If You Love Snacks, You Need These Accessories To Level Up Your Cheese Board

What elevates a cheese plate to the level of “charcuterie”, you ask? Technically speaking, the French term denotes any type of preserved meat. Yet, colloquially speaking (especially on the internet) a charcuterie board has become shorthand for a good-looking tray of cheese and meat, often with some fun extras like nuts, olives or chocolates. It looks great on a table, can work as its own centerpiece and is as fun to make as it is to eat.
If you’re hosting this holiday season or just want to spice up a weeknight dinner, preparing a fancy cheese or charcuterie board is easier than it seems. With a few ramekins and some specialized knives, you can transform a bunch of small bites into an interactive and eye-catching tray.
To help you make the best at-home cheese board, we rounded up some favorite essentials from Target. Short of the meats and cheeses, you’ll find everything you need to wow your guests.
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When it’s not in use, the paddle-like shape of this expansive board may give you a little giggle, but truly a rustic-looking tray makes even deli slices of American cheese look like expensive and fancy. Let your guests graze and try all types of bites with this 34-inch-long option.
For a smaller party or more limited serving surface, this 10-inch circular option fits the bill. It’s great for presenting cheeses and meats but could be used for serving personal pizzas and even cutting fruit. Find it in light rubberwood or medium-hued acacia fabrications.
Ramekins may be the easiest way to up your cheese plate game and to appease anyone who doesn’t like different foods touching. Fill them with dips, spreads and small bites to give a little color and dimension to your board. This set comes in blue or white, and can go in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher. They’re also oven-safe to 500 degrees.
Get the perfect amount of your favorite hard and semi-hard cheeses with this handy plane slicer. The pressure you give it lets you decide the thickness of the slice and when the party’s over it can go in the dishwasher.
Literally elevate your cheeses with this lifted acacia wood tray. It’s long and lean (28 inches, to be exact) and will be right at home as the centerpiece of your table or on a buffet. It’s ideal for showing off charcuterie as well as deserts, breakfast pastries and more.
Olives? Nuts? Dips? Jams? Any cheese-complementing treats you’d like to present will be right at home in this melamine serving trio. Designed with Studio McGee, it’s the perfect addition to any home charcuterie set, giving you the ability to enjoy three separate treats. It’s dishwasher-safe with an easy-carry top handle.
Because trays are easy to carry, you can make a cheese board in the kitchen and then move it around without disrupting your hard work. Best, this stylish acacia serving tray can be used when you’re not hosting as well to eat a meal in bed or on the couch, mark your coffee station or just as table decor.
When you want the cheese that’s across the other side of the platter but you don’t want to reach over the whole table, it’s time for a spin. This lazy Susan looks super lovely but is a fun and accessible way to lay out your treats.
Clocking in at a mere $1.25 each, this 4-pack of mini bowls in a no-brainer when looking to up your cheese board game. They come in black, white and gray are microwave and dishwasher-safe so you can use them for hosting or for everyday dining.
Marble handles and gold-finish stainless steel blades make this 4-pack of cheese knives an instant upgrade to any cheese plate. Use these implements to slice harder cheeses, spread gooey Bries and more.
With a sneaky drawer that holds four included cheese knives, this all-in-one set is a great option for upgrading your home cheese board without buying a ton of new items. It’s made from non-porous bamboo that’s resistant to knife cuts.
With three ramekins, three mini serving spoons, and four stainless steel markers, this 13-inch board comes with everything you need to serve your charcuterie selections. Focus on making your board a thing of beauty without hunting around for a bunch of different serving options.
Another eye-catching addition to your appetizer table, this 3-tier stand is equal parts functional and stylish. Each porcelain tray is microwave and dishwasher-safe, and gives you the ability to separate different food options or to style your bites as you please.
This versatile tray gives you five removable dishwasher-safe sections that come together to corral other small bites too like veggies, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates and more. The melamine set is perfect for picky eaters who don’t want their bites touching or for bringing a cheese tray to a party or gathering.