How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board using the 3-3-3 Rule

Learn how to make a charcuterie board with the easy 3-3-3 rule — 3 meats, 3 cheeses, 3 accompaniments. Simple and delicious.

June 24, 2025 | 6 minutes

Platter of assorted meats, cheeses, fruits, and olives with a glass of red wine on a wooden surface.

3 Meats. 3 Cheeses.
3 Extras. Done.

Learn how to build the perfect charcuterie board with our easy 3-3-3 rule

What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Boards?

Charcuterie boards are always a winner — whether you’re hosting drinks with friends, planning a cosy date night, going on a picnic, or putting on a spread for family. Who doesn’t love a platter of cured meats, cheeses, and tasty little extras?

But getting that perfect balance of flavours and textures can feel a bit tricky. That’s where the 3-3-3 rule comes in. It’s basically your shortcut to building a balanced, crowd-pleasing charcuterie board without overthinking it. By sticking to three of each key element, you’ll get the right mix of flavours, textures, and colours.

Here’s the simple formula:

  • 3 types of cured meats
  • 3 types of cheese
  • 3 types of accompaniments

That’s it. Easy to remember, easy to shop for, and guaranteed to impress.

3 Types of Cured Meats to Include...

Cured meats are the centrepiece of any great charcuterie board. Choose three distinct styles to offer contrast in flavour and texture and to keep things interesting.

Tip: Go for high-quality British or European cured meats for the best flavour. Explore our Charcuterie range for ideas.

  • Sliced smoked Prosciutto on a wooden cutting board

    Smoked Prosciutto

    Delicate, lightly salty and delicious. Prosciutto melts in the mouth and pairs perfectly with soft cheeses or sweet accompaniments like figs or honey.

  • Sliced smoked duck on a wooden cutting board

    Smoked Duck

    Tender, full-flavoured, and gently smokey. Our free-range smoked duck breast brings a bit of luxury and pairs beautifully with chutneys and blue cheese

  • Sliced salami on a wooden cutting board

    Smoked Salami

    Firm, rich, and often with a peppery kick. Salami adds bite and depth of flavour — try our smoked Finocchiona or spicy Spianata Calabra for extra character.

3 Types of Artisan Cheese to Include...

A great charcuterie board needs a mix of cheeses to balance flavours and textures. Aim for variety — soft, hard, and blue — to keep everyone happy.

Tip: Serve cheeses at room temperature for the best flavour and texture.

3 Accompaniments that Bring it all Together...

The right accompaniments tie your charcuterie board together, adding sweetness, crunch, or a bit of zing to balance out the rich meats and cheeses. Pair these with crusty bread, artisan crackers, or sourdough to complete your setup.

Tip: Mix sweet and savoury accompaniments to keep things interesting — a little chutney with cheese, or honey with salty meats, works like magic!

Why the 3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Works...

The beauty of the 3-3-3 rule is that it takes the guesswork out of planning. No more wondering how much is too much or worrying if you’ve forgotten something. It’s a simple guide that helps you build a board that looks amazing and tastes even better. Here’s why it works so well:

  • No more overloading: It stops you piling on too much and keeps things balanced.
  • Looks as good as it tastes: Mixing textures, flavours, and colours makes every bite interesting.
  • Makes shopping easy: No endless lists — just grab three of each (especially easy if you’re shopping with us).
  • Room to play: It gives you structure but still leaves plenty of space to get creative.

Top Tips for a Show-Stopping Charcuterie Board...

It’s not just about what you put on the board — how you present it makes all the difference. Here’s how to make yours look as good as it tastes:

  • Start with a great base: A wooden board, slate slab, or even a rustic serving tray sets the tone. The board itself becomes part of the presentation, so pick something with a bit of character.
  • Layer it up: Fold or roll cured meats, fan out cheese slices, and scatter items in little clusters. Mixing textures and colours makes it look abundant and inviting.
  • Add labels: A simple handwritten tag or little card helps guests navigate what’s what — especially handy for spicy salami or bold blue cheeses.
  • Garnish with greenery: A few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or edible flowers instantly give your board a rustic, artisanal feel.
  • Don’t forget the drinks: A great drink pairing brings everything together — scroll down for ideas!
Glass of red wine on a charcuterie board with cheese, fruits, and olives.

Drink Pairings for your Charcuterie Board...

