Learn about the cost of a typical charcuterie board & how to properly price for selling
If you love building charcuterie and cheese boards, this post will help you learn about the cost of ingredients and supplies. Plus, I'll teach you the proper serving sizes to help you plan the perfect board. Want to sell charcuterie boards? A suggested pricing guide is included!
Jump to:
- Cost of Charcuterie Ingredients
- Charcuterie Board Supplies
- Serving Sizes
- Suggested Pricing Guide
- Other Helpful Articles
It's safe to say that cheese and charcuterie boards are a trend that's here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future! Maybe it's the wow factor of the board or the fact that you get to make endless combinations of your favorite cheese pairing. Whatever the reason may be for charcuterie boards staying so popular, I'm embracing it!
If you look around Instagram, you'll see that there are many people making and sharing their charcuterie board creations with the world. As boards and platters continue to rise in popularity, I wanted to write this post as a way to help someone who's interested in selling their charcuterie creations. So, if you've ever wondered 'how much should I charge for a charcuterie board?' - this is the post for you!
Starting a business is hard, no doubt! This post will help you begin brainstorming the cost of ingredients, sourcing supplies, serving sizes, and pricing. As a disclaimer, this post is not meant to substitute the advice of a lawyer or accountant. You'll still need to go through the proper channels to get your business set up with the correct requirements and regulations.
Cost of Charcuterie Ingredients
One of the first things you'll need to think through is the price of ingredients. It's important to source high-quality ingredients that your customers will love! This section will talk through the average price of items (cost will vary depending on your location), as well as the best ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or taste!
Cheese
Charcuterie boards and platters are built largely upon cheese. This is a staple ingredient that you do not want to skimp on! This will be one of the most expensive parts of the board, but will also be one of the most important indicators of quality.
Check out the pricing for a variety of cheese, plus tips for saving money.
Blue cheese: $5.00 - $8.00 per 4 ounces
Since blue cheese is on the pricier side and has a unique taste that everyone may not like, I'd suggest having a smaller serving of this type of cheese on your board.
Cheddar: $5.00 - $7.00 per 8 ounces
Cheddar cheese is a crowd-pleaser that (almost) everyone loves! This is a great cheese to include on all boards. Bonus: it's very reasonably priced and can be used to save money on your end!
Gouda: $8.00 - $12.00 per 8 ounces
Gouda is one of the more expensive cheeses on the list. There are many varieties of gouda (aged, smoked, etc.), so it's a great option to add in more flavor!
Gruyere: $7.00 - $10.00 per 8 ounces
Gruyere is another cheese option that many people enjoy. While it is slightly more expensive than cheddar, it can be used in smaller quantities or on premium boards.
Hard cheese (asiago, parmesan): $5.00 - $7.00 per 8 ounces
Hard cheese is another cheaper option! It can also be cut and displayed in many beautiful ways.
Manchego: $7.00 - $10.00 per 8 ounces
Manchego is a type of hard cheese that's priced a little higher than other hard cheese varieties. Opt for manchego for premium boards (and make sure your pricing reflects this quality).
Soft cheese (brie, goat): $6.00 - $12.00 per 8 ounces
Although soft cheese can be pricey, a large wheel of brie will serve quite a few people, and make a great statement piece for your board.
Charcuterie (Meat)
The charcuterie (meat) part of any plate will be a bit pricey. The great news is, a little goes a long way! I'd suggest buying quality charcuterie to elevate your board and impress your customers.
Salami/Sopresata/Genoa: $5.00 - $7.00 per 4 ounces
These meats are great to make pretty designs on your boards and platter (like these meat flowers).
Prosciutto: $5.00 - $7.00 per 3 ounces
Since the price of prosciutto is so high, use it sparingly! You could also wrap it around a piece of cheese so guests know exactly what pairs best with the prosciutto.
Produce
Fresh produce can provide a great pop of color! These are great options for filler items to add to a board since produce is very reasonably priced.
Fresh Fruit & Veggies: $1.00 - $5.00 per lb
Dried Fruit: $1.50 - $4.00 per 6 ounces
Honey/Jam
A great sweet addition to any board! Try pairing the honey and jam selections with the cheese flavors on your board. You don't need much honey - a little goes a long way! If you need to cut costs, feel free to skip out on both of these food items. They are necessarily essential to a great board.
Honey: $4.00 - $10.00 per 12 ounces
Jam: $3.00 - $6.00 per 8 ounces
Nuts
Be careful with nuts - make sure to ask customers if there are any allergies. Nuts are another great filler item and there are lots of varieties!
