If you’re looking to make life a little easier for your next get-together or holiday, how about a brunch charcuterie board? These platters are perfect for mid-morning/early afternoon get togethers, for any holiday or occasion – New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, baby shower, bridal shower, even a Galentine’s Day celebration! Keep reading to get inspired with all the things for an amazing brunch grazing table!
Really? A Charcuterie Brunch Board?
Ok, first, the elephant in the room. I know the purists are going to ask, “Brunch Charcuterie Boards? Will all of them have meat on them? Because that’s the technical definition.”
Well…. yes. And no.
Technically, “charcuterie” is a French term for serving cured meats of all kinds, usually along with cheese, fruit, preserves, jams, nuts, crackers, wine… all of what you’d probably envision for a French picnic in country.
So, yes. Some of the boards will fit this technical definition because those foods really are perfect for a brunch.
But also, no.
Even though a technical charcuterie board should include all of the above, the definition has evolved to mean all kinds of food boards, whether they contain meat, cheese, and/or fruit, or not.
So, call it a brunch charcuterie board, a brunch grazing platter, a brunch grazing table… I think we are all on the same page here, right?
Every Holiday Celebration Should Be Brunch (Charcuterie Boards)
When we moved to Tennessee to be near family, we did a big Thanksgiving feast, but it wore me out for Christmas and left me no motivation to put on another big holiday spread.
Instead, we decided to just do brunch on Christmas Day – and I’m hooked.
I honestly think it should be brunch for every holiday, not just what you typically associate with brunch, like New Year’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day.
It took so much pressure off to celebrate that way.
Putting your brunch foods on a board just makes it that much more festive.
While you can find some amazing holiday-specific boards ideas for fall, Christmas, Valentine’s Day… pretty much every season and holiday, the boards I’m sharing can work for ANY brunch.
You can also feel free to make several boards and throw in some holiday foods or boards to liven things up.
Breakfast Platters (+ Lunch + Dessert) = Mouthwatering Brunch Grazing Tables
As you look through the list below, they are arranged somewhat chronologically through the day… starting with light breakfast foods, then more substantive breakfast foods, onto appetizers and finger foods, then lunch type boards.
And of course, it’s not complete with some delicious dessert boards.
There are no hard, fast rules to how you put a board together (though purists would probably argue that and give you a formula to follow. I’m just not that fancy).
You can mix and match. It doesn’t have to have a theme or a name.
To be really honest, aesthetics are probably a priority just below flavor, so whatever you put on it, just make it look pretty.
Those pictures below are good for that kind of inspiration as well.
Ok, let’s get to those amazing brunch boards – full of breakfast, appetizer, lunch, and dessert platter ideas!
30+ Mouthwatering Brunch Boards for an Amazing Grazing Table
Brunch Charcuterie Boards
Bagels + Lox Brunch Board
This is so simple but elegant at the same time. If you have smoked salmon lovers, this is is a great choice. Lox spread is also a very acceptable alternative for those with tight budgets.
Simple & Gorgeous DIY Bread Charcuterie Board
This board is so simple to create - and no baking involved (unless you want to!). Select a variety of breads and spreads and it's done! You can grab free printable label cards in the post, too. I mean, who doesn't love bread?!?
Bagel Breakfast Charcuterie Board
If lox aren't your thing for bagels, you can doing a bagel board with all of your favorite toppings and spreads... butters, honeys, jams... so many options!
Light Breakfast Board
So many breakfast option that are budget-friendly choices here - yogurt and granola, granola bars, croissants, hard-boiled eggs... all your breakfast favorites.
EASY Bread BRUNCH CHARCUTERIE BOARD
This board has lots of your favorite breads all mixed in... biscuits, muffins, bagels, arranged with fruit, sausage, and other breakfast goodies. You can add in croissants, cinnamon rolls, and English muffins too!
Top-Your-Own Toast Board
How genius is this? Everyone picks their own toppings for toast... from bacon to eggs to fruit to Nutella... oh my. So many great choices for this.
Pancake Brunch Board
Think about the IHOP menu set out on one board, on your table. That's pretty much what you have here! Can't go wrong.
French Toast Breakfast Charcuterie Board
If French toast is more your thing than pancakes, this is another sure crowd-pleaser!
Build-Your-Own Waffle Board
Can't forget about the waffles! This one can be done similarly to French toast and pancakes, but feel free to leave out some ice cream and whipped cream with this, too!
Traditional Breakfast Charcuterie Board
This board is a mix of all your standard favorites: pancakes, yogurt, eggs, sausage, fruit... it's all there.
Fruit Tray Platter
You can never go wrong with serving fruit at a brunch! With so many options to choose from, not only will it taste great but those colors are amazing.
Perfect Apple Dipping Charcuterie Board
This is a light and fresh and absolutely delicious board! Fill the board with different dips such as caramel, chocolate, cookie butter - and pair with all the toppings of your dreams! A little healthy-ish bite with all the sweetness!
1-2-3 Cheese Board
This is an amazing example of a cheese board... which cheese to choose, how to pair items... this is a can't-lose spread.
