15 Best Breads For A Charcuterie Board

The best breads for a charcuterie board are those that complement the other ingredients of your spread. Your selection of bread can either enhance or diminish the flavors of the other items, so it’s important to choose wisely. 

There is a wide range of breads to choose from, as they come in different sizes, textures, and even flavors. Some work better with dips and spreads than others, while some are better paired with meats or cheeses.

With this guide at your fingertips, choosing the best breads for your delicious charcuterie board will be a breeze. I also included some classic cracker options as well as the best dips and spreads to pair with your starches.

Best Breads For Your Charcuterie Board

I make my own bread at home. From my 4-ingredient banana bread to my own version of Jimmy John’s bread, bread is a staple in our household. So when I made my first charcuterie board, which was a 4th of July board, I was naturally excited to choose my starches!

When it comes to charcuterie, variety is the key. Breads and crackers are usually added to a charcuterie board for flavor balance, texture contrast, and added visual appeal. Choose at least 2 types of bread for a small charcuterie board, 3 to 4 breads and/or crackers for a regular-sized board, and at least 4 types for larger spreads like a charcuterie table. 

Unlike many other recipes, there are no exact ingredients or measurements for a charcuterie board – everything comes down to personal preferences. Choose your favorite breads and whatever you think your guests will love. But if you need some guidance, here are some classic bread options that you can try. 

French Baguette

With its crunchy crust and soft interior, baguettes are a great addition to a charcuterie board. Their neutral flavor makes them versatile, pairing well with many meats and cheeses. Serve baguettes with savory spreads, preferably oil or cream-based ones. Slice the baguette thinly and toast it slightly to give it some extra crunch!

Sourdough

Sourdough is also a great choice for any charcuterie spread. It has a unique tangy flavor that complements both sweet and savory spreads, whether it’s jam or French butter. Its acidity pairs excellently with cured meats like salami and prosciutto and sharp aged cheeses like Asiago and Manchego. I found that slightly-toasted sourdough slices work best!

Focaccia

Focaccia bread is great for a charcuterie board because it has a  flavorful, olive-oil-infused texture that adds a rich and savory element to the spread. Its softness provides a nice contrast to cured meats and its slightly chewy crust makes it ideal  for dipping into herb-infused oils and spreads. It also works great with Gouda, Parmesan, and other robust cheeses. This bread is super easy to make – my kids love my homemade focaccia as well as my other no-knead breads.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is a rustic Italian bread that has a light, airy texture and slightly chewy crust. It’s one of my top choices to use for a wedding charcuterie board, or whenever I make bruschetta al pomodoro.

This versatile bread is a great match for cured meats like salami or mortadella, creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert, and flavorful oils and spreads like balsamic vinegar and garlic butter. You can serve ciabatta in larger pieces for guests to tear and share or in smaller pieces as crostinis.

Brioche

Choose brioche if you’re looking for a slightly sweet bread. It has a buttery flavor and a luxurious texture that makes it a great match for proteins like prosciutto or smoked salmon. It also pairs well with sweet or savory jams and preserves, as well as soft and creamy cheeses. 

Flatbreads

I like adding my homemade yeast-free bread, specifically my flatbread, to any summer charcuterie board I make. They’re light and crisp, perfect for warm weather. The versatility of flatbreads allows them to pair well with fresh, seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and grilled vegetables. Additionally, flatbreads can be served warm or at room temperature, making them easy to prepare and enjoy outdoors. Pair flatbreads with soft meats and tangy cheeses like feta and goat cheese.

Whole Grain or Multigrain Bread

Whole grain or multigrain bread are great for adding texture to your spread. They’re also ideal for vegan spreads because they complement a variety of plant-based toppings like hummus, avocado, and roasted veggies.

Whole grain bread has a nutty flavor that’s great for cured meats, and its hearty texture is well-suited for heavy and strong cheeses like aged cheddar and blue cheese. Multigrain bread is ideal to pair with sweet spreads such as jams and fruit preserves, but can still be good with savory.

Crostinis

I love using crostinis on my charcuterie boards because their crisp, toasted texture provides a perfect base for a variety of toppings. They work well with soft, creamy cheeses like ricotta and goat cheese and can hold up to heavy spreads like tapenades. They’re also easy to enjoy because they’re bite-sized! 

Rye Bread

Rye has a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that complements smoked meats as well as hearty meats like corned beef and pastrami. Its denser texture provides a sturdy base for a variety of spreads and toppings, including heavy or firm cheeses. Rye bread is usually served in thin slices, but you can also tear it into chunks for a rustic look.