Nuts: $1.50 - $3.00 per 4 ounces
Olives/Pickles
Olives and pickles provide a nice touch of acid and brine to a board. Feel free to use different varieties of both items!
Olives: $3.00 - $5.00 per 8 ounces
Pickles: $2.00 - $4.00 per 24 ounces
Bread/Crackers
Of course, you'll need some bread and crackers to complete your charcuterie board. Some people prefer to serve these items on the side.
Bread: $1.00 - $6.00 per loaf
Crackers: $2.00 - $6.00 per 8 ounces
For more charcuterie board ingredient ideas, grab my ultimate shopping list with over 100+ food items to inspire your next board or platter.
Charcuterie Board Supplies
Another important part of creating and selling charcuterie boards is finding reasonably priced supplies. You want to have a balance of supplies that look nice and match the aesthetic of your board.
Some common places to source charcuterie board supplies include:
- Amazon: Best for people just starting a business who need a lower quantity of supplies.
- WebstaurantStore: Perfect for businesses doing a large quantity of business.
- Local Restaurant Supply Store: A good option for when you need supplies quickly and don't have time to wait for shipping.
Here are some charcuterie board/platter supplies you'll need to consider buying:
Boards: You'll need a board to hold everything on! Some great options include reusable wood boards (just cut down plywood and cover with parchment paper), disposable bamboo serving trays, or cardboard boxes with a window cutout (great for small platters).
Utensils: Don't forget to package your board or platter with the proper utensils for what's on the board. This may include bamboo tongs, bamboo cutlery, a honey dipper, or decorative toothpicks.
Labels: Depending on the type of board or platter you're selling, you may wish to label the types of cheese. I like these flag toothpicks for a simple, yet elegant touch.
Serving Sizes
When planning your boards and platter, use this suggested serving size per person as a jumping off point.
Cheese: 2-3 ounces per person
Charcuterie (meat): 4-6 slices per person
Fruit: ⅛ - ¼ cup per person
Nuts: 2 - 3 tablespoons per person
Olives/Pickles: 3-4 olives/pickles (about ⅛ cup) per person
Honey/Jam: 1 tablespoon per person
Crackers/bread: 7-10 slices per person
Suggested Pricing Guide
If you're interested in selling your charcuterie or cheese boards, it's important to think through an ideal pricing structure. You want to price your boards and platters according to the food products, supplies, and time it takes to create the board. Here's a basic pricing formula you can use to estimate the cost of your charcuterie boards:
cost of food + cost of supplies + hourly creation rate + sales tax (if applicable) = total board cost
You'll also want to consider changing your pricing based on various circumstances:
- Delivery: Consider including a delivery fee for any orders outside a 10-15 mile radius. Add $.50 - $1.00 per additional mile outside of your radius.
- Gratuity: For large orders over a certain cost (i.e. $500) or party size (i.e. board for 15 people), consider adding a 10-15% gratuity.
- Deposits: Consider requiring a 50% deposit to reserve the event date to avoid people canceling orders last minute.
- Minimums: For smaller boards, require customers to order a minimum dollar amount.
- Cancellation Policy: Require customers to still pay a certain percentage of their order cost if they cancel 2-4 days prior to the event date.
- Eco-friendly Boards/Utensils: Charge a premium for reusable or eco-friendly supplies.
- Commercial Kitchen/Business Expenses: Be sure to factor in the additional costs that you pay just to run your business including commercial kitchen rent, supplies such as gloves/soap, etc.
To help you think through your pricing structure, here are suggested base prices. These are based on estimates from around the internet.
Increase your prices from here depending on your personal business costs as discussed above:
Small Charcuterie Board (1-2 people): $25 - $35
Medium Charcuterie Board (3-5 people): $45 - $90
Large Charcuterie Board (8-10 people): $85 - $150
Grazing Table (30 people): $700 - $1,000+
Please be sure to consult with a lawyer on a client contract/service agreement with the terms and conditions that you decide on.
Other Helpful Articles
Need more tips & tricks for building cheese and charcuterie boards? Check out these articles:
- Charcuterie Board Shopping List (100+ Food Item Ideas)
- How To Prepare A Grazing Table
- What To Serve With A Cheese Board (50+ Ideas)
- 11 Wedding Grazing Table Ideas
FAQs
How much does it cost to make your own charcuterie board? ›
The cost of making a charcuterie board will vary depending on the size of the board and the ingredients you choose. According to KitchenSeer, a cheese board alone could cost between $50 and $150, but you might be able to keep costs at $30 or less.
