Nothing sets the mood for a romantic evening quite like a beautifully arranged charcuterie board. With heart-shaped cheese, velvety prosciutto, crunchy nuts, and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, this board is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you're planning a cozy date night, an anniversary celebration, or just a special treat for someone you love, this romantic charcuterie board is the perfect way to indulge and impress!
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Creating a romantic charcuterie board is all about thoughtful details and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just having a cozy night in, this simple spread will make the moment feel extra special. So light some candles, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy a night of indulgence with your loved one!
Why a charcuterie board is perfect for romance
- It's pretty: The combination of cheeses, cured meats, and bright fruits!
- Fun to share: Sharing a charcuterie board brings you closer. You and your partner can feed each other, explore new flavors, and enjoy the moment together, making it fun and intimate.
- Effortless elegance: A well-arranged charcuterie board looks fancy but is super easy to put together. It creates a special dish without the hassle of cooking a big meal, so you can spend more time enjoying each other’s company.
- Pairs well with wine: Wine and charcuterie go hand in hand!
- Something for everyone: With a mix of sweet, salty, soft, and crunchy foods, there’s something both of you will love. You can even add your partner’s favorite treats to make it extra thoughtful.
- It's cozy and relaxed: Enjoy it by candlelight, in front of a fireplace, or on a picnic. A charcuterie board creates a laid-back, romantic vibe.
Did you know? Strawberries have long been a symbol of love and romance. In ancient Rome, they were associated with Venus, the goddess of love, because of their heart shape and deep red color. That’s why chocolate-covered strawberries continue to be a classic treat for romantic celebrations!
Ingredients in this romantic charcuterie board
- Strawberries: Choose bright, red strawberries with fresh green leaves. Also, make sure to choose larger strawberries. We'll be making chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Brie Cheese: For a romantic touch, I used a heart-shaped cutter to remove the center of a Brie wheel, creating a heart-shaped opening. I then filled it with fresh blueberries.
- Salami: To add an elegant and romantic touch, I used salami to create roses. By layering the slices around the rim of a small glass and then flipping it over, the salami holds its beautiful rose shape, making the board look extra special.
- Honey: Like in this Honey-Glazed Apple and Blueberry Pastry Cups, honey adds natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy Brie. Drizzling it over cheese, nuts, or dipping fresh fruit enhances the flavors.
- Dried Fruit: They pair beautifully with cheeses, nuts, and even a drizzle of honey for a delicious contrast of flavors.
How to build the perfect romantic charcuterie board
1. Choose your board and presentation
- Use a wooden board, marble slab, or a heart-shaped platter to set a romantic mood
- Add small candles or fairy lights around the board
- Scatter edible rose petals or fresh flowers
2. Select your cheeses
- Brie: Creamy, mild, and perfect for drizzling with honey.
- Cranberry Goat Cheese: Adds a pop of color and tangy sweetness.
- Aged White Cheddar: A sharp, nutty flavor that deepens over time. It's also naturally free of artificial coloring and pairs beautifully with wine, fruits, and cured meats.
- Blue Cheese: Bold and flavorful for those who love strong cheeses.
3. Add cured meats
- Prosciutto: Folded for a soft, silky texture.
- Salami Roses: Fold salami slices into roses for an elegant look.
- Chorizo: For a smoky and mildly spicy taste.
4. Add fruits and sweet elements
- Chocolate-covered strawberries – A must-have for romance! See the recipe card below on how to make these.
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries: Juicy and vibrant.
- Pomegranate seeds: Like in this Burrata Bruschetta recipe and this Mango and Pomegranate Salad, pomegranate seeds add bursts of sweetness and they look pretty 🙂
- Fig halves: Sensual and rich in flavor, especially when drizzled with some honey, like in this Tuna Steak with Sundried Tomatoes and Figs recipe.
- Dark chocolate pieces: For a bittersweet contrast.
5. Add Crackers & Bread
- Buttery crackers: Light and crispy. I added some sweet heart-shaped cookies.
