You’ve seen them everywhere, from your Instagram feed to yourneighborhood restaurant.

Cheese

The more variety the better when it comes to cheese.

Offer a mix of some sharper cheeses, as well as a milder option.

southern charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and olives

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

venture to include a soft cheese and one hard or semi-hard cheese for textural contrast.

One of our crowd-pleasing favorites is Sweet Grass Dairy’s Thomasville Tomme cheese.

This semi-soft French farmhouse-style cheese is extremely versatile.

Semi-Firm Cheeses

Credit: Caitlin Bensel/Southern Living

It has subtle grassy undertones and a lovely buttery texture that pairs well with just about anything.

Spreads

Spreads are the glue of a cheese platter.

Any pickled vegetable or fruit (likepickled peaches) can lend a charcuterie board an acidic pop of flavor.

charcuterie board

Credit:Hector Sanchez; Styling by Audrey Davis; Products by Dillard’s

Pickled items cut through rich meats and cheese, and can act as palate cleanser between bites.

Lowcountry Produce sells some of our favorite pickles, including their pickled okra.

Cured Meats

All charcuterie boards includecured meats, but they don’t have to be European imports.

Sweet Heat Garden Pickles

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you could turn to options made across the South instead.

Crackers

A good cracker can make or break a charcuterie board.

It needs to strike the delicate balance of being a blank canvas without being too bland.

Cheese Arranged on Cheese Board

Credit: Caitlin Bensel/Southern Living

What About The Board?

You are likely to already have something you’re able to use.

Find Something Sturdy

Wood, marble, or ceramic boards are perfect for the job.

smoky black eyed pea hummus

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

If all else fails, your large kitchen cutting board can serve as a great base.

Here are some tricks for making your board look even better.

This will add visual interest and make the items easier to pick up.

This is especially important for wood boards that can absorb the flavors of items placed on them.

Add Flourish

Use small bowls to serveparty dipsand jams.

This keeps everything neat and contained.

Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.

Try not to lay anything flat against the board.

Use sprigs, whole leaves, or snipped pieces to tuck between items or top spreads.