Easy Dessert Charcuterie Board
40aprons.com/sweet-and-simple-dessert-charcuterie-board/Talk about the best charcuterie dessert board ideas! This spread has chocolates, cookies, fresh berries, and yes, even cheese, are all arranged on one gorgeous platter that requires zero cooking. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day, or any celebration you’re hosting.
Recipe Makes (Approximate):
Equipment
- Large wooden board, marble slab, or serving platter 16-18 inches minimum
- Small serving bowls 2-3 for dips and honey
- Cheese knife or spreaders
- Honey dipper optional but nice
- Small serving spoons
Ingredients
Cheeses (Choose 2)
- 8 ounces goat cheese log
- 8 ounces brie or camembert wheel
- Alternative: 6 ounces manchego wedges
Dips and Liquids
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella or chocolate dip)
- ¼ cup honey
- Optional: ¼ cup fruit jam
Cookies (Choose 3-4 Types)
- 12 Milano cookies
- 10-12 pirouette cookies (rolled wafer cookies)
- 15-20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or Thin Mints)
- 12-15 shortbread cookies or wedding cookies
- 8-10 waffle cookies
Chocolates (Choose 2-3 Types)
- 8 ounces chocolate truffles (about 12-15 pieces)
- 6 ounces chocolate-covered caramels or nuts
- 4 ounces dark chocolate bar (broken into pieces)
- 6 ounces chocolate-covered pretzels
Fresh Fruit (Choose 2-3 Types)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (some halved, some whole)
- 6 ounces fresh raspberries
- 6 ounces fresh blackberries
- 6 ounces fresh blueberries
Crackers
- 8 ounces pretzel crisps or water crackers
Fun Extras (Optional: Choose 2-3)
- 4 ounces meringue cookies
- 3 ounces gummy candies
- 4 ounces marshmallows
- 3 ounces caramels
- 2 ounces glazed or candied nuts
Instructions
- Set out a large wooden board, marble slab, or serving platter. Gather all your ingredients and arrange them on your counter for easy access.
- Place 8 ounces goat cheese and 8 ounces brie on opposite sides or corners of the board. Set small bowls on the board and fill one with ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread and another with ¼ cup honey.
- Arrange 8 ounces chocolate truffles, 6 ounces chocolate-covered caramels, and 4 ounces broken chocolate pieces in clusters near one cheese. Add 6 ounces chocolate-covered pretzels nearby, allowing sections to slightly overlap.
- Fan out 12 Milano cookies in one section. Create a casual pile with 10-12 pirouette cookies. Arrange 15-20 chocolate sandwich cookies in another area. Add 12-15 shortbread cookies and 8-10 waffle cookies in remaining spaces, varying heights and arrangements.
- Scatter 1 pound strawberries (some halved, some whole) throughout the board. Fill gaps with 6 ounces raspberries, 6 ounces blackberries, and 6 ounces blueberries, creating colorful pops between other items.
- Add 8 ounces pretzel crisps or crackers near the cheeses. Tuck in optional extras like 4 ounces meringues, 3 ounces gummy candies, 4 ounces marshmallows, or 3 ounces caramels to fill any gaps.
- Adjust items to create an abundant, overflowing look. Add a honey dipper to the honey bowl if desired. Serve immediately, or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Make it Vegetarian: Many traditional soft cheeses like brie and camembert are made with animal rennet. Look for cheeses labeled "vegetarian" or made with microbial/vegetable rennet. Brands like BelGioioso, Organic Valley, and many store brands now offer vegetarian-friendly options.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cookies and crackers, and check all chocolate labels carefully. Many chocolates and candies are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the packaging to be safe.
Make it Nut-Free: Omit all nuts and nut-containing chocolates. Choose nut-free cookies like Oreos, vanilla wafers, and graham crackers. Always check chocolate labels for nut content or processing warnings.
Storage: Cover board with plastic wrap or transfer items to airtight containers. Cookies and chocolates last 2-3 weeks, cheese lasts 4-5 days refrigerated, fresh fruit should be eaten within 1-2 days.
Scaling: For smaller gatherings (4-6 people), cut all quantities in half. For larger parties (20+ people), double the recipe or create two separate boards.
Budget Tip: Use chocolate chips or Hershey’s Kisses in bowls instead of fancy chocolates, vanilla wafers instead of Milano cookies, and regular Oreos. You'll cut costs by 40-50% while maintaining visual impact.
Seasonal Swaps: For Christmas, add peppermint bark and candy canes. For Halloween, include candy corn and chocolate pumpkins. For Valentine's Day, use chocolate-covered strawberries and conversation hearts.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Net Carbs: 0g
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