Build an American-Made Charcuterie Board: Cheese, Jerky, Honey, Jam & Serving Pieces

An American-made charcuterie board brings together regional cheese, dried or cured meat, honey, fruit spreads, crackers and handcrafted serving pieces from American producers.

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Traditional charcuterie refers specifically to prepared meats such as salami, sausage, ham and pâté. In modern American entertaining, the term “charcuterie board” is commonly used for a broader grazing display containing meat, cheese, fruit, spreads, crackers, nuts, pickles and sweets.

You do not need dozens of products to build a successful board. The most important goal is contrast:

• Soft, firm and crumbly textures
• Mild, sharp, smoky and spicy flavors
• Salty meat balanced by honey or fruit
• Rich cheese balanced by pickles or mustard
• Soft foods balanced by crisp crackers and nuts

Use this guide to build a board with products from the BuyAmerican.com Cheese, Jerky & Meat Snacks, Honey, Jams, Jellies & Spreads and Cutting Boards collections.

A simple board-building formula:

• Three cheeses with different textures
• Two meats or meat snacks
• One honey or honeycomb
• One jam, jelly or preserves
• Two types of crackers or bread
• Two fresh, dried or pickled accompaniments
• One American-made serving board

Our quick recommendations:

• Best mild American cheese: Eichten’s Tilsit
• Best sweet-and-spicy cheese: Eichten’s Cranberry Chipotle Gouda
• Best spreadable cheese: Wisconsin Port Wine Cheese Spread
• Best sausage assortment: Large Summer Sausage Gift Box
• Best tender dried meat: Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong
• Best individually portioned meat: Ranch Hand Original Beef Jerky Sticks
• Best honey centerpiece: Raw Sage Honeycomb
• Best fruit spread for cheese: Fig Preserves
• Best sweet-heat spread: Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
• Best neutral cracker: Sea Salt Crackers
• Best everyday serving board: 18 × 12-Inch American-Made Wood Board
• Best personalized board: Monogram Hardwood Paddle Board
• Best dedicated cheese tool: Handcrafted Cheese Board with Slicer

This is a research-based entertaining guide. BuyAmerican.com did not conduct blind tasting, laboratory shelf-life testing or independent allergen testing. Recommendations are based on current product descriptions, manufacturing information, texture, flavor, presentation and serving versatility.

Product information reviewed: July 2026. Recipes, package sizes, ingredient sources, refrigeration requirements and inventory can change. Review every current product page and physical package label before serving.

American-made charcuterie board essentials at a glance

What does “American-made charcuterie board” mean?

The phrase can refer to both the food and the serving pieces, but each claim should be evaluated separately.

A board may contain:

• Cheese made from milk produced and processed in an American state
• Jerky or sausage manufactured and packaged in the United States
• Honey harvested from American hives
• Jam made domestically from American or imported fruit
• Crackers baked in the United States with domestic and imported ingredients
• A hardwood board cut, engraved and finished in an American workshop

Domestic manufacturing does not automatically mean every spice, culture, fruit, bottle, label or piece of hardware was produced domestically.

Look for specific statements such as:

• Made from pasteurized cow’s milk on a Minnesota farm
• Wisconsin cheddar
• Made and packaged in Kentucky
• Honey harvested from named U.S. hives
• Handcrafted from walnut or maple in Ohio
• Made in the USA with imported spices

The Federal Trade Commission says an unqualified Made-in-USA claim generally requires a product to be all or virtually all made domestically. Read the FTC Made in USA guidance for the official standard.

How much food do you need?

The following amounts are practical BuyAmerican.com planning estimates rather than fixed catering rules.

Adjust the amounts according to:

• Whether other appetizers are being served
• Time of day
• Length of the gathering
• Number of children
• Dietary restrictions
• Whether the board replaces a meal

For larger events, replenish the board in smaller batches instead of placing every refrigerated product out at once.

How to choose the right serving-board size

The 18 × 12-Inch Wood Charcuterie Board is a practical general-purpose size. It is available in darker walnut or lighter maple and can also function as a cutting or serving board.

