I make an easy Valentine's charcuterie board every year for either a Galentines party or for Valentines Day because it's so easy yet impressive. All ingredients are from Trader Joes but you can find charcuterie ingredients at any grocery store.
I'd rather assemble a pretty snack board than cook dinner, so I'm all about easy no-stress ideas like this, and let's be honest, it's more fun snacking off a fancy board.
If it's red, pink, white, aesthetic, and from Trader Joe's, I'm in!
I recently made this for a Galentines Party along with a delicious hearts on your sleeve cocktail. The charcuterie board doubled as appetizers and dessert, just have your friends or family bring other appetizers or small bites to make it a meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
I looked for as many pink, red, and heart shaped options as I could find at Trader Joes!
• Cheese: Brie, white cheddar, goat cheese or cut cheeses into hearts for a Valentine vibe. I bought the blueberry goat cheese log but you can roll plain goat cheese in raspberry jam or cranberry sauce to stick with the red theme.
• Crackers: Any crackers you love, the combo boxes are great for variety
• Cured meats: Salami or prosciutto to make easy salami roses
• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries or red grapes. I cut the strawberries into heart shapes or you can make chocolate covered strawberries.
• Sweets: Chocolate hearts, macarons, heart shaped shortbread cookies, or candy. I'm obsessed with TJ's strawberry chocolate covered marshmallow hearts!
• Extras: Nuts, olives, or dips for texture. Valentines booty dip would be a great addition.
• Board or platter: Wood or marble. A heart shaped board would be cute too!
• Heart Stencil or cookie cutter + wine glass for cutting the brie into a heart and a wine glass for make salami flowers.
How to assemble a Valentines charcuterie board
Step 1: Place the anchors
Start by placing cheeses and small bowls around the board. This creates structure and makes everything else easier to arrange.
Step 2: Add meats and crackers
Fold or roll meats (in rose form) and fan crackers around the board. Keep colors balanced so red, pink, and white are evenly spread.
Meat flowers work well with either larger salami slices like genoa salami or you can use layered prosciutto.
Step 3: Fill and style
Add fruit, sweets, and small fillers to close gaps. Adjust pieces until the board looks full and aesthetic.
Sprinkling small candies, nuts, fresh herbs, or small flowers work great to fill in any gaps.
What to Serve with Our Easy Valentine's Charcuterie Board
Pair this board with a Valentine's cocktail, sparkling rosé, or a cute mocktail. It also works great alongside a simple pasta or cozy soup for a low-effort dinner spread.
Storage
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store crackers separately so they stay crisp. Do not freeze assembled boards.
FAQs
What should I put on a Valentine's charcuterie board?
Cheese, crackers, cured meats, strawberries, chocolates, and festive candy work best. Trader Joe's has great seasonal options.
Can I make a Valentine's charcuterie board ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but assemble the board a few hours before serving for best texture and freshness.
Is a Valentine's charcuterie board budget-friendly?
Yes! Shopping at stores like Trader Joes or Aldi helps to keep the costs low while still making the board look aesthetic and full.
More Easy Valentine's Recipes
• Valentine's Day Breakfast Board
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bouquet
• Heart on Your Sleeve Cocktail
Easy Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board
This is a go to Trader joe's Valentine’s charcuterie board every year because it looks cute and festive without actually cooking anything and it always turns out Instagram-worthy
Ingredients
- • Cheese: Brie, white cheddar, goat cheese or heart-shaped cheese for a Valentine vibe
- • Crackers: Neutral crackers or pink-tinted options if you can find them
- • Cured meats: Salami or prosciutto
- • Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries or grapes
- • Sweets: Chocolate hearts, macarons, cookies, or candy
- • Extras: Nuts, olives, or dips for texture
- • Board or platter: Wood or marble
- • Heart Stencil or cookie cutter + wine glass
Instructions
1. Start by placing cheeses and small bowls around the board. This creates structure and makes everything else easier to arrange.
2. Fold or roll meats (in rose form) and fan crackers around the board. Keep colors balanced so red, pink, and white are evenly spread.
3. Add fruit, sweets, and small fillers to close gaps. Adjust pieces until the board looks full and aesthetic.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian with extra cheeses, nuts, and fruit
- Do a dessert-only board with chocolates, cookies, and berries
- Use heart-shaped cutters for cheese or fruit
- Make a mini board for Galentine’s or date night
Pin and save this post for your Galentine's Day party!
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