- Sliced baguette: Rustic and perfect with soft cheeses or cured meats.
- Rosemary crackers: For an aromatic touch.
6. Other ingredients & Garnishes
- Honey or truffle honey: Drizzle over brie, berries, nuts, and/or fig halves.
- Fig jam or raspberry preserves: Perfect for spreading on cheese.
- Nuts: Almonds, pecans, and /or walnuts add crunch and depth.
- Macarons: In red, pink, or gold tones, they add a delicate, Parisian-inspired touch.
- Gold flakes or edible glitter: Sprinkle lightly over cheeses and chocolate for a luxurious effect.
Preparation
STEP 1: Place large items first
Arrange cheeses (cut into different shapes), and small bowls of dips, honey, or olives before adding smaller items.
STEP 2: Add meats and crackers
Fold or roll sliced meats like prosciutto or salami, place crackers/bread, and spread them around the board.
STEP 3: Add special items
Place special items like chocolate-covered strawberries in a central spot or as eye-catching accents around the board to make them stand out.
STEP 4: Add fruits, nuts, and extras
Scatter fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and extras like dark chocolate to add pops of color and texture.
Top Tips
- Mix Textures & Flavors: Include a variety of soft, hard, creamy, and crumbly cheeses, with sweet, salty, and savory elements.
- Arrange items close together to create a full, abundant look. Avoid large empty spaces.
- Balance colors by using vibrant fruits, dark chocolates, or bright herbs to make the board pop.
- Use small knives for cheese, tiny forks for pickles, and spoons for dips to make it easy to enjoy.
- The key is variety, balance, and a little creativity—there’s no wrong way to make it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble it a few hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add crackers and garnish just before serving.
To store leftovers, wrap soft cheeses in wax paper and hard cheeses in parchment or plastic wrap, then refrigerate. Keep cured meats in airtight containers and eat them within 3-4 days. Store fresh fruits in sealed containers in the fridge and you can keep nuts at room temperature. Crackers should be kept in airtight bags to stay crisp. Chocolate-covered strawberries should be eaten within 24 hours.
Pairing suggestions
To elevate your romantic charcuterie board, pair it with rosé or champagne for a light and bubbly celebratory feel, red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the richness of the cheese and meats, or a cozy herbal tea for a soothing, alcohol-free option.
Serving suggestions
Use heart-shaped cutters to shape soft cheeses for a romantic look. Decorate with fresh flowers (edible ones, or safe-for-decoration ones). Light some candles for a cozy, intimate feel.
Try these desserts
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Recipe
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe
Equipment
- Double Boiler optional - you can also use two pots
Ingredients
- 18 strawberries
- 8 oz chocolate dark, milk, or white, depending on your preference - you can use chocolate chips or a high-quality chocolate bar.
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the strawberries from sticking once dipped.
- Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under room temperature water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Ensure they are completely dry.
- Using a Double Boiler: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the chopped chocolate in the top pot. Stir frequently until melted and smooth. orUsing a Microwave: Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.If you're also using white chocolate, make sure to melt it in a separate pot/pan/bowl.
- Insert a toothpick or a cocktail pick into the top of the strawberry for a prettier presentation - this step is optional.
- Grab each strawberry by the green leaves or the pick, if using, and dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat it evenly. Leave a bit of the red strawberry showing at the top for a nice presentation. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- If you like, sprinkle the dipped strawberries with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets. As the most popular chocolate-dipped strawberry topping, drizzle dark chocolate-covered strawberries with melted white chocolate.
- Place the dipped strawberries on the prepared baking sheet and let the strawberries sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets. For faster setting, place them in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm to the touch. Overripe or mushy strawberries won't hold up well when dipped in chocolate.
- Make sure your strawberries are at room temperature to prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly during dipping.
- Dry the strawberries thoroughly. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or not adhere properly.
- After dipping, let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl to avoid messy pools of chocolate around the strawberries.
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