Step 1: Choose three contrasting cheeses

A balanced cheese selection usually contains:

1. One mild or approachable cheese
2. One creamy or spreadable cheese
3. One aged, smoked, spicy or otherwise bold cheese

The goal is not to select three cheeses with nearly identical textures.

Best mild cheese: Eichten’s Tilsit

Eichten’s Tilsit is a Minnesota-made semi-hard cheese with a texture similar to Colby and a cheddar-like finish.

The current product information identifies:

• Pasteurized cow’s milk
• Vegetable rennet
• A minimum aging period of approximately 60 days
• Stronger flavor with additional aging
• Minnesota production

Its approachable texture makes it useful as the central cheese on a board serving guests with different preferences.

Pair it with:

• Fig preserves
• Raw honey
• Apple slices
• Summer sausage
• Sea salt crackers

Best sweet-and-spicy cheese: Cranberry Chipotle Gouda

Eichten’s Cranberry Chipotle Pepper Gouda combines creamy gouda with tart cranberries and smoky chipotle peppers.

The current listing describes it as:

• Made with pasteurized cow’s milk
• Produced on a third-generation Minnesota family farm
• Aged as a domestic European-style gouda
• Designed for cheese boards and entertaining

Because the cheese already contains fruit and chile, pair it with neutral crackers and a relatively simple honey rather than several competing spicy condiments.

Pair it with:

• Raw honeycomb
• Plain crackers
• Turkey or mild beef jerky
• Pears
• Toasted pecans

Best spreadable cheese: Port Wine Cheese Spread

The Port Wine Cheese Spread combines Wisconsin Grade A aged cheddar with sweet port-wine flavor.

It contributes a soft, creamy texture that contrasts with sliced semi-hard cheese.

Pair it with:

• Sea salt crackers
• Summer sausage
• Dried cherries
• Pretzel crisps
• Apple slices

Supply a separate spreader so guests do not use the same knife on every cheese.

Optional bold cheese: Dragon’s Breath Cheddar

The Dragon’s Breath Cheddar adds habanero heat to Wisconsin cheddar.

Use it as a small accent rather than the only firm cheese. Label it clearly so guests do not mistake it for mild cheddar.

Pair it with:

• Honey
• Sweet preserves
• Plain crackers
• Fresh apple
• A mild summer sausage

Step 2: Add two contrasting meats

Traditional charcuterie focuses on prepared meat. Jerky, biltong, meat sticks and summer sausage can make an American-themed board easier to ship, store and portion.

Choose one meat that can be sliced and one meat with a contrasting shape or texture.

Best sausage assortment: Large Summer Sausage Gift Box

The Large Summer Sausage Gift Box contains a selection of hickory-smoked game sausages.

The current assortment includes products such as:

• Elk summer sausage
• Venison summer sausage
• Bison summer sausage
• Additional wild-game sausage varieties according to the current box configuration

Slice the sausages into pieces thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to eat with cheese and crackers.

Pair them with:

• Tilsit or cheddar
• Fig preserves
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Firm crackers

Summer-sausage storage requirements vary. Some unopened products are shelf stable, while others must remain refrigerated. Follow the exact package label.

Best distinctive sliced meat: Wild Boar Summer Sausage

The Wild Boar Hickory Smoked Summer Sausage is a seven-ounce ready-to-slice option suited to cheese-and-cracker boards.

Use it when you want one unusual meat without purchasing a large assortment.

Pair it with:

• Sharp cheddar
• Smoked cheese
• Apple bacon jam
• Whole-grain mustard
• Cornichons or dill pickles

Best tender dried meat: Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong

Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong provides a tender, steak-like alternative to firm sausage and extra-dry jerky.

The beef is treated with vinegar and spices and slowly air-dried before slicing. The current listing emphasizes:

• Grass-fed and grass-finished beef
• No added sugar
• No artificial preservatives
• A mildly spiced profile

Pair it with:

• Asiago
• Aged cheddar
• Fig preserves
• Honey
• Dried apricots

Best individually portioned meat: Ranch Hand Jerky Sticks

The Ranch Hand Original Beef Jerky Stick is a hardwood-smoked, individually portioned meat snack.

Cut each stick into two or three diagonal sections for a shared board, or leave several wrapped for guests who prefer an untouched individual serving.

