Best Breakfast Charcuterie Board Ideas 

Let’s elevate your mornings with my breakfast charcuterie board ideas. Elevating anything sounds pretty good to me, but breakfast? Isn’t a charcuterie for appetizers? The answer. Not anymore!

I’m usually a bowl of oatmeal, some fresh fruit, and a cuppa of tea or coffee kind of girl. That is until I discovered the beauty of a well-done brunch board. 

One thing I do love is making my food ‘look good’! It’s way more appetizing to me to see food arranged in a visually appealing way with color, flavor, and texture all showcased.

This brings me to the other thing I love which is grazing boards. They make it so easy to have a variety of flavors to choose from. That is exactly why I love charcuterie boards so much. A pretty breakfast spread fills all of my ideas of how food should look.

Plus, an easy breakfast charcuterie board takes the ordinary and turns breakfast into a much more fun and festive way to serve breakfast or brunch. I’ll show you how.

What exactly is a Breakfast Charcuterie Board? 

We all know that having a good breakfast is the best way to set the mood for your day, both physically and mentally.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. What does a breakfast board actually look like? What exactly is a breakfast charcuterie board? A breakfast charcuterie board is a platter of your favorite breakfast foods, arranged in a visually appealing way. It typically includes a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and other breakfast staples, such as bagels, or hot foods like pancakes, and waffles.

The best part about breakfast charcuterie boards is that they can be tailored to suit any taste.

Do people eat charcuterie for breakfast?

The answer is yes! A well-done breakfast charcuterie board allows your family to pick and choose what they like without having to make several different dishes for each person.

Think of it as a breakfast buffet, with something for everyone!

When arranging your food in a fun way, whether it’s a large group or smaller group, it’s important to consider the different flavors and textures of the food you choose. You will want to create a board that is both visually appealing and has delicious options for individual tastes. 

Choosing the Right Board or Platter

Depending on the size of your crowd will best determine which wooden board is best for you. I’ve used smaller cheese boards for two, cutting boards, and lazy Susan’s for an eye-catching board.

Another option is to use a simple roll of brown kraft paper. Cut the paper into a holiday-shaped theme such as a Christmas tree or Turkey. Once on the kitchen island or table, you can add your cheeses and meats, along with other goodies.

I decided for my breakfast charcuterie to use my French Bistro lazy Susan. The board was tucked way up on the top of my kitchen cabinet. While it looked really pretty there, I thought it was a good time to put it to use.

Unfortunately, it sat there for so long it wouldn’t spin until I gave it a little TLC with a spray of WD40. I was able to fix it with a few sprays.

I’m going to keep it close by from now on as I really loved using it for this charcuterie breakfast board. It will be perfect for entertaining for my upcoming wine and cheese party I’ll be hosting over the holidays!

What is the  3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie boards?

The rule of 3 3 3 3 for charcuterie boards means there is an equal balance of meats, cheeses, starches, and accompaniments. If it seems simple, it is! There is no need to overthink it!

Steps to making a breakfast charcuterie board

Prepare your board

Step 1. Decide what size board you will need for the number of guests that will be attending.

Gather your serving dishes

Step 2. Gather several small serving dishes for smaller items or items that need to be contained. (grapefruit, berries, nuts)

I have a large selection of vintage serving bowls and pedestal dishes that I love to use for a bit of sparkle.

Decide what utensils your guests will need

Step 3. Next, fill a small wicker basket or jar with the utensils your guest will need.

Add larger food items first

Step 4. Start by adding larger food items that will take up more space.

Step 5. Continue adding larger items in serving dishes or directly onto your board.

For items that will drip, use a bowl or dish.

Step 6. Continue adding smaller items filling in the gaps.

Small sugar and creamer holders are perfect for holding toppings, jams, maple syrup, or honey

Step 7. Up next was to add maple syrup in a small vintage creamer.

Serve and Enjoy

Step 8. Continue adding items you like. Serve and enjoy!

