33 Pinterest-Worthy Food Boards, From Butter Boards to DIY Mac 'n' Cheese Boards

Nettie Moore
·7-min read

Are you on board with food boards? Not only are they super trendy, but they're also extremely delicious and the perfect way to incorporate your decorating skills. Literal eye candy, food boards are always a hit at any event and even make a casual last-minute lunch, dinner or dessert seem fancier. Click through this slideshow of the 33 best food board ideas and get inspired to make your own for any holiday, a movie marathon or a family night in. From appetizer boards to, yes, even a mac and cheese board, I guarantee you will be drooling by the time you get to the end.

Tips for Making the Best Food Board

My #1 tip for pulling off the best food boards is to make them less complicated. All those ingredients can seem genius at the time, but then you have to find room for them on the board. Food boards can be thematic or simply used for a quick appetizer snack.

Related: How to Make a Charcuterie Chalet

What Is a Food Board?

If you’ve been on social media for a minute, you’ve probably seen a plethora of different snack boards, dessert boards, main course boards and fruit boards that have been popping up. You name it, it can be on a food board. There are cheese and charcuterie boards. There are dessert boards piled high with candy, cakes and cookies. There are breakfast boards, like bagel, waffle and pancake boards. There are even build your own kind of dinner boards. Plus, hummus and appetizer boards.

What Is Charcuterie? 

Charcuterie is a display of different types of cured meats, along with cheeses and accompaniments such as fruit, olives, nuts and spreads. When people think of charcuterie boards they are usually referring to a meat and cheese board.

Best Ingredients for a Charcuterie Board

To make the best cheese board, try to focus on three things: variety, taste, texture. Variety makes a great board; add items that are sweet, salty, crunchy, fatty, savory, carb-rich, pickled and brined. Don’t complicate it. It should be easy and fun to put it all together!

Related: 31 Types of Cheese to Add to Your Next Charcuterie Board

33 of the Best Food Board Ideas

The Best Food Board Ideas

<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>You might think bacon and cheese is a tough combo to work with, but the duo actually presents an opportunity to play around with different and maybe new flavors.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1177876/sheagoldstein/bacon-and-cheddar-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bacon and Cheddar Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bacon and Cheddar Charcuterie Board</a></strong></p>
<p>Photo by Mark Boughton | Styling by Teresa Blackburn</p><p>Offer guests plenty of pretty, yummy nibbles without spoiling the big meal.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/appetizer-board-ideas" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Appetizer Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Appetizer Board </a></strong></p>
<p>Moore or Less Cooking</p><p>There is no cooking involved, just arrange the meats and cheese and your favorite snacks on the board. It’s easy peasy.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://mooreorlesscooking.com/game-day-meat-and-cheese-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Game Day Meat and Cheese Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Game Day Meat and Cheese Board</a></strong></p>
<p>The View From Great Island</p><p>Admit it: You've always wanted to eat avocado toast for dinner, and this meal is healthy and lots of fun!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/guacamole-bruschetta-bar/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Guacamole Bruschetta Bar;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Guacamole Bruschetta Bar</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/27-epic-thanksgiving-charcuterie-boards-165003070.html" data-ylk="slk:25 Epic Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards to Enjoy on Turkey Day!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">25 Epic Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards to Enjoy on Turkey Day!</a></strong></p>
<p>Smells Like Home</p><p>Filled with sweet and salty snacks with an amazing cinnamon toffee cream cheese dip for dipping everything in sight!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.smells-like-home.com/2019/12/how-to-build-a-holiday-dessert-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Board</a></strong></p>
<p>Moore or Less Cooking</p><p>Grilled Cheese Sticks, Jalapeño Peppers and Loaded Potato Skins will be a touchdown at your home-gating parties and the big game!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://mooreorlesscooking.com/easy-football-snacks/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Football Snacks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Easy Football Snacks</strong></a></p>
<p>Low Carb Nomad</p><p>Looking for the perfect keto snacks and low carb appetizers? Making a Keto Charcuterie Board is the perfect way to do so and they are so easy to make and fun too!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.lowcarbnomad.com/how-to-build-an-epic-keto-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Keto Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Keto Charcuterie Board</a></strong></p>
<p>The View From Great Island</p><p>This is blockbuster appetizer for winter holidays, game days, or any time hungry friends and family gather 'round.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/how-to-make-an-epic-winter-cheese-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make an Epic Cheese Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>How to Make an Epic Cheese Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Belly Full</p><p>Kids and adults alike will be wowed by this fun and easy dessert charcuterie board. Perfect to serve at your next birthday party, game night, book club, or any get together!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://bellyfull.net/dessert-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Dessert Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Dessert Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Belly Full</p><p>Enjoy a simple and beautiful Italian antipasto platter with fresh fruit, cured meat, cheeses and bread. This charcuterie board is so delicious, easy to put together, and fun to eat!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://bellyfull.net/italian-antipasto-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Italian Antipasto Charcuterie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Italian Antipasto Charcuterie</a></strong></p>
<p>Midget Momma</p><p>This Halloween charcuterie board is perfect to snack on between trick or treating. You'll love all the ways you can get creative with food for Halloween!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.midgetmomma.com/halloween-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Halloween Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Halloween Charcuterie Board </a></strong></p>
<p>Midget Momma</p><p>If you are looking for the ultimate snack for a party, game day or just because, then you are going to want to make this amazing party snacks charcuterie board!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.midgetmomma.com/party-snacks-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Party Snacks Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Party Snacks Charcuterie Board</a></strong></p>
<p>The Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>An epic sandwich charcuterie board for easy hosting and holiday parties. Add your favorite sandwich ingredients so guests can make their own (warm) sandwich!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-sandwich-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Epic Sandwich Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Epic Sandwich Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/candy-boards-charcuterie-boards-judging-000231923.html" data-ylk="slk:Candy Boards Are the New Holiday Charcuterie Boards We Can't Get Enough Of;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Candy Boards Are the New Holiday Charcuterie Boards We Can't Get Enough Of</a></strong></p>
<p>The Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Make a big pot of clam chowder for this epic clam chowder dinner board. Serve with shrimp cocktail, bread and your favorite crackers.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-clam-chowder-dinner-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Epic Clam Chowder Dinner Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Epic Clam Chowder Dinner Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>An epic charcuterie board is filled with cured meats, cheese, veggies, nuts, olives, dried fruits and crackers!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board (With Video);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>How to Make an </strong><strong>Epic Charcuterie Board (With Video)</strong></a></p>
<p>The Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Bake a pear buttermilk breakfast cake, made with buttermilk cake batter, and serve on the Big Board (breakfast board) for weekend company!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/pear-buttermilk-cake-breakfast-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pear Buttermilk Cake Breakfast Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pear Buttermilk Cake Breakfast Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Kim & Kalee</p><p>This ice cream sundae charcuterie board is perfect for a special night at home or get-together! The best part is it’s customizable and perfect for kids and adults!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://kimandkalee.com/recipes/ice-cream-sundae-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>There is no need to serve individual appetizers, just create a memorable and delicious party platter! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/1047397/nettiemoore/how-to-make-a-grazing-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Ultimate Grazing Board for Every Kind of Summer Soirée;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>How to Make the Ultimate Grazing Board for Every Kind of Summer Soirée</strong></a> </p>
<p>I Heart Naptime</p><p>This is the perfect appetizer for entertaining and includes all of your Mediterranean favorites! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/mezze/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mezze Platter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mezze Platter</a></strong></p>
<p>I Heart Naptime</p><p>Loaded with our favorite fruit, veggies, dips, crackers and snacks, this fruit and veggie platter is the perfect easy snack idea that you can feel good about feeding your family!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/veggie-platter/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Veggie Platter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Veggie Platter</a></p>
<p>I Heart Naptime</p><p>Learn how to assemble an amazing fruit and cheese platter for your next party. Pick your favorite fruits, cheeses and fillers to make your platter the star of the show!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/fruit-and-cheese-platter/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fruit and Cheese Platter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Fruit and Cheese Platter</strong></a></p>
<p>Favorite Family Recipes</p><p>The biggest candy holiday of the year needs a special holiday board with a fun, dressed-up treat tray like this one! You will be a hit with the kiddos as they indulge in way too much candy.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/halloween-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Halloween Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Halloween Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Favorite Family Recipes</p><p>The language of love comes alive with this pink and red Valentine's Day-themed candy and cookie dessert charcuterie board. Enjoy it with a sweetheart, kids or friends.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/dessert-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make a Dessert Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>How to Make a Dessert Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Number 2 Pencil</p><p>A fun and creative way to serve your favorite pancake breakfast.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.number-2-pencil.com/pancake-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pancake Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pancake Board</strong></a></p>