Pair it with:

• Cheddar
• Gouda
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Apples

Step 3: Add honey or honeycomb

Honey balances salty meat, aged cheese and spicy ingredients.

It is especially useful with:

• Sharp cheddar
• Gouda
• Blue cheese
• Goat cheese
• Spicy cheese
• Pears and apples
• Toasted nuts

Best centerpiece: Raw Sage Honeycomb

The 12.3-Ounce Raw Honeycomb contains sage honey inside its natural wax comb.

The current product listing describes the entire comb as edible and recommends it for cheese, crackers and charcuterie.

To serve it:

1. Place the honeycomb in a shallow dish or on a small piece of food-safe parchment.
2. Provide a small knife or honey spoon.
3. Let guests cut a small piece containing both honey and wax.
4. Keep the honey away from highly absorbent crackers until guests are ready to eat.

Honeycomb can drip as it warms, so a rimmed dish helps protect the wooden board.

Liquid honey vs. honeycomb

Never serve honey or a honey-containing food to a child younger than 12 months. The CDC warns that honey can cause infant botulism. Read the CDC infant-feeding guidance.

Step 4: Choose a jam, jelly or preserves

One fruit spread is generally enough for a small board. Use two when one is sweet and one is savory or spicy.

Best classic cheese-board spread: Fig Preserves

The Amish Country Store Fig Preserves use Kadota figs and have a mellow, spreadable texture.

Fig works particularly well on a meat-and-cheese board because it complements both savory and creamy foods.

Pair it with:

• Tilsit
• Sharp cheddar
• Goat cheese
• Biltong
• Summer sausage
• Walnuts

Best sweet-heat spread: Strawberry Jalapeño Jam

The Strawberry Jalapeño Jam combines ripe strawberry flavor with a warm jalapeño finish.

Use it when the cheese selection is mostly mild and needs a brighter accent.

Pair it with:

• Gouda
• Cream cheese
• Brie-style cheese
• Cheddar
• Pork sausage
• Plain crackers

Best savory option: Apple Bacon Jam

The Traverse Bay Farms Apple Bacon Jam combines apples with real bacon for a smoky, sweet-savory spread.

It works best when the board needs a condiment closer to chutney or relish than breakfast jam.

Pair it with:

• Sharp cheddar
• Brie-style cheese
• Wild boar sausage
• Turkey
• Whole-grain crackers

Apple Bacon Jam contains meat and should not be placed on a vegetarian board.

Step 5: Add crackers and bread

The cracker should support the cheese rather than overpower it.

The Sea Salt Crackers have a thin, buttery and crisp format designed to pair with meat, cheese and sweet or savory spreads.

For a larger board, serve two carriers:

• Neutral sea-salt crackers
• Whole-grain or seeded crackers
• Thin baguette slices
• Pretzel crisps
• Gluten-free crackers when needed

Keep crackers crisp

• Place wet spreads in ramekins.
• Do not rest sliced fruit directly against crackers.
• Keep honey inside a dish or comb section.
• Put part of the cracker supply in a separate basket.
• Replenish the board instead of overcrowding it.

Step 6: Add fresh, dried and briny foods

These supporting foods prevent a board from becoming uniformly rich, salty and soft.

Fresh fruit

• Apples
• Pears
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Figs when available
• Cherries

Dried fruit

• Apricots
• Cherries
• Cranberries
• Figs
• Apple rings

Briny or acidic additions

• Cornichons
• Dill pickles
• Pickled onions
• Green or black olives
• Pickled peppers
• Whole-grain mustard

Nuts

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Spiced mixed nuts

Label nuts clearly and keep them in a separate bowl when serving anyone with allergies.

Step 7: Select the serving pieces

Best everyday board: 18 × 12-inch wood board

The American-Made 18 × 12-Inch Wood Board is available in walnut or maple.

Its current listing describes it as suitable for:

• Charcuterie
• Cheese
• Food preparation
• Serving
• Personalization

The juice groove can help contain honey, fruit juice or condensation, although wet foods should still be placed in bowls when possible.

Best personalized gift: Monogram hardwood paddle board

The Personalized Last-Name Charcuterie Board is offered in walnut, maple and cherry.