Here are a few tips:

• Arrange the food in a creative way. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your arrangement. You can use bowls, platters, and other serving dishes to create different levels and dimensions on your board.
• Include a variety of dips and spreads. Another great way to add interest is to add dips and spreads that also add flavor and variety to your breakfast charcuterie board. 
• A great addition is to try serving hummus, guacamole, salsa, Nutella, honey, or maple syrup.
• Use a variety of colors and textures. This will make your board more visually appealing. Try to include a mix of mini donuts, or donut holes, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and other breakfast staples in different colors and shapes.
  • Use small bowls 
  • Fill in empty spaces with smaller items
  • Add larger items 
• Label the food. This is especially helpful if you are serving your board to guests. Use these small white ceramic labels or toothpicks to identify the different foods on your board. (The labels are great for serving many cheeses at a cheese and wine pairing event.)

What favorite breakfast items do you put on a charcuterie board for brunch?

Similar to traditional charcuterie boards the breakfast platter has many of the same savory items. My favorites are the sliced oranges and mini waffles!

Here are some ideas for what to include on your breakfast charcuterie board:

• Meats: bacon, sausage, ham, prosciutto, salami, chorizo, breakfast patties
• Cheeses: cream cheese, cheddar, brie, goat cheese, feta, Gruyère, Swiss
• Fruits: great options are berries, sliced apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, melon
• Vegetables: sliced carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted vegetables
• Other breakfast staples: bagels, mini pancakes, waffles, mini cinnamon rolls, muffins, toast, English muffins, yogurt, granola, granola bars, yogurt parfaits, hard-boiled eggs, mini quiches, breakfast pastries

Essential Ingredients to consider:

• Orange slices: guests love the option of adding pre-cut orange slices to their water or mimosa
• Mini bagels
• Mini waffles: always a crowd favorite with maple syrup.
• Seasonal fruits and fresh berries: such as blueberries and sliced fresh strawberries offer sweet additions.
• Red or green grapes: add color to your board.
• Mini Muffins
• Hard Cheeses: great for having several savory options.
• Fluffy pancakes
• Cured breakfast meats
• french toast with hallah bread
• Cut-up veggies: easy to eat as finger foods.
• Crackers and spreads
• Crispy bacon is often the star of the show
• Garnish the board with fresh herbs

Remember to create different flavor profiles

Consider offering different items for those with dietary restrictions.

​Beverage Pairings

Coffee, tea, juice, or an alcoholic option of mimosas pair best with breakfast charcuterie boards.

Best Breakfast Charcuterie Board Ideas Recipe

Shop & Source

Customize boards for special occasions such as: 

• Mother’s Day
• A Baby Shower
• Christmas morning or Christmas Day

Cleanup and Storage: Tips for easy cleanup

Proper storage for storing leftovers is key for later enjoyment. Using plastic wrap or an airtight container is best to keep your condiments and ingredients fresh.

1. Clean off any excess food from your board. Use a butter knife or spatula to scrape off any excess food, such as cheese, meat, or fruit. You can also use a paper towel to wipe up any crumbs.
2. Wash the board with warm, soapy water. Once you’ve removed the excess food, wash the board with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the board thoroughly to remove all of the soap.
3. Dry the board immediately. Once you’ve rinsed the board, dry it immediately with a clean towel. This will help to prevent the board from warping or cracking.

Here is a bonus tip:

• If your charcuterie board is made of wood, you can season it with a food-grade mineral oil. This will help to protect the wood and prevent it from drying out.

​Additional charcuterie options:

Chocolate Charcuterie board ideas you can make today!

Charcuterie Board for Christmas

Small Charcuterie Board Recipe

The best thing about breakfast brunch classics and charcuterie boards is that they are an easy and perfect way to start any morning!

Every time I’ve served a charcuterie-style board my family my whole family loves the wonderful way it looks and all of the options.

Prior to serving be sure to take photos of your creation. Sharing with family and friends is the best part! You’ll have memories that last for years.

So get creative and try new combinations. I’d love to see your very own breakfast charcuterie board ideas.

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