Brunch Charcuterie Board with a European Vibe
This board has a fancy European feel to it... goat cheese, figs, fennel salami, and Spanish ham. Light but filling enough for the grazers.
French Charcuterie Platter
If you happen to love that French feel for your brunches, this French board is one you need to check out - and then make!
Appetizer Board
If you're family isn't into fancy (like mine), this appetizer board is a great idea! All your favorite finger foods to nosh on. These are always crowd pleasers, no matter the occasion!
Nacho Charcuterie Board
You might not typically think of nachos for a brunch, but let me tell you, nachos are a staple at every family gathering, and there are so many delicious dips and salsa to pair it with, making it a perfect light choice for a brunch!
Gourmet Salad Charcuterie Board
Yes, you can actually put a salad together from a board! Come see how to put together this amazing meal, perfect for a brunch.
Italian Bread Dipping Oil Charcuterie Board
Oh boy... this one is a no-fail hit! Who wouldn't want to sit around this board sampling all the breads and oils, along with all the other Italian goodies?! For real, you would not be able to get my dad away from this!
Bruschetta Board
Bruschetta is a perfect and light food for a brunch. Your guests will just love this one!
Peach Caprese Salad Board
This peach and fresh mozzarella board is so refreshing. This combination is a sweet alternative to your standard tomato caprese.
Healthy Low Carb Charcuterie Board
If you have friends or family who are health conscious, keto, or low-carb, this will give you a lot of ideas for how to keep it healthy!
Deli Tray Charcuterie Board
A deli tray is a wonderful choice for a brunch! A filling, hearty lunch with an array of meats, breads, and cheeses... something for everyone!
Southern Inspired Charcuterie Board
If you're from the South or want to go with a Southern-themed brunch, this is the perfect board to create! All the southern favorites here!
Seafood Charcuterie Platter
This has all the feels of a fancy brunch at a restaurant on the water! If that's what you're going for, look no further for inspiration!
Shrimp Charcuterie Board
Maybe a full-on seafood board might be a little too much for you to put together, but a shrimp cocktail board is a perfect brunch choice!
Dessert Dip Charcuterie Board
If you love dessert dips, serving several of them on one board just takes the experience up a few notches! You'll please EVERYONE with a delicious selection of dessert dips and their favorite dippers.
Chic Donut Charcuterie Boards
It really can be as easy as buying donuts and laying them out in a beautiful display. This board is all about the aesthetics - no baking or cooking required!
Light and Sweet Dessert Board
I just love how beautiful this one is to look at! All the yummy dessert in a soft, complimentary colors. Perfect!
Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board
Fondue is a perfect choice for a brunch! Arrange all the yummy items on a board to dip in the chocolate (or really, any kind of fondue!) - and oh boy... how delicious!
Gluten Free Dessert Charcuterie Board
This amazing dessert board is gluten-free, which is incredible! Feel free to use any type of sweet you want, if GF isn't an issue!
Strawberry & Chocolate Dessert Board
This mix of strawberries and chocolate is absolutly decadent. Perfect way to fancy up a dessert board!
Candy Board
Instead of having a candy bar, why not try a candy board? This is a perfect way to close out a brunch! Leave little bags nearby so guests can take goodies home as a sweet favor!
Breakfast | Appetizer | Lunch | Dessert Boards – Together Create Delicious Brunch Grazing Tables
Aren’t these amazing? I think the hardest part is choosing which boards to make, right? But you really could choose a few, lay them all out, and just let your guests go to town.
A brunch charcuterie board is perfect for any occasion for family and friends, any time of year.
You can even you many of these ideas for an evening get-together, not just brunch.
Breakfast for dinner is totally acceptable!
Foods for Holiday Charcuterie Boards
If you are looking for some seasonal or holiday types of food or desserts to include on a board, or if you’re wanting to design your own board around a holiday theme, here are some posts with all kinds of holiday and seasonal foods and treats you may want to consider including, depending on what time of year you are having your brunch:
30+ Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
30 Healthy Apple Desserts & Treats
30 Easy Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Desserts
Here are some pictures from Instagram for some holiday themed boards:
Christmas Charcuterie Board
View this post on Instagram
Fall Charcuterie Board
View this post on Instagram
Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board
View this post on Instagram
Easter Charcuterie Board
View this post on Instagram
And if you need some extra tips for creating an any-occasion kid-friendly board that the whole family will love, adults included, this post right here breaks it down in simple steps with lots of ideas to make sure your kid will love the charcuterie board, too!
And if you need some specific kid-friendly inspiration, here are 25 Charcuterie Board Ideas for Kids, which are really great for adults, too!
If you use any of these ideas, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
I’m a photo director for a luxury lifestyle magazine. We’re doing a boards article and I’d like to publish one of your photos. We will of course caption and credit you.
Please get back to me and I’ll give you more details.
I’d rather not post all of my personal details here.
Thank you!!!
FT Photo Director
Hi! There are links to the original owners of the photos within the post. You’d need to reach out to them personally to obtain their permission! Thank you for your interest!