Bagels

While bagels indeed pair naturally with cream cheese and smoked salmon, they’re so much more than that – their slightly sweet flavor and chewy texture make them versatile, accommodating both sweet and savory pairings. Whatever you can add to a sandwich, you can add to a bagel. I make mini bagels or any of my other 3-ingredient breads when I need some bread quickly. 

Mini Croissants

Minis croissants are perfect for a breakfast or brunch spread. They’re also a great addition to any spring-themed Easter charcuterie board. Their delicate texture is a great match for the savory flavors of cured meats like ham and prosciutto. The delicious flaky and buttery layers of a croissant also complement soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert and sweet spreads like honey or jams.

Pita Bread

If you want to highlight the dips, spreads, and sauces of your board, go for pita bread. It has a neutral flavor and a soft, pocketed structure that makes it excellent for a wide range of dips and spreads, as well as holding various fillings. Pair it with roasted vegetables, bold cheeses, and strong-flavored meats. Choose from the many pita options, including white, whole grain, or whole wheat.

Flavored Artisan Breads

Add flavored artisan breads to your spread if you want uniqueness and a variety in taste. There are plenty of savory options like cheddar cheese crusted or rosemary and olive oil and sweet choices like orange loaf and cranberry sweet bread. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with artisan breads.

Gluten-Free Breads

Gluten-free bread is an excellent choice if you’re expecting guests that have dietary restrictions. Most varieties have a slightly earthy and nutty undertone that is great for both sweet and savory pairings. Serve it with cheeses like cheddar and goat cheese and meats such as prosciutto or turkey. Gluten-free bread also pairs well with sweet spreads like fig jam and savory toppings like hummus.

Breadsticks

Breadsticks are one of the easiest items you can add to your spread. Whether you buy it packaged or make some at home, nothing can beat their crunchy convenience because they go well with any ingredient you add to your board.

Best Crackers For A Charcuterie Board

Now let’s get to crackers and crisps, the unsung heroes of charcuterie boards. Along with bread, they provide the backdrop that sets the stage for all of the other flavors and textures to shine. That added crunch can easily transform your spread from good to great. Here are the best crackers to add to your charcuterie board:

• Water Crackers
• Multigrain Crackers
• Pretzels
• Saltines
• Herb Crackers
• Fruit and Nut Crisps
• Pita Chips
• Butter Crackers
• Whole Wheat Crackers
• Rice Flour Crackers
• Wafer Crackers
• Cheese Crisps

Best Dips and Spreads To Pair With Your Bread

Dips and spreads are more than just accompaniments on a charcuterie board – they’re essential components that help enhance the overall taste and diversity of your spread. Here are some classic options to pair with your bread and crackers.

Honey

Honey, or honeycomb, is simply a great pair for most cheeses. Its natural sweetness and its smooth and thick texture nicely complement blue cheese, cheddar, Gruyère, Parmigiano Reggiano, and other popular cheeses.

Hummus

A classic, hummus is made from a blend of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. It has a smooth and creamy consistency with a nutty, slightly tangy taste, pairing well with meats and vegetables in your spread. Pair it with pita or whole wheat crackers!

Olive Tapenade

This chunky spread, which consists of puréed or finely chopped olives, capers, and olive oil, adds a unique flavor to your spread. It goes well with crusty breads like baguettes or crostinis, and complements hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano.

Pesto

A fresh addition to your spread. The creamy texture and herby taste of pesto is perfect for crusty breads and crisp crackers and pairs well with Italian cheeses like Burrata, Mozzarella, and Provolone.

Guacamole

We love avocados at home, so you can expect my 4-ingredient guacamole to always be present in my charcuterie boards. This classic dip has a rich and creamy texture and a rich, buttery  taste. Pair it with slices of toasted baguette, tortilla chips, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables. Vibrant and refreshing, guacamole is a must-have for any spread.

Onion Dip

Aside from my copycat Lawson’s chip dip, my 3-ingredient onion dip is another family favorite. On a charcuterie board, the savory, slightly sweet flavor of onion dip works well with veggie sticks and sturdy crackers like wheat thins or crispy breadsticks.

Roasted Garlic Spread

With its smooth and velvety texture, this delicious spread pairs excellently with rustic, crusty bread or thin, crispy crackers. Also try it with aged cheeses such as cheddar or