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This Brunch Charcuterie Board is packed with bagels, creamy spreads, and a wide variety of sweet and savory toppings to enjoy.
Table of Contents
Your Brunch Inspiration
If you’re hosting a brunch and looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place! The first time I made a brunch charcuterie board was for a Mother’s Day gathering. I wanted something special yet easy to prepare, and it turned out to be a huge hit! Watching everyone build their own perfect bagel combinations made me realize how fun and interactive this spread could be. Since then, this board has become a go-to for every brunch I host! A brunch charcuterie board is the perfect way to impress your guests while making your morning spread both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Mother’s Day, or just gathering with friends and family, this customizable board is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Charcuterie Board
Creating a brunch charcuterie board is not only fun but also a stress-free way to serve a variety of delicious options to your guests. Here’s why you’ll love making one:
- Easy to Customize – You can tailor the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, making it perfect for a diverse group.
- Visually Stunning – A well-arranged board is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it the centerpiece of your brunch table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch, a holiday celebration, or a baby shower, this board fits right in.
- Minimal Cooking Required – Most ingredients are ready to serve, meaning you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
- Encourages Creativity – Have fun mixing and matching flavors, textures, and colors to create a one-of-a-kind spread!
Ingredients for a Brunch Charcuterie Board
- Bagels – I love using plain and everything bagels, but feel free to include other flavors like cinnamon raisin, asiago, or whole wheat.
- Cream Cheese – A must-have for spreading on bagels!
- Nutella – Adds a sweet, chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter – A protein-packed option that pairs well with fruit.
- Strawberries – Fresh and vibrant, perfect for a pop of color.
- Bananas – Slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
- Chocolate Chips – A fun way to add a little sweetness.
- Smoked Salmon – A classic pairing with bagels.
- Red Onion – For a milder flavor, soak in ice water for 10 minutes before serving.
- Capers – Drain well before adding to the board.
- Fresh Dill – Adds an herbaceous touch.
- Lemon Slices – Great for a zesty garnish.
- Cucumbers – Crisp and refreshing.
- Sliced Turkey – A lean protein option.
Additional Topping Ideas
- Honey – Drizzle over peanut butter or cream cheese.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese – A fruity, creamy delight.
- Jam – Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work beautifully.
- Raspberries & Blackberries – Fresh and tart.
- Kiwi – A unique, tropical touch.
- Ham – Another protein-packed option.
- Sliced Hard-Boiled Eggs – Try my easy Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs for a foolproof method.
- Avocado – Creamy and delicious.
- Brie – A soft, indulgent cheese that pairs well with fruit.
Garnishes
- Orange slices
- Grapes (in clusters for a visually appealing touch)
- Fresh herbs (like mint or rosemary)
Assembling Your Board
One of my favorite things about a brunch charcuterie board is that you can mix and match flavors to suit everyone’s tastes. With a variety of bagels, spreads, fresh fruits, and proteins, this board is a show-stopping addition to any brunch table.
- Start with large items first – Place bagels, bowls of spreads, and meats first, then fill in with smaller toppings.
- Mix colors and textures – Distribute ingredients evenly to create visual appeal.
- Prepare fresh – Assemble your board within an hour of serving for peak freshness.
- Use small serving utensils – Tiny spoons, cheese knives, and mini tongs make serving easy.
- Contain small ingredients – Use little cups for capers, jam, and chocolate chips to keep things tidy.
- Keep extras nearby – Refill as needed so your board always looks abundant.
What Makes a Brunch Charcuterie Board Different?
Charcuterie boards (pronounced “shar-KOO-tuh-ree”) traditionally feature a selection of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and spreads. While a classic charcuterie board focuses on savory flavors, a brunch version blends sweet and savory elements to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread. With the addition of bagels, fresh fruit, and breakfast proteins, this board is a full meal in itself!
Brunch Charcuterie Board FAQs
This board is plenty for a small group. If you are feeding a big crowd, along with your charcuterie board, consider serving classics like eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, bacon, sausage, muffins, yogurt, and granola.
Absolutely! This brunch charcuterie board is packed with filling ingredients, carbs, protein, and sides of fruits and veggies. A full meal on one board.
To create a stunning presentation, arrange your ingredients in groups, mix vibrant colors, and vary textures. Using small bowls for dips and spreads adds depth, and garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers makes the board look extra special.
Yes! You can prep ingredients like slicing fruits, meats, and cheeses the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble the board fresh just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Storing Leftovers
- Place spreads back in their original containers and refrigerate.
- Store bagels in a ziplock bag at room temperature or freeze for later.
- Keep toppings in airtight containers in the fridge and use them up within a couple of days.
More Charcuterie Board Ideas
Looking for more fun and festive boards to try? Here are some of my favorites:
- Dessert Charcuterie Board – A sweet treat perfect for parties.
- Christmas Charcuterie Board – Holiday-themed and festive.
- Deli-Style Meat & Cheese Tray – A classic option for any occasion.
- Halloween Charcuterie Board – Spooky and delicious!
Brunch Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- large wooden board for serving
- small bowls for spreads
Ingredients
- 10 bagels assorted flavors
- 4 ounces plain cream cheese
- 4 ounces strawberry cream cheese
- 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
- 4 ounces nutella
- 4 ounces crunchy peanut butter
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 large cucumber sliced thin
- 1/2 red onion sliced thin
- 2 ounces capers
- lemon slices
- fresh dill
- 4 ounces sliced turkey
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup sliced bananas
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add spreads to small bowls. Top with garnishes if desired.
- Place bagels and bowls of spread onto the board.
- Place toppings onto the board. I like to put the savory toppings on one side and the sweet toppings on the other side.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts listed in this recipe are approximate and based off of dividing the whole board equally.
- Other equipment needed to serve: bread knife or bagel slicer, knives for spreads, toaster
- When making a charcuterie board, place the largest items on the board first. Then, fill in the remaining areas with the smaller items.
Nutrition Information
Now that you have everything you need to build the perfect brunch charcuterie board, it’s time to get creative! Mix and match your favorite ingredients, arrange them beautifully, and watch as your guests dig in with delight. Let me know in the comments below how your board turned out! Happy brunching! 🥯
Looking forward to trying this! What are the dimensions of your board?
This charcuterie board is 13×23 inches