Southern Charcuterie Board

By Trace Barnett

The South is a place of true abundance, not just in what grows from the soil, but in the stories, traditions, and ingenuity that shape its food. From pecan groves and pepper patches to smokehouses and backyard gardens, Southern cooks have long known how to turn simple, local ingredients into something deeply satisfying and memorable.

That sense of plenty is what makes a Southern charcuterie board so special. It’s a celebration of contrasts and comforts all in one place—sweet and savory, crisp and creamy, fresh and preserved—layered together in a way that feels generous and welcoming.

When built with intention, the board becomes as beautiful as it is delicious, overflowing with color, texture, and flavor, inviting guests to linger, graze, and gather.

Give folks a little something smoky, salty, and savory.

• Country ham slices, shaved thin
• Andouille sausage, sliced
• Smoked turkey breast
• BBQ pulled pork, served warm in a small bowl
• Pimento cheese–stuffed celery

Choose three to five for variety.

• Pimento cheese (a must)
• Sharp white cheddar
• Buttermilk blue cheese
• Goat cheese log rolled in fresh herbs
• Pepper Jack, cubed

Because a Southern board needs something sturdy to build on.

• Mini buttermilk biscuits
• Cornbread toasts or thin slices of toasted cornbread
• Butter crackers
• Cheese straws

This is where the board really gets its Southern accent.

• Pickled okra
• Chow chow
• Candied jalapeños
• Bread-and-butter pickles
• Pepper jelly, red or green
• Fig preserves or peach preserves
• Blackberry jam

Straight from the garden or farmers’ market.

• Heirloom tomato slices with flaky salt
• Cucumber rounds or mini cucumbers
• Fresh berries such as blackberries, blueberries and strawberries
• Apple slices tossed lightly with lemon juice

• Toasted spiced pecans
• Boiled peanuts
• Honey-roasted peanuts

These are the little touches that make the board unforgettable.

• Deviled eggs, garnished with smoked paprika or chives
• Fried green tomato bites with Alabama white sauce
• Homemade dill dip for vegetables
• Hot honey for drizzling
• Honeycomb, if available

How to Assemble:

• Build in clusters so guests can easily mix and match.
• Use small bowls, ramekins and cake stands to add height.
• Fill every inch of the board so it feels abundant and welcoming.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, magnolia leaves, rosemary sprigs or edible flowers.

Optional Southern Theme Variations:

• Summer Tomato Board with sliced tomatoes, Duke’s mayonnaise and toasted white bread triangles
• BBQ Board with ribs, pulled pork, slaw, cornbread and pickles
• Brunch Board with biscuits, gravies, country ham, jams and fresh fruit