Posted by Tastefully Simple on February 6, 2024
Love is in the air! This Valentine’s Day, get a little creative with your sweets and treats. Whether you’re spending quality time with your loved ones or hosting your very own Galentine’s Day, a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board is the latest and greatest food trend that is sure to win over any heart!
A Valentine’s Day charcuterie board might look intimidating, but it is easy to pull together with these simple tips. Come with us on this journey of love to create the perfect Valentine’s Board.
Boarding Time
There are lots of items you can use as the base for your charcuterie board and you probably have something in your home that would work perfectly. Our favorite options include wooden or other cutting boards, oversized serving trays, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper (either classic or in a festive print).
Quick Tip: Choose something solid, sturdy, and large enough to hold all the treats you have planned to include on your charcuterie board. You’ll also want to choose something that can be moved easily after your charcuterie board has been assembled.
Start with the Sweet & Simple
Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. To begin your Valentine’s Day charcuterie board, select two or three chocolate cookies or bite-sized treats to anchor your board. Try these recipes from our Valentine’s Day recipe collection.
Bake up some Chocolate Lovers Cookies. They’re a great start for your Valentine’s dessert board with easy-to-make directions, triple the chocolate and sprinkles! Next, add in some Chocolate Cake Donuts. This recipe makes it just as easy to make them at home as it is to get them from the bakery. Round out your chocolate offering with some decadent truffles like our Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Truffles. Place like items together in small groupings on three areas of your board.
Heart Full-fill-ed
Now add some heart (and heart-shaped goodies) to your charcuterie board. Try these cute, colorful, and tasty Almond Heart Cookies. They bring a great balance of flavor to your board to pair with all that chocolate. And if you’re feeling a little ambitious, try these adorable Rhubarb Strawberry Heart Tarts. They are a great addition to your charcuterie board and would make a great Valentine’s Day breakfast or post-Valentine’s Day brunch treat. You can also add heart-shaped candies. Add each of these in small groupings between your chocolate treats.
Simple Touches Count
If you are using a large board and need another treat to fill space, add these Rhubarb Strawberry White Chocolate Truffles. They look like you picked them up from a gourmet candy shoppe. Your family and friends will be amazed you made them. And ssshhh…. you don’t have to tell them how easy it was.
Fill in the remaining holes in your Valentine’s charcuterie board with fresh fruit and nuts. Pick red and pink fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and apple slices (placed in the shape of a heart if you’re feeling a little artsy). Assorted nuts are another great addition to make your charcuterie board pop. Consider the option of filling up a ramekin with Creamy Caramel Sauce, maple syrup or melted chocolate for dipping if you are really looking to make your special someone’s heart melt.
Beyond the Board
Take your Valentine’s Charcuterie board experience to the next level by adding a few extra touches beyond the board. Create a family-friendly or glam Galentine’s Day experience by covering your table or counter with a fun and festive tablecloth. Choose something in a red, white, or pink pattern. Sprinkle confetti over the tablecloth before placing your charcuterie board on top. Add a bouquet of fresh flowers and serve your treats with fun and festive holiday napkins.
If serving your charcuterie board for a more romantic occasion, line your serving table with flower petals, pour some champagne or wine, and even light a candle or two to set the mood.
Remember – every charcuterie board is unique just like you. The best part about making one for a special occasion is the experience of making it your very own. Get creative and show your love with a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board.
If you decide to make a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board with one of our recipes, share the love and show us your creation with the hashtag #TastefullySimpleLove 🥰 We’d love to see it.