The board is:

• Made in Ohio
• Approximately three-quarters of an inch thick
• Finished with food-safe mineral oil
• Available with an engraved monogram
• Designed as a reversible serving and cutting surface

It is especially suitable for:

• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Housewarmings
• Host gifts
• Family holiday gifts

Verify every letter, name and design detail before submitting a personalized order.

Best dedicated cheese tool: Cheese board with slicer

The Cheese Cutting Board with Slicer combines a handcrafted presentation surface with an integrated wire-style cheese slicer.

The maker offers domestic wood choices including:

• Walnut
• Maple
• Cherry
• White oak

Some versions also use colorful exotic woods. Select a domestic-wood version when maximizing domestic material content matters.

Small serving pieces you will also need

• One knife for each cheese style
• A spreader for soft cheese
• A small knife or spoon for honeycomb
• A spoon for each jam
• Small ramekins for wet or briny foods
• Food labels or place cards
• Small appetizer plates and napkins

How to arrange a charcuterie board

1. Place bowls first

Put ramekins of jam, honey, mustard, olives and pickles on the board before adding larger foods. These containers occupy fixed spaces and create visual anchors.

2. Add the cheeses

Space the cheeses around the board rather than placing all three together.

• Leave soft cheese mostly intact with a spreader.
• Cut a few slices from firm cheese to show guests how to serve it.
• Cube or slice a portion of mild cheese.
• Label spicy cheese.

3. Arrange the meats

Create different shapes:

• Overlap sausage slices in a curved line.
• Fold larger slices into halves or quarters.
• Place biltong in a loose pile.
• Cut meat sticks diagonally.

4. Add crackers

Place small groups of crackers near the cheeses they complement. Keep additional crackers off the main board for replenishment.

5. Fill gaps with fruit and nuts

Use grapes, apple slices, dried fruit and nuts to fill open areas without covering the larger components.

6. Add utensils and labels

Every wet spread should have its own spoon. Every distinct cheese should have a suitable knife or slicer.

Label:

• Very spicy cheese
• Game meat
• Products containing alcohol
• Nuts
• Gluten-free items
• Vegetarian items
• Honey when infants may be present

Best American cheese, meat and spread pairings

Sample American-made charcuterie boards

Classic Wisconsin and Midwest board

• Tilsit or Wisconsin cheddar
• Port Wine Cheese Spread
• Summer sausage
• Ranch Hand Beef Jerky Sticks
• Fig preserves
• Raw honey
• Sea Salt Crackers
• Apples, pickles and toasted pecans

Sweet-and-spicy board

• Cranberry Chipotle Gouda
• Dragon’s Breath Cheddar
• Mild cheese spread
• Biltong
• Mild summer sausage
• Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
• Honeycomb
• Pears, crackers and pecans

Wild-game board

• Elk, venison, bison and wild-boar sausage
• Aged cheddar
• Tilsit
• Fig preserves
• Whole-grain mustard
• Pickled onions
• Firm crackers
• Dried cherries and apples

Vegetarian cheese board

• Tilsit
• Cranberry Chipotle Gouda
• Port Wine Cheese Spread
• Raw honeycomb
• Fig preserves
• Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
• Sea Salt Crackers
• Fresh and dried fruit
• Nuts, olives and pickles

Honey is vegetarian but not considered vegan. Check each cheese for animal- or vegetable-rennet information when that distinction matters.

Small board for two

• One mild cheese
• One bold cheese
• One sausage or biltong
• One small honey or jam
• One cracker
• Apple or pear slices
• Pickles or olives

A small board is usually more appealing when it is edited carefully rather than crowded with miniature portions of ten unrelated products.

Charcuterie-board food safety

Cheese, sliced meat and cut fruit may require refrigeration. Keep the board refrigerated until shortly before serving.

FoodSafety.gov advises keeping refrigerators at 40°F or below and refrigerating perishable foods within two hours. When outdoor temperatures exceed 90°F, that limit falls to one hour. Read the four steps to food safety.

Use the two-hour rule

• Do not leave perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Use a one-hour limit when temperatures are above 90°F.
• Discard food that exceeds the applicable time limit.
• Do not rely on smell or appearance alone.

