How to build the perfect charcuterie board, according to hosting experts

Chefs and hosting experts share the best boards you need to build a charcuterie spread and their recommendations for the best meats and cheeses to include.

Charcuterie boards can make any occasion feel fancy and festive, be it a casual book club meeting or a large wedding. Plus, with hundreds of cheeses, meats and garnishes to choose from, you can get as creative as you want. But whether you’re hosting a massive guest list or a small group of friends, building the perfect charcuterie board takes practice. To help you create a delicious and beautiful spread, I asked chefs and caterers about everything to keep in mind. I also gathered boards and accessories that my experts and NBC Selected editors recommend. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Best charcuterie and cheese boards of 2026 Best overall board When I first came across this gorgeous marble board, I immediately added it to my wedding registry. Three years later, it’s one of my favorite functional yet display-worthy items in my house. The board is adorned with an etched honeycomb pattern and small gold-finished honeybees. You can separately purchase a set of three stainless steel, brass-finished cheese knives in a matching design, including a pronged knife for hard cheeses, an oval knife for soft cheeses and a wide-blade knife for semi-hard cheeses. There’s also a round version that includes the cheese knives. Best pre-made charcuterie board For the past few