23 Fun Summer Charcuterie Boards for Picnics, BBQs, and Potlucks (2024)

Easy summer charcuterie board ideas! These simple snack boards are so fun to share at a picnic, BBQ cookout, or potluck party, and will turn any day into a celebration.

23 Fun Summer Charcuterie Boards for Picnics, BBQs, and Potlucks (1)

Charcuterie boards are always a hit at any gathering!

People love appetizers, and the festive assortment of goodies just gets everyone munching and mingling.

Snack boards make for really easy appetizers to put together, and it’s super fun to assemble the sweet, salty, and savory seasonal treats together on a platter.

And they work for absolutely any occasion!

I put together a list of fun summer charcuterie boards, so you have tons of inspiration for grazing boards you can serve at your celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard summer party, attending a 4th of July BBQ or summer potluck, or just want to set out some snacks for your family or friends – there are so many fun options!

These summer charcuterie boards include ideas for:

  • Savory meat and cheese boards
  • Colorful fruit platters
  • Dessert and candy themes
  • Breakfast boards
  • Summer holiday-themed snacks

Anyone can make these, and there are no rules!

With a little planning, and a haul of festive goodies from Aldi, Trader Joe’s, or your local grocery store, you can create an amazing appetizer.

Let’s check ‘em out!

(Looking for more tasty summer recipes? Try one of these cold make ahead summer salads, easy hot weather dinner ideas, unique shish kabob recipes, or delicious pasta salads.

Easy Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas

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Summer Party Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:maplevinekitchen.com

Effortlessly capture summer’s laid-back charm with this vibrant Summer Party Charcuterie Board.

With a tasty combination of classic cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and an assortment of the best seasonal fruits and veggies, this colorful spread might be the most popular dish at the party.

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Patriotic Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:mommyevolution.com

Get ready to celebrate the spirit of patriotism with a show-stopping Patriotic Charcuterie Board!

This festive and eye-catching appetizer is the perfect centerpiece for your Fourth of July or Memorial Day gathering.

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Charcuterie Wreath

Photo Credit:www.ihearteating.com

In less than 30 minutes, you can assemble this beautiful wreath-shaped charcuterie.

Full of delicious Mediterranean flavors and ingredients, it’s equal parts elegant and delicious. And serving it skewer-style makes it even easier to eat whilst mingling!

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Red White Blue Cheese and Fruit Board

Photo Credit:twokidsandacoupon.com

Show your patriotic spirit with this red, white and blue fruit and cheese board. Serve it at your Memorial Day or 4th of July party, or any summer cookout or picnic.

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Charcuterie Cups

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Perfect for backyard BBQs and outdoor entertaining, these Charcuterie Cups are like little hand-held charcuterie boards.

Filled with a tasty selection of meats, cheeses, grapes, pickles, and breadsticks or crackers arranged in clear plastic cups, they’re easy to assemble and fun to eat!

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Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:amandascookin.com

Sometimes a Bloody Mary is enough, but when getting together with friends this Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board will take your summer brunch over the top.

Allowing your guests to make their own creations and customizable drinks makes for a really memorable party!

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Easy Rainbow Fruit Board

Photo Credit:healthykidsrecipes.com

Make fresh fruit the star of your next gathering with this colorful rainbow fruit board!

Made with six different types of fresh fruit and a delicious homemade yogurt fruit dip, it’s an easy, healthy appetizer or snack kids and adults alike will adore.

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Mexican Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:beyondmeresustenance.com

This Mexican-themed charcuterie board may at first glance look like a "regular" charcuterie board.

If you look a little closer, though, the various components have a decidedly Mexican twist.

Kick up the summer heat with homemade tajín, spicy avocado hummus, salsa verde, red chile pecans, Mexican dark chocolate, and more!

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Summer Cheese Board

Photo Credit:www.lifeasastrawberry.com

Equal parts elegant and tasty, you can put together a summer cheese board quicker than you’d think.

Summer ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and peaches pair perfectly with your favorite cured meats and cheeses.

It’s a stunner, and the step-by-step photos really help!

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Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:kimandkalee.com

Move over meat and cheese, this Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board is perfect for a summer party, special night at home, or fun get together.

Everyone will love assembling their own ice cream sundae! The best part is it’s customizable and perfect for both kids and adults.

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Super Easy 4th Of July Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:brooklynactivemama.com

This 4th of July charcuterie board is filled with all of your favorite red white and blue treats!

Festive chocolate dipped strawberries, cured meats, pretzels, licorice, and more are all you need to whip board up super quick.

It’s simple, budget-friendly, and there's a better way to celebrate the summer holidays than with a festive snack!

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Breakfast Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:kellystilwell.com

Who says you can’t have charcuterie for breakfast? This breakfast charcuterie board is super easy to make, and full of no-cook ingredients, perfect for warm summer mornings.

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Simple Summer Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:practicallyhomemade.com

Impress everyone with a simple summer charcuterie board with pretty salami roses (that are easier to make than you'd think!)

Everyone loves the assortment of sweet, savory, salty, and tangy flavors and textures on this board.

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Healthy and Festive 4th of July Snack Board

Photo Credit:foodpluswords.com

This 4th of July snack board is not only easy to prepare and mess-free, but it's also a healthy alternative, offering a boost of vitamin K, antioxidants, and iron from fresh fruits and veggies.

It’s perfect for a lighter summer alternative, and has something for everyone!

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Shark Week Board

Photo Credit:www.mamacheaps.com

This fun shark-themed charcuterie board is perfect for Shark Week, summer holidays, Jaws movie nights, beach days, or for any shark-lovers birthday party.