How are charcuterie boards calculated? ›You'll want to estimate about 3 ounces per person. So if you have two people, that's 6 ounces — or work backward. For example, if you want six cheeses for two people, you'd only be getting an ounce each. Of course play around with your favorite combinations, and feel free to pile on more of your favorite.
How much meat do I need for a charcuterie board for 10 people? ›Plan for about 1-2 ounces of meat per person. At the deli counter, ask for your meat selections to be sliced thin (at a 1-2 thickness) so they're easy to layer.
How much charcuterie do I need for 6 people? ›2 ounces of charcuterie per person. It's pretty rich. If you're doing it for a cocktail party, where the charcuterie is the majority of the food people are eating, you're going to double the amount of meat and serve it with plenty of bread. So about 5 ounces per person.
How much do you spend on a charcuterie board? ›That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per board (or more) if you buy one from the local deli. However, it may feed very few people. This means you must either buy additional boards to accommodate all the guests at your party, or you must make the charcuterie boards yourself.
How much charcuterie do I need for 50 guests? ›A wedding charcuterie board will require more provisions than a board for a holiday party, but it all comes down to the size of the guest list. "Typically you should shop for about 3 to 4 ounces of cheese per person, and about 2 ounces of meat per person," says Marissa Mullen, author and founder of That Cheese Plate.
How much cheese do I need for 100 guests? ›For 100 people, you'll need to buy: 200 oz of cheese (12.5 pounds)
How much cheese do I need for 20 guests? ›A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce of each cheese for every guest and about five types of cheese. For a party in which cheese is the main event, plan on buying 3 pounds for eight people, 6 pounds for 16 people, or 9 pounds for 24 people. If cheese is one of many items being served, plan on buying 3 to 4 ounces per person.
How many cheeses should be on a charcuterie board? ›An amazing charcuterie board offers guests a wide range of tastes and texture combinations. For cheese, that means choosing 4 to 6 varieties that offer a nice variety for the palate.
Is it cheaper to make your own meat and cheese tray? ›It's surprisingly easy to assemble your own board with grocery store ingredients that cost less than you might think. In fact, you can make a tray full of cured meats, cheese and complementary snacking accompaniments for less than $30.
How far in advance can you prepare a charcuterie board? ›
A charcuterie board is a great make ahead appetizer. With the exception of the sliced fresh fruit, everything can be prepared and set up on the board ahead of time. Wrap the board in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time.
What spreads are good for a charcuterie board? ›Dips and jams or preserves will balance out your salty and dry meats and cheeses. Consider offering some fig spread or apricot jam, as they pair divinely with many different charcuterie eats. Stone ground mustard, hummus, and honey are also popular attractions on a charcuterie board.
What size charcuterie board do I need for 20 guests? ›If you're looking to feed a crowd, the standard 9 x 13 inches should be big enough for you (but not too big that you can't use it for just yourself). Or, maybe you keep things intimate and consider a mini. And of course, there are bigger ones out there, around 12 x 18 inches, that are great for parties.
How much meat do I need for 10 guests? ›Average Meat Portion Sizes
Chefs generally recommend 8 ounces (½ pound) of meat per person. You need about 5-5 ½ pounds to serve around 10 to 12 people. If you're serving more than one dish in your entree, you can set aside ¼ pound per meat type. You'll need 2½ pounds of each meat for 10 to 12 people.
Put simply: Charcuterie boards can cost a pretty penny. According to Eat Cured Meat, this is because the dried and cured meats that constitute a charcuterie board are more time- and labor-intensive than their fresher counterparts. Not only do the meats need to age for months (or even years!)
How do you save money on a charcuterie board? ›Snack packs of nuts, cheeses, and fruit are always my go-to purchases because they're usually cheaper than buying in bulk. Appetizers are intended to stimulate the appetite of your guests, so don't stress that you aren't filling them up on charcuterie items alone!
How long will charcuterie board last? ›It's good for five days, even a week. I've found it better to not put it in a container and may develop a slimiest on the outside, just keeping it under-wrapped in the deli paper works well. Eventually, that dry fridge environment will have an effect on the sliced meat.
How many people will a large charcuterie board feed? ›The large cheese board feeds around 12 people as a hearty appetizer, or up to 20 people as a very light appetizer (a couple bites per person).
How many appetizers do I need for 75 guests? ›If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items. Parties with over 60-75 guests can easily have 9 or more items without over doing it.
How many crackers are in a charcuterie board? ›3-8 oz bread/crackers per person (3-4 as an appetizer, 6-8 as a meal) Enough nibbles so each person can eat from each.