A good drink pairing can really bring your whole charcuterie board to life, tying all those delicious flavours together perfectly. Whether you’re after something boozy to sip alongside your spread or prefer a refreshing alcohol-free option, having the right drink on hand makes all the difference. Here are a few tasty ideas to help you raise a glass with your next board:

Tip: Match bold drinks with bold flavours — the spicier or stronger your meats, the more flavour your drink needs to stand up to it.

  • Red Wine — You can’t go wrong with a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir, a fruity Grenache or Malbec. They’re soft enough for creamy cheeses but still have enough flavour to stand up to the cured meats.
  • White Wine — If you prefer white, go for something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay — both work beautifully with soft cheeses and tangy accompaniments.
  • Craft Beer — Charcuterie and craft beer are a dream combo. Try a hoppy pale ale with salami or a smokey porter alongside smoked duck and strong cheddar.
  • Cider — For something refreshing, a dry or medium cider pairs brilliantly with rich meats and sharp cheeses.
  • Botanical Soft Drinks — If you’re keeping it alcohol-free, go for something interesting like a sparkling elderflower or a botanical tonic — fresh, grown-up flavours that work with the savoury-sweet balance of the board.

Ready to Create your own Charcuterie Board...

Whether you’re throwing a party or settling in for a quiet night, the 3-3-3 rule offers a simple, foolproof way to build a board that hits all the right notes. With three carefully chosen meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, you’ll serve up something memorable every time.

Ready to get started? Shop our range of artisan cured meats and cheeses — all delivered fresh across the UK — scroll down for ideas!

No Prep Needed — Just Unwrap and Enjoy...

Prefer us to do the planning for you — we've got just the thing. Our range of ready-made charcuterie hampers include everything from generous feasting boxes to smaller, meat-only selections. Some are packed with the full works — cured meats, cheese, crackers, chutneys — while others keep it simple and savoury. Whatever you choose, it’s all hand-picked, beautifully packed, and guaranteed to impress!

Perfect for sharing, treating yourself, or sending as a gift — no prep, no stress, just really good food delivered to your door — scroll down for inspiration.

Share your board - Wooden platter with cured meats, bread, and cheese accompanied by wine glasses on a wooden table.

Share your Charcuterie Creations...

We’d love to see your take on the 3-3-3 rule! Whether it’s a rustic board for two or an elaborate platter for a party, share your charcuterie board with us on Instagram.

📸 Tag us @artisansmokehouse and use the hashtag #ArtisanCharcuterie for a chance to be featured!

Frequently asked Questions about Charcuterie...

What does charcuterie mean?

The word charcuterie comes from the French term “chair cuite” meaning “cooked meat”.

Traditionally, it refers to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats such as ham, salami, pâté, and sausages. Today, a charcuterie board has evolved to include a variety of cheeses, accompaniments, and other snacks.

How do you pronounce charcuterie?

Charcuterie is pronounced: shahr-koo-tuh-ree

It’s a French word, but has become a popular term in English-speaking countries to include grazing boards of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.

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

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple formula to build a charcuterie board:

  • 3 meats
  • 3 cheeses
  • 3 accompaniments

This structure helps you create a board that’s well-balanced in flavour, texture, and appearance — without overwhelming your guests.

What is typically on a charcuterie board?

A well-balanced charcuterie board usually includes:

  • Cured meats (e.g. prosciutto, smoked duck, salami)
  • Cheeses (soft, hard, blue)
  • Accompaniments (e.g. nuts, smoked olives, fresh or dried fruit, pickles, chutney, or honey)
  • Crackers or fresh bread (for serving)

Some boards also include extras like pâté, antipasti, and even chocolate for added variety!

What cheese is best for a charcuterie board?

Great cheese options include:

  • Soft: Goat’s cheese, Reblochon, Camembert
  • Hard: Smoked Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Weydeland
  • Blue: Stilton, Fourme d'Ambert, Gorgonzola

Aim for variety in texture and strength of flavour to complement your meats and accompaniments.

Can I make a vegetarian charcuterie board?

Absolutely! A vegetarian charcuterie board can include a mix of:

  • Vegetarian cheese (e.g. goats cheese, smoked halloumi)
  • Fresh vegetables (e.g. cucumber, cherry tomatoes, peppers)
  • Hummus or dips
  • Fruit (e.g. grapes, apricots)
  • Nuts
  • Crackers or bread

You can also include vegetarian pâtés or marinated tofu for protein.

How much charcuterie do I need per person?

As a rule of thumb:

  • Meat: 50–75g per person
  • Cheese: 50–75g per person

Add generous accompaniments and bread or crackers to bulk it out, especially for larger gatherings.