How Much Does It Cost To Make A Cheese Board?

Cheese and charcuterie boards are at the top of the trends right now. If you scroll through Instagram or Pinterest, you’re bound to come across a themed and aesthetically pleasing cheese board within the first few moments. Seeing all of these beautiful displays may have you feeling inspired to create your own. Of course, the question then arises: exactly how much will it cost to prepare a cheese board? We’ve done the research and have the information you need to make your first (or next) charcuterie board a delicious success.

Your budget for a cheese board should be anywhere between $50 and $150. Exactly how much it will cost you depends on the board's size and material and the foods you are showcasing. Boards range in price from $18.99 to $69.99 and even upwards, depending on the quality. Fear not; while the board itself is an investment, it is a one-time expense. Unless you opt to serve your display on a different board every time, you won’t have to shell out that additional money for each charcuterie board you assemble.

Now that you know your approximate budget, read on for some pro tips on how to assemble a cheese board that’s not only appealing to the eye but will be sure to satisfy your guests.

Cheese Board Budget Breakdown

Glass serving platters will cost anywhere from $15 to $50, whereas a ceramic platter will usually fall within the $30 price range. As far as wood boards go, acacia and bamboo are certainly some of the most popular choices and are extremely budget-friendly. You can purchase an ample-sized board made from either of these woods for $30 to $40.

What you plan to serve on your display will have a big impact on your budget. Blocks of cheese can range in price from $5 up to $15, depending on where you shop and what type of cheese you’re looking to serve.

If you’re pairing your cheeses with cured meats, those tend to fall within the same price range. If preparing a charcuterie board with fruits or candy and snacks, a budget of $50 to $60 should buy an ample amount of options.

How Do You Make A Cheese Board Look Better?

After browsing various social media channels, you’re left inspired to create a dreamy cheese and charcuterie board but have no clue where to start! If you don’t already own a cheese board, your first step is to find the right board for you. Check out "What Kind of Wood is Used for Cheese and Charcuterie Board" to see various types of wood used for cheese boards which can help you determine your preference for appearance.

Some people think that lighter wood makes a better aesthetic, while some gravitate toward darker woods. That is entirely up to personal preference.

Click here to view this Bamboo Cheese Board & Knife Set on Amazon.

If you don't want to take the plunge and purchase an actual cheese board, any platter will do—and will leave you with more to spend on the food itself! Click here to view a Stoneware platter set on Amazon.

Another take on a traditional serving platter is doubling up. Purchasing a budget-friendly set of two platters offers you the option of more variety or identical platters at either end of your party set-up. The modern look of a simple, clear glass platter isn't only aesthetically pleasing, but it allows the food to do the talking. This also lessens the chance of one single board appearing cluttered.

Click here to view Clear Serving Trays on Amazon.

Having a wide variety of colorful foods and a hearty selection are also key in making your charcuterie board looking its best; you can also serve the same foods at different corners of the board --for example, small bunches of grapes in each corner or crackers as a border. Whether you’re making a holiday-themed cheese board or just assembling a simple one for a few guests, make sure all the gaps are filled in on your board and that there aren’t any blank spots. You can fill gaps with different nuts, candies, or dips—but we’ll get into that later!

For How Long Can A Cheese Board Sit Out?

To keep it tasting its best, ideally, you don’t want to keep your cheese board sitting out for more than four or five hours. While some harder cheeses, think cheddar or Parmesan, can be kept at room temperature for longer, it isn’t advised to keep them sitting out if you want to preserve their taste.

The same goes for fruit; if you have fresh fruit on your spread, keeping it out for hours at room temperature can compromise the taste. If your spread includes dried fruit, nuts, candy, bread, or vegetables, you can consider re-plating those to keep them out for your guests to nosh.

How Much Food Do You Need For A Cheese Board?

For the ultimate cheese board, anywhere from three to five cheeses is optimal to offer the best variety. This will, of course, depend on the size of your cheese spread; if you’re entertaining four people, five types of cheese may be excessive. The food you compile on your cheese board is not only determined by the number of people it is serving but also if it is a special occasion.

Charcuterie boards are now acceptable to serve with nearly any combination of food and for any holiday. Summer and holiday charcuterie spreads usually include colorful fruits, candy, and crackers. A traditional cheese board will likely offer a variety of cheeses, crackers and/or breads, with dried and seasonal fruit, cured meats (salami, pepperoni), olives, and nuts. We offer you a few inspirational ideas, "What Do You Serve With Cheese Boards" in order to ensure your cheese board is as delicious as possible.

This is where the other part of your budget factors in; how much your cheese board will cost also depends on the number and types of cheeses you’re displaying, along with any other food and fruit you will be adding. Consider adding some dips for fruit and vegetables as well.

No matter how big or small, variety is of utmost importance. For example, those looking to add dried fruits to their selection may want to consider purchasing a larger multi-pound bag, which will end up being more cost-effective than purchasing multiple bags at the grocery store.

Click here to view Dried Fruit Medley on Amazon.

Cheese and snack boards have evolved over the years and are far from boring. Nearly anything gives you the perfect reason to assemble your favorite snacks and present them in a fun, non-traditional way!

An example of a holiday-themed cheese board with various cheeses, fruits, and vegetables.

In Closing

The options for assembling a cheese board are endless! The best thing you can do is determine your budget beforehand and stick with it. It can become very costly very quickly. Remember that bigger does not always mean it’s better; sometimes, simplicity is key. A cheese board with a few different cheeses, cured meats, and some fruit is just as enjoyable to pick on as one with twice the selection!