Serve smaller batches

For a long party:

1. Prepare extra cheese and meat in refrigerated containers.
2. Put out only part of each product.
3. Replace depleted food with fresh refrigerated portions.
4. Do not add fresh food directly on top of food that has been sitting out too long.

Keep cold food cold

For outdoor events, place small bowls or platters over ice. A chilled serving system such as the REVO Dubler Party Cooler can also accept optional chill boards for a cold charcuterie-style display.

Avoid cross-contact

• Use a separate knife for each cheese.
• Keep gluten-free crackers on a separate plate.
• Place nuts in a bowl.
• Use dedicated spoons for jam, mustard and honey.
• Do not let a used meat utensil return to a vegetarian section.

Check the packages

Follow the product-specific instructions for:

• Refrigeration
• Use after opening
• Use-by dates
• Allergens
• Alcohol ingredients
• Whether sausage is ready to eat or requires cooking

Allergen planning

Common allergens and dietary concerns on a charcuterie board include:

• Milk: Cheese and cheese spreads
• Wheat: Crackers and bread
• Tree nuts and peanuts: Nut accompaniments and shared facilities
• Soy: Jerky marinades and crackers
• Sesame: Seeded crackers and seasoning
• Mustard: Condiments and meat seasoning
• Alcohol: Port-wine cheese and bourbon- or wine-flavored spreads
• Meat: Bacon jam and gelatin-containing products

Read the current labels rather than assuming that every cheese, jerky or cracker from one brand shares the same allergen profile.

How to care for a wood charcuterie board

Before first use

Follow the maker’s care instructions. Some boards arrive pre-oiled and ready to use, while others require an initial application of food-safe mineral oil or board cream.

After serving

1. Remove all food promptly.
2. Scrape away cheese and spread residue gently.
3. Wash by hand with warm water and mild dish soap.
4. Clean both sides to reduce uneven moisture exposure.
5. Dry immediately with a towel.
6. Stand the board on its edge until completely dry.

Avoid:

• Putting a wood board in the dishwasher
• Soaking it in a sink
• Leaving honey or jam on it overnight
• Using cooking oils that can become rancid
• Storing the board while damp
• Using a deeply cracked board for ready-to-eat food

Oil and condition the board

Use the food-safe mineral oil, wax or board conditioner recommended by the maker. Apply it when the wood begins to look dry or pale.

Separate raw-meat and serving uses

A charcuterie board holds ready-to-eat food. Avoid preparing raw poultry, meat or seafood on the same surface immediately before serving.

The USDA recommends separate cutting boards for raw meat and foods that require no additional cooking. Review the USDA cutting-board guidance.

Common charcuterie-board mistakes

Using too many strong flavors

Spicy cheese, spicy jerky, hot honey, pepper jam and chile crackers on the same board leave no contrast. Select one or two sources of heat and balance them with mild cheese and neutral crackers.

Selecting cheeses with the same texture

Three blocks of semi-hard cheddar can taste different but still make the board feel repetitive. Include something creamy or spreadable.

Overcrowding the serving surface

Guests need room to cut cheese, reach utensils and remove crackers without touching everything else.

Pre-slicing everything too early

Cheese can dry out, crackers can soften and apples can brown. Complete most preparation ahead, but slice delicate ingredients closer to serving time.

Placing jam directly on the wood

Wet spreads can stain the board, contaminate neighboring food and soften crackers. Use a ramekin.

Forgetting utensils

A beautiful board becomes frustrating when every cheese, jam and honey shares one knife.

Failing to identify very hot food

Label habanero cheese, pepper jelly and spicy jerky.

Leaving refrigerated food out all evening

Use the two-hour rule and replenish from the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between charcuterie and a cheese board?

Traditional charcuterie centers on prepared meat. A cheese board centers on cheese. Modern American charcuterie boards commonly combine both with crackers, spreads, fruit and other accompaniments.

What should go on an American-made charcuterie board?

Start with three American cheeses, two American-produced meat snacks, honey or honeycomb, one fruit spread, crackers, fresh fruit, pickles and a U.S.-made wood serving board.

How many cheeses should a charcuterie board have?