Are charcuterie boards profitable? ›
Charcuterie is popular and sought after
It's often popular with the same type of customers who are willing to pay a bit more for a unique culinary experience and a higher quality of food. So making quality charcuterie can be a lucrative investment.
| FOOD | SERVE 25 | SERVE 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | 3/4 pound | 1–1/2 pounds |
| Coffee | 3/4 pound | 1–1/2 pounds |
| Milk | 1–1/2 gallons | 3 gallons |
| Nuts | 3/4 pound | 1–1/2 pounds |
...
Classic Charcuterie Tray
- Cured meats.
- Cheeses (we recommend using at least one soft cheese, hard cheese, and blue cheese)
- Crackers.
- Herbed nuts.
- Cornichons.
- Radishes.
- Olives.
- Grapes or figs.
When you do pre-cut cheeses, be sure to plan your prep for no more than one day in advance of serving. Store your pre-cut cheeses on the shelves of your Cheese Grotto and keep them in the fridge for up to 12 hours, then take it out and bring everything to room temperature a couple of hours before you plan to serve.
How many appetizers do I need for 100 guests? ›If you're offering catered appetizers, plan for about six portions per guest. For a party of 100 guests, this adds up to roughly 600 appetizer portions. You can also offer light snacks like nuts, fruits and pretzels to give guests something to munch on when they first arrive — stock up on these items in bulk.
What is the ideal maximum number of appetizers to serve for the guests? ›No matter how many guests you have and how many appetizer choices you prepare, you should plan out the total amount around the maximum number of guests you anticipate having. The standard rule is to serve four to six pieces for each person.
What is the most popular cheese for a cheese board? ›- Soft: brie, camembert, chèvre—anything you can spread works great for this category.
- Semi-soft: Fontina, muenster or Gouda.
- Semi-firm: Manchego, Gruyère or Comté.
- Firm: An aged cheddar or white cheddar is delicious, even a really high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano can be lovely.
- Step One: Add Structure. Fill small vessels with dips, spreads, and items that can be piled onto the board. ...
- Step Two: Add the Cheeses and Meats. First, place the cheeses. ...
- Step Three: Add Crackers. ...
- Step Four: Add Fruits, Veggies, and Herbs.
Breads and crackers for charcuterie boards
Two breads: Bread options include French sourdough, asiago ciabatta or raisin-pecan rye for a sweeter option. Two crackers: Water crackers are virtually flavorless and allow the other charcuterie to shine.
Cheese Board Basics | Folding Charcuterie - YouTube
Can you make a meat and cheese tray the night before? ›
When you are making a meat and cheese platter it is best to prepare it the same day you are serving it. If you aren't going to serve it immediately after you make it, be sure to cover it well and refrigerate it until ready to serve. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How long can meat sit out on a charcuterie board? ›Almost all dried, salt-cured, and/or smoked meats are fine if left out for a few hours though. Two of my favorite go-to meats for charcuterie snacks are homemade smoke-dried jerky and Landjaegers.
How do you make a charcuterie board look nice? ›How to Make a Charcuterie Board - ULTIMATE CHEESE BOARD
How long can charcuterie sit in fridge? ›If the packet is unopened, store it in the fridge up until the best before date. Once the packet is opened, it is best to store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-3 days.
Should I put parchment paper on my charcuterie board? ›Tip #1. Add a piece of parchment paper or butcher paper slightly smaller than the size of your board to help keep your board clean and make cleanup a breeze. The parchment paper will prevent your favorite meats and cheeses from leaving grease stains.
What is the best oil to use on a charcuterie board? ›Pure Tung Oil ranks high on the list when you want to know how to treat wood charcuterie boards. Also known as chinawood oil, this all-natural finishing oil is FDA approved for food contact and contains no VOCs, heavy metals, additives or distillates for added peace of mind.
What cheese goes with honey on a charcuterie board? ›Ricotta, brie (or other equally creamy cheeses), blue, and Parmigiano all go beautifully with honey on top. Pairing with mild or sharp cheeses, honey will be a beautiful addition.
How much meat should I buy to feed 20 people? ›A question we often get is “How much meat do I need?” The starting rule of thumb is: Boneless Meat: 1/2 lb. per person for adults and 1/4 lb. per person for children.
How do you calculate food per person? ›Rules to Plan By
Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.
A good rule of thumb is to count on about ⅓ pound of cooked meat for each person for a main. This amount may vary between ½ pound if your guests are big eaters or you don't have many sides, to ¼ pound if your sides are generous.
How much meat do I need for 40 people? ›
| Meat | Per Person | 40 People |
|---|---|---|
| Lean or Extra Lean Ground Meat | 1/4 lb. | 10 lb. |
| Spareribs | 1 lb. | 40 lb. |
| Steak - boneless tenderloin, rib-eye, sirloin | 1/4 lb. | 10 lb. |
| Steak - T-bone | 6 oz. | 15 lb. |
The main difference between charcuterie and cheese board is their ingredients; charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together.
