This board is my favorite way to say I love you with snacks. We layer heart-shaped cheeses, bright berries, and a curated mix of turkey and beef meats for festive bites. It comes together quickly and always feels special.
Valentines Day Charcuterie
Equipment
- 1 Large board or platter
- 4 Small bowls for dips and salty items
- 1 Heart-shaped cutter small
- 1 Paring knife
- 1 Parchment Paper (optional) for easy cleanup
Ingredients
Meats
- turkey salami
- turkey pepperoni
- smoked turkey
- roast beef
- beef bresaola
- pastrami
Cheeses
- brie
- cheddar
- gouda
- mozzarella pearls
- goat cheese
Crunch
- assorted crackers
- seeded flatbreads
- baguette toasts
- breadsticks
Fruit
- strawberries
- raspberries
- red grapes
- pomegranate arils
- figs
- dried apricots
Sweets
- dark chocolate squares
- chocolate covered almonds
- strawberry yogurt pretzels
Spreads and dips
- honey
- fig jam
- grainy mustard
- hummus
- olive tapenade
Extras
- marinated olives
- cornichons
- roasted nuts
- cherry tomatoes
- fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Assembly
- Choose a large board or platter. Set out 2 to 4 small bowls for dips and salty items. Aim for a mix of colors and shapes.
- Slice cheese into 1/4 inch slabs and press a small heart cutter to make hearts. Save the scraps for snacking or melting later. Halve strawberries or slice into fans.
- Fold turkey salami and pepperoni into halves or quarters to create petals. For rosettes, wrap folded slices around each other into a small spiral.
- Place bowls of hummus, tapenade, olives, and mustard first. Add a brie wheel or a goat cheese log to anchor one corner.
- Fan sliced cheeses and tuck heart-shaped pieces in clusters. Alternate creamy and firm cheeses for texture.
- Create lines, waves, or rosettes with turkey and beef meats, nestling them beside the cheeses.
- Fan crackers and toasts in arcs. Keep a few extras on the side so they stay crisp.
- Fill gaps with berries, grapes, figs, and a few chocolate pieces. Drizzle honey over brie if you like.
- Scatter roasted nuts, tuck in rosemary sprigs, and add pomegranate arils for sparkle. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 2 hours.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Valentines Day Charcuterie
- Looks impressive with minimal effort and no cooking.
- Easy to customize for two or a crowd.
- Balanced sweet and savory bites so everyone finds a favorite.
- Prep ahead friendly for a relaxed date night.
Valentines Day Charcuterie Ingredients & Substitutions
- Meats: Turkey salami, turkey pepperoni, smoked turkey, roast beef, beef bresaola or pastrami. Swap ideas: Chicken sausage slices or rotisserie chicken bites.
- Cheeses: Brie, cheddar, gouda, mozzarella pearls, goat cheese. Swap ideas: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a herbed feta wedge.
- Crunch: Assorted crackers, seeded flatbreads, baguette toasts, breadsticks.
- Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, pomegranate arils, figs or dried apricots.
- Sweets: Dark chocolate squares, chocolate covered almonds, strawberry yogurt pretzels.
- Spreads and dips: Honey, fig jam, grainy mustard, hummus, olive tapenade.
- Extras: Marinated olives, cornichons, roasted nuts, cherry tomatoes, fresh rosemary for garnish.
- Heart details: Use a small heart cutter for cheeses and fruit. Ribbon meats for rosettes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Valentines Day Charcuterie
1. Gather and plan
Choose a large board or platter. Set out 2 to 4 small bowls for dips and salty items. Aim for a mix of colors and shapes.
2. Prep cute shapes
Slice cheese into 1/4 inch slabs and press a small heart cutter to make hearts. Save the scraps for snacking or melting later. Halve strawberries or slice into fans.
3. Fold the meats
Fold turkey salami and pepperoni into halves or quarters to create petals. For rosettes, wrap folded slices around each other into a small spiral.
4. Anchor the board
Place bowls of hummus, tapenade, olives, and mustard first. Add a brie wheel or a goat cheese log to anchor one corner.
5. Add cheeses
Fan sliced cheeses and tuck heart-shaped pieces in clusters. Alternate creamy and firm cheeses for texture.
6. Arrange meats
Create lines, waves, or rosettes with turkey and beef meats, nestling them beside the cheeses.
7. Crackers and carbs
Fan crackers and toasts in arcs. Keep a few extras on the side so they stay crisp.
8. Fruit and sweets
Fill gaps with berries, grapes, figs, and a few chocolate pieces. Drizzle honey over brie if you like.
9. Finishing touches
Scatter roasted nuts, tuck in rosemary sprigs, and add pomegranate arils for sparkle. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 2 hours.
Tips for Success
- Think in color zones. Alternate reds, creams, and greens for a lively look.
- Mix textures. Creamy, crunchy, juicy, and chewy make each bite satisfying.
- Pre-cut cheeses and meats for easy grazing.
- Use parchment on a wooden board for quick cleanup.
- Seasonal swap. In summer, use cherries and peaches. In winter, add citrus rounds.
Variations of Valentines Day Charcuterie
- For two: A small slate with one cheese, one meat, one dip, berries, and chocolate.
- All-cheese board: Three cheeses, fruit, nuts, honey, and cracker variety.
- Dessert board: Strawberries, raspberries, brownie bites, chocolate, yogurt pretzels, and a strawberry dip.
- Kid-friendly: Mild cheddar, mozzarella, turkey roll-ups, berries, mini crackers, and cucumber hearts.
- Savory lovers: Extra olives, pickles, mustard trio, roasted peppers, and herbed nuts.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Valentines Day Charcuterie
- Sparkling grape juice with fresh raspberries.
- Hibiscus iced tea with citrus slices.
- Berry lemonade or flavored sparkling water.
- Simple side salad with arugula, strawberries, and balsamic glaze.
- Warm baguette slices brushed with olive oil.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in airtight containers. Keep crackers separate so they stay crisp.
- Cheese lasts 3 to 4 days. Meats are best within 2 to 3 days.
- Refresh crackers in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp.
- Revive fruit by patting dry and adding a few fresh pieces on top.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year we build this board together, taking turns with the heart cutter and sneaking berries. It is simple, playful, and always ends with chocolate and giggles.
FAQs
How much should I buy per person? Plan about 2 ounces cheese and 2 ounces meat per person, plus plenty of fruit and crackers.
Can I make it ahead? Yes. Prep cheeses and meats, store separately, and assemble up to 2 hours before serving. Add crackers and herbs right before guests arrive.
What size board works best? For two, an 8 to 10 inch board. For four to six, use a 12 to 15 inch platter or a rimmed sheet pan.
How long can it sit out? Keep it out for up to 2 hours. If you need more time, rotate in chilled backups.
Do I need a heart cutter? Not required. Slice strawberries into hearts and cut cheese wedges into triangles for a festive look without special tools.
Final Thoughts
With a few pretty shapes and a smart mix of sweet and savory, this Valentines Day Charcuterie turns everyday ingredients into a charming celebration. Share, snack, and enjoy every bite.