas for feeding a crowd with a good charcuterie board that satisfies everyone.
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The New Charcuterie Cookbook by Jamie Bissonnette
Jamie Bissonnette's new charcuterie cookbook brings his insider knowledge to the forefront, offering a fresh take on the classic charcuterie board. With recipes like traditional saucisson sec, banana leaf-wrapped porchetta, Mexican chorizo, and perfect duck prosciutto, this cookbook takes your boards to the next level with its detailed recipes and tips. Whether you're a home cook or seasoned pro, this book is a must-have for creating boards with a variety of meats, cheeses, and flavors that will impress any guest.
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FAQ
Charcuterie board cookbooks typically include recipes for assembling boards featuring cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and spreads. Some books also explore dessert boards, vegetarian options, or themed boards for special occasions. They often include tips for selecting ingredients, arranging the boards, and pairing flavors.
Many charcuterie board cookbooks are designed for home cooks of all skill levels, offering step-by-step instructions, photography, and insider tips. Books like Easy Charcuterie Boards or On Boards are particularly approachable for beginners, while others like The New Charcuterie Cookbook by Jamie Bissonnette dive into advanced techniques for creating cured meats and specialty items.
Most charcuterie board cookbooks only require basic kitchen tools like knives, cutting boards, and serving platters. For books focused on making cured meats or advanced techniques, such as The New Charcuterie Cookbook, you might need specialty equipment or ingredients like curing salts, spice blends, or specific cuts of meat.
Yes, many charcuterie board cookbooks include vegetarian or vegan options. Books like Graze or On Boards often feature plant-based recipes and spreads using fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dips, making them ideal for creating meat-free boards.
While traditional charcuterie boards are often appetizers, some books, such as Big Boards for Families, include ideas for hearty spreads that can serve as complete meals. These recipes combine proteins, grains, and vegetables to create filling and balanced dishes.
Wisconsin Cheese has a whole history on how cheese with charcuterie boards came to be. They've had quite a history, but it really feels like they are here to stay for while again. My favorite thing is how versatile the definition of a board has become. Cheese and charcuterie are now as much about tradition as they are about experimentation. Many boards now feature specialty cheeses like British cheese or a variety of artisan cheeses, making them a joy to create and share.
Do you have any more suggestions for charcuterie board cookbooks that you love? Let me know in the comments below.
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