Number 2 Pencil

A fun and creative way to serve your favorite pancake breakfast.

Get the recipe: Pancake Board

<p>Number 2 Pencil</p><p>Inspire an epic Christmas cookie decorating party with this fun cookie decorating board!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.number-2-pencil.com/christmas-cookie-decorating-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Christmas Cookie Decorating Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Christmas Cookie Decorating Board </strong></a></p>
<p>Kitchen Divas</p><p>This one will win big with your game-day crowd.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://kitchendivas.com/game-day-food-board-recipes-snacks-appetizers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Game-Day Food Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Game-Day Food Board</a></strong></p>
<p>Natasha’s Kitchen</p><p>You can never go wrong with a classic charcuterie board.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make a Charcuterie Board (VIDEO);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How to Make a Charcuterie Board (VIDEO)</a></strong></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>The ultimate winter burrata charcuterie board has burrata (young mozzarella), salami, nuts and winter fruits like grapes, pears and figs!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/winter-burrata-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Winter Burrata Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Winter Burrata Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Just in time for a cozy meal, serve a macaroni and cheese dinner board. Add your favorite mac and cheese recipe, along with a variety of tasty toppings!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Macaroni and Cheese Dinner Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Macaroni and Cheese Dinner Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>This nacho board comes together in 30 minutes, and everyone will love it.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/baked-nacho-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Game-Day Baked Nacho Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Game-Day Baked Nacho Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Serve an epic grilled breakfast charcuterie board filled with grilled meat, cheese and soft-boiled eggs. Add fruit and summer jams for easy entertaining.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-grilled-breakfast-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Epic Grilled Breakfast Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Epic Grilled Breakfast Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>An epic spring charcuterie board filled with cured meats, cheese, fruit kebabs and spring blossoms! Arrange on an epic board, with favorite pastel colors.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-spring-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Epic Spring Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Epic Spring Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>This festive winter brie charcuterie board, made on a 20-inch “big board,” is on the table in 30 minutes. It's such a delicious recipe!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/winter-brie-charcuterie-board/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Winter Brie Charcuterie Board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Winter Brie Charcuterie Board</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/ive-making-charcuterie-trees-5-150000701.html" data-ylk="slk:How to Make a Charcuterie Tree;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">How to Make a Charcuterie Tree</a></strong></p>

Up next: 20 Genius Candy Board Ideas

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