Three is a practical number for most gatherings: one mild, one soft or spreadable and one bold. A small board for two may need only two cheeses.

What American cheeses work best?

Cheddar, gouda, Colby-style cheese, Tilsit, asiago, havarti and cheese spreads can all work. Select contrasting textures rather than three similar blocks.

Can jerky be used on a charcuterie board?

Yes. Jerky, biltong and meat sticks are convenient alternatives to sliced salami. Cut larger pieces into bite-size portions and balance dry meat with cheese, honey or fruit.

Is summer sausage ready to eat?

Many commercially packaged summer sausages are fully cooked and ready to eat, but not every sausage is identical. Follow the exact product label and cooking instructions.

What cheese goes with beef jerky?

Cheddar, gouda, asiago and Colby-style cheeses are dependable choices. Pair spicy jerky with milder cheese and fruit or honey.

What cheese goes with honey?

Honey works especially well with sharp cheddar, gouda, goat cheese, blue cheese and spicy cheeses.

What jam is best for a charcuterie board?

Fig preserves are among the most versatile. Strawberry jalapeño jam works well when the board needs sweet heat, while apple bacon jam creates a savory pairing for cheddar and sausage.

Can honeycomb be eaten?

Yes. Honeycomb consists of honey inside edible beeswax cells. Serve small portions because the wax has a chewy texture.

Can babies eat honey from a charcuterie board?

No. Children younger than 12 months should not be given honey or honey-containing food because of the risk of infant botulism.

What size board is needed for six people?

An approximately 16- to 18-inch round board or an 18 × 12-inch rectangular board is a useful starting point. Serve extra crackers separately when space is limited.

How early can a charcuterie board be assembled?

Cheese and meat can be arranged shortly before the gathering and kept covered in the refrigerator. Add crackers, sliced apples and wet spreads closer to serving time.

How long can a charcuterie board sit out?

Refrigerated perishable foods should generally not remain at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour when temperatures exceed 90°F.

Can a cutting board be used for charcuterie?

Yes, provided it is food safe, clean, in good condition and not contaminated by raw meat. Review its finish and care instructions.

Is a personalized board safe for food?

Many are, but confirm that the finish and engraved surface are intended for food contact. Some owners use the engraved side for display and the reverse for cutting or serving.

How do you keep crackers from getting soggy?

Keep jam, honey, olives and cut fruit in separate bowls or zones. Add crackers shortly before serving and replenish them from a separate container.

How do you make a vegetarian charcuterie board?

Omit meat and add another cheese, nuts, olives, pickles, fruit, honey and two spreads. Remember that honey is not vegan.

What is a good charcuterie-board gift?

Pair a personalized American-made paddle board with one cheese, summer sausage, honey, fig preserves and crackers. Ship refrigerated products only using the supplier’s required delivery method.

Final recommendations

Choose Eichten’s Tilsit for a mild Minnesota cheese with a Colby-like texture and cheddar finish.

Choose Cranberry Chipotle Pepper Gouda for a Minnesota-made cheese combining creamy gouda, cranberry and smoky heat.

Choose the Port Wine Cheese Spread for a soft Wisconsin-cheddar component that contrasts with sliced cheeses.

Choose the Large Summer Sausage Gift Box for an assortment of smoked game sausages that can be sliced and shared.

Choose Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong for a tender, steak-like dried meat with no added sugar.

Choose the Ranch Hand Original Beef Jerky Stick for hardwood-smoked, individually portioned meat.

Choose the Raw Sage Honeycomb for a visually distinctive honey centerpiece that guests can pair directly with cheese and crackers.

Choose Fig Preserves for a versatile fruit spread suited to cheese, biltong and summer sausage.

Choose Strawberry Jalapeño Jam for fruit-forward sweet heat with mild cheeses and pork.

Choose the Sea Salt Crackers for a crisp, neutral carrier that works with meat, cheese, honey and jam.

Choose the 18 × 12-Inch American-Made Wood Board for an everyday serving surface available in walnut or maple.

Choose the Personalized Hardwood Paddle Board for a wedding, anniversary or housewarming gift made in Ohio.

Choose the Handcrafted Cheese Board with Slicer for a dedicated presentation piece that slices both soft and firm cheese.