Colorful shark- shaped candy can be combined with your other favorite colorful treats, making it totally customizable for your event or gathering.

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American Flag Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit:completelychristmas.com

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this eye-catching red, white and blue patriotic USA Flag cheese board!

It’s the perfect side or appetizer for your next 4th of July party or picnic, or bring it along to a summer potluck!

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Summer Brunch Board

Photo Credit:britneybreaksbread.com

Ideal for a summer brunch, this colorful board is chock full of stone fruit, seasonal fruits, edible flowers, garden-fresh veggies, flavorful jams, eggs, smoked salmon, and so much more.

Not only is it beautiful, but it’s totally customizable for your menu and gathering.

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Plant-Based Red White & Blue Board

Photo Credit:plantbasedonabudget.com

If you have vegan and plant-based guests coming to your barbecue, this colorful red, white, and blue board is perfect!

From cherries to blue corn chips to hummus, there are so many delicious options for everyone - not just vegetarians!

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Mezze Board

Photo Credit:www.fitmamarealfood.com

This Mediterranean mezze platter is perfect for entertaining a large crowd for a light meal, or an entire meal for the family.

Not only is it beautiful, but this version is also nourishing for healthy eaters and super simple to put together.

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Simple Fourth of July Charcuterie

Photo Credit:inthekitch.net

Savory sausages and prosciutto, nutty cheeses, tangy olives, sweet berries, this board combines the most delicious flavors of summer.

Serve it at your summer BBQ or Independence Day celebration for a classic, patriotic crowd favorite.

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Burrata Board

Photo Credit:flavormosaic.com

You’ll love serving this beautiful and delicious Burrata Board filled with burrata cheese, crackers, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fruit.

Bring it to a picnic, or snack on it it the backyard for effortless entertaining.

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Easy Summer Cheese Board

Photo Credit:getinspiredeveryday.com

The variety of ingredients in this Summer Cheese Board create such a wonderful medley of flavors and textures.

The roasted mini peppers perfectly balance the savory cheeses!

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Easy Brunch Board

Photo Credit:www.findingzest.com

Feed your family or guests a variety of foods with a beautiful display that is easy to create. A Brunch Board can be created featuring either homemade or purchased items.

Add in your favorite muffins, yogurt, pastries, hard boiled eggs and fresh fruit that will have guests coming back for seconds!

Ready to make some summer charcuterie boards?

I hope this list of fun summer charcuterie board ideas has given you tons of inspiration for easy appetizers to serve at your celebration.

Any of these easy snack platters will be the hit of the party, and you’ll have so much fun putting it together!

You may also like:

90 Easy Picnic Food Ideas (+ 5 tips for a successful picnic!)

75 Easy Make Ahead Summer Appetizers for a Party

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23 Fun Summer Charcuterie Boards for Picnics, BBQs, and Potlucks (2024)

FAQs

What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie board? ›

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements.

What do you put on a summer charcuterie board? ›

Fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, and all of my favorite things - this summer board is such a fun way to a put a summer twist on the perfect charcuterie board.

What size charcuterie board do I need for 20 guests? ›

If you are looking for something bigger or to feed a larger crowd, a board around 20 x 12 inches should do the trick. For an idea of how to build a charcuterie board for different sizes, a 12 x 8 inches board will usually hold around two kinds of cheese, one cured meat, and three accompaniments — plus crackers.

How do you make a charcuterie board look fancy? ›

Charcuterie Board Styling Tips & Tricks
  1. Consult the guest list. ...
  2. Work with uneven numbers. ...
  3. Keep organized. ...
  4. Start with your bowls or round shapes. ...
  5. Next, move on to your biggest pieces and arrange by category. ...
  6. Avoid same category items touching. ...
  7. Move and adjust as you go. ...
  8. Fill final empty spaces with nuts.
Nov 24, 2021

What finger foods go with a charcuterie board? ›

Antipasto Tray
  • Desired cured meats.
  • Bold cheese (we used cubed feta and goat cheese)
  • Pickled or fresh veggies.
  • Dried and fresh fruits like dates, apricots, figs, and plums.
  • Olives.
  • Bread slices or crackers.
  • Herbed nuts.
Nov 16, 2023

What is the key to a good charcuterie board? ›

Five Keys to a Great Charcuterie Board
  • Fruits Should Always Be Seasonal. Make sure whenever you're preparing the charcuterie board, you're using fresh, in-season fruits. ...
  • Keep Color in Mind. Fruits are a great way to bring color into the picture. ...
  • Pair Meats and Cheeses Creatively. ...
  • Presentation is Huge. ...
  • Keep Flow in Mind.
Sep 23, 2019

What are the most common items on a charcuterie board? ›

But as these communal boards have gotten more popular for entertaining at home, the definition has expanded to include abundant displays of meats, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables, toasted nuts and briny olives, plus complementary condiments like honeys, jams, jellies, chutneys, mustards and more!

What should every charcuterie board have? ›

This includes cooked and cured meat products like hams, sausages, terrines, and pâtés. While traditionally that was the jest of it, these days a charcuterie board implies a spread of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, spreads, crackers, and breads.

What items are typically on a charcuterie board? ›

A charcuterie board is a selection of preserved meats and sometimes cheeses laid out on a board or platter. Sliced bread, crackers, fruit, pickles, spreads and nuts often round out the board for variety and contrasts in flavor and texture.

What to put on a charcuterie board besides cheese and meat? ›

Believe it or not, it's super simple to create an impressive presentation of cured meats, specialty cheeses and all the colorful complements. Get creative with olives, antipasti, fresh fruit, nuts, spreads, crackers and more.

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