I come from the generation that lived on Lunchables growing up, so it's no surprise that my favorite contribution to holiday dinners is a fully stacked charcuterie board. It's an easy, no-frills dish that is sure to impress, and it doesn't require any cooking! What could be better? Read on for how I prepare my charcuterie boards.

Start with the cheeses.

You want to include a variety of hard and soft cheeses. Not everyone's flavor palette is going to be the same and you're trying to please a crowd. Here, I went with a Brie, a Cheddar, a Gouda, and a Havarti. It's easiest to serve the cheese pre-sliced, but I left the remainder of the block on the board, just for presentation.  

The next main portion of your board are the meats.

Again, go with a variety here and don't skimp on the meat. I used salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni - You can also go with turkey, ham, and even sausage. Estimate about 3-4 pieces per person and definitely don't be shy. 

Now think about crackers.

Crackers are the vehicle for your cheeses and meats. You'll also want to include a nice selection here of different flavors and textures. Pretzels are a nice, unexpected addition here. 

Don't forget the fillers.

Spice up your board with spreads, dips, fruits, olives, and nuts. Remember, you want your board to look very full so don't be afraid to really pile it on and squeeze in lots of yummy extras. Your guests will appreciate a variety of flavors and textures, and you want your board to be colorful. If you're anything like me, the presentation is half the fun. Be sure to look around for lots of different charcuterie board ideas for inspiration.

Don't be intimidated.

Building a beautiful, balanced charcuterie board can seem overwhelming and even intimidating at first, but if you do your homework before you head into the grocery store, you can produce a tasty appetizer that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!