What is the average thickness of a charcuterie board? ›Weight & Thickness
Serving boards are typically ¾”-1” thick, while cutting boards are 1.25” or even thicker.
A typical charcuterie board consists of mainly meats and cheeses. But at many restaurants or house parties, it's common that these boards include bread, fruits, nuts, condiments such as honey or mustard, pickles, and olives.
› eat › how-to-make-charcuterie-board ›How to Make the Most Stunning Charcuterie Board
how much per person for a charcuterie board?
how much does a charcuterie board cost?
It's surprisingly easy to assemble your own board with grocery store ingredients that cost less than you might think. In fact, you can make a tray full of cured meats, cheese and complementary snacking accompaniments for less than $30.
Are charcuterie boards profitable? ›Charcuterie is popular and sought after
It's often popular with the same type of customers who are willing to pay a bit more for a unique culinary experience and a higher quality of food. So making quality charcuterie can be a lucrative investment.
Put simply: Charcuterie boards can cost a pretty penny. According to Eat Cured Meat, this is because the dried and cured meats that constitute a charcuterie board are more time- and labor-intensive than their fresher counterparts. Not only do the meats need to age for months (or even years!)
How long does it take to make a charcuterie board? ›Charcuterie boards are semi-healthy, and don't require more than slicing up a few items and placing on a platter. In about 15 minutes this was the result… What is this?
How much cheese do I need for 30 people? ›A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce of each cheese for every guest and about five types of cheese. For a party in which cheese is the main event, plan on buying 3 pounds for eight people, 6 pounds for 16 people, or 9 pounds for 24 people. If cheese is one of many items being served, plan on buying 3 to 4 ounces per person.
How far in advance can you make charcuterie boxes? ›
How far in advance can you make individual charcuterie boxes? You can make individual charcuteries up to 24 hours in advance. Make sure you tightly seal the box and I recommenced adding the crackers last minute so they don't become stale.
How far in advance can I make a meat and cheese tray? ›You can make a charcuterie and cheese platter a few hours ahead of time just wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge and take it out 30-40 minutes before you're ready to serve it.
Can you make a charcuterie board 24 hours in advance? ›A charcuterie board is a great make ahead appetizer. With the exception of the sliced fresh fruit, everything can be prepared and set up on the board ahead of time. Wrap the board in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time.
How many cheeses should be on a charcuterie board? ›An amazing charcuterie board offers guests a wide range of tastes and texture combinations. For cheese, that means choosing 4 to 6 varieties that offer a nice variety for the palate.
What is a good size for a charcuterie board? ›A standard size is about 9×13 inches, but cutting boards can be as large as 12×18 inches. Start placing your meats first, followed by the cheeses, as these two are the bulk of the board. The meats can be sliced, rolled or stacked. If you want to make it easier for your guests, we suggest slicing the cheese as well.
How do you save money on a charcuterie board? ›Snack packs of nuts, cheeses, and fruit are always my go-to purchases because they're usually cheaper than buying in bulk. Appetizers are intended to stimulate the appetite of your guests, so don't stress that you aren't filling them up on charcuterie items alone!
What is the best charcuterie board? ›- Best Overall: Pottery Barn Olive Wood Rustic Edge Cheese Board.
- Best Personalized: Mark and Graham Personalized Wood Marble Charcuterie Board.
- Best Slate: Brooklyn Slate Cheese Board.
- Best Large: Olivewood Rectangular Cheese Board.
- Best Marble: Marble and Brass Charcuterie Board.
The main difference between charcuterie and cheese board is their ingredients; charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together.
How long can meat sit out on a charcuterie board? ›Almost all dried, salt-cured, and/or smoked meats are fine if left out for a few hours though. Two of my favorite go-to meats for charcuterie snacks are homemade smoke-dried jerky and Landjaegers.
Should a charcuterie board be oiled? ›Oil regularly, especially if your board is getting frequent use. This will keep it looking beautiful and protect the wood from moisture that will cause warping. Dry off thoroughly after rinsing. Don't just set it out on a dish rack- use a towel to dry off any excess water.
What are 5 tips to making a charcuterie board? ›
- Get The Perfect Sized Board or Tray.
- Use Easy To Find Ingredients.
- Presliced Or Preportioned Ingredients.
- Use A Picture or Template For Reference.
- Buy Brightly Colored Fruits And Vegetables.
- Use Lots Of Little Bowls.