Easy Date Night: Charcuterie Board for Two

This Easy Charcuterie Board for Two is perfect for date night and comes together in 20 minutes. Learn how to make an epic cheese board and how to pair wines for the best romantic night in.

Want all the deets on Cheese Boards? Then check out my How to Make the Ultimate Charcuterie Board – with step by step photos of where to put everything and where to buy it or my husbands favorite this Steak Charcuterie Board.

** This post is sponsored by Water Grows Initiative. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Joyful Healthy Eats. As always all opinion are 100% mine.**

Charcuterie Board for Two

I was honored when Texas Corn Council and the Water Grows Initiative asked me to create this Charcuterie Board for Two. I loved the concept of helping promote Texas farmers and Texas products, learning more about how our food is grown and how water is such a vital part of that. Recently, I was able to attend a Virtual Event hosted by Water Grows and celebrity Chef Eddie Jackson … and let me tell you, it was awesome! Not only did I learn so much about how our farmers conserve water. As in, did you know that some farmers use a dirt probe that tells them how much water saturation is in the ground so they know how much or how little to water? The conservation tactics are amazing, farming has gotten so much smarter in their technology but also much harder because the margins have gotten tighter and tighter over the years. The biggest thing I took away from this event (besides all the yummy charcuterie boards) was to support your local farmers. Buy from them at farmers markets. Go visit them at the farm. Ask them what they do, I guarantee they would love to share and you’ll learn a ton and appreciate their passion for farming in the process.

Ok, moving on to this board. Can I tell you something? This might be one of my favorite posts so far. Why? Because it gives you a little glimpse into what weekends at my house with the husband look like. If I ask him what he wants for dinner he says, “a charcuterie board with steak” almost every time. SERIOUSLY!!! So ladies and gentlemen I give you our Date Night Charcuterie Board for Two. Texas Size! None of this small little cutting board that you have to refill stuff. Nope, here in Texas we do it up big!

Charcuterie Board vs. Cheese Board

They sound the same and are probably used interchangeable at times. However, there is a difference. A cheese board is a selection of cheeses and other foods like fruits, nuts, crackers, etc that pair well together. While a Charcuterie Board has meats and cheeses along with those other components that pair well with each. Essentially, the charcuterie board has meat and the cheese board does not.

What is on this Charcuterie Board for Two

This board is a very common thing for us to have at least once a month when we want to do a “date night in.” Open a bottle of wine and you’ve got yourself a fancy dinner! It’s filled with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, filet mignon (because we live in Texas and steak is a must on any plate), crackers, breads, jams, spreads, olives and fruits. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cheese: I like to use between 2-3 cheeses. For this board I used Gouda, Manchego and an Aged White Cheddar Cheese.
• Meats: Picking the right meats is key, I like a combo of some salty Proscuitto, spicy Peppered Salami or Soppressata and the surprise meat on this board is tender Filet Mignon. For tips on how to grill the perfect filet mignon go here.
• Nuts: I kept it simple and used my favorite nut on – raw cashews. But you could add pistachios, pecans, candied pecans or almonds if you’d like.
• Fruits: Adding an element of sweet is so key to a charcuterie board, I used dried apricots, figs and blueberries.
• Jam/Spreads/Condiments: This is where things get fun, pick out whatever fits your fancy. On this board I used, Cherry Peppers, Fig Jam, Stone Ground Mustard, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Sweet Petite Pickles and Honey.
• Crackers: The “vehicle” to put all your charcuterie goodness on. I used a combo of wheat crackers, bruschetta toasts and water crackers.

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How to make a Charcuterie Board for Two

I think the question I get asked the most is “how do I put my charcuterie board together.” Everybody wants that instagram worthy board. Well, it’s way easier than you think it is. I literally walk you through each step. There is a method to the madness and if you follow the steps you’ll have a perfect board in less than 20 minutes!

First: Grab your Cheese Board (slate, wooden cheese board, cutting board, plate, etc.)

Second: Add your olives, fig jam and mustard to small varying sizes ramekins and place on cheese board.

Third: Assemble your cheese (cut and uncut) all over the board.

Forth: Unwrap the cured meat and place them in various spots on the board. Sometimes I’ll look at my board and see where it needs a pop of color! Make sure to leave a spot for your filet mignon. I add that to my board last so that it is still warm.

Fifth: Now it’s time to add your “vehicles” to the board. Place crackers and toast points on the board, I usually like to make an “s” in between the ramekins from top to bottom.

Sixth: Here’s the fun part. Take the fruits, nuts, extras you have and fill in any open spots on the board. Place them anywhere. There is no order to this. Just make the board look super full!

Pro Tip: To really make it pop and come to life I like to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top my white cheeses. Trust me, it will make everything look irresistible.

How to Pair a Cheese Board with Wine

Ok, last but not least. How to pair all these wonderful cheeses with wine. Here are just a few recommendations, but be sure to check out my Food & Wine Pairing Guide for more information.

Cheddar Cheese and Aged Cheddar pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Merlot.

Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chianti, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

Asiago, Parmesan or other hard cheeses pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Shiraz and Merlot.

Gouda pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Champagne, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Shiraz and Merlot.

Other Charcuterie Board Ideas

• Steak Charcuterie Board
• Burger Charcuterie Board
• Summer Fruit and Cheese Board
• How to Make an Epic Holiday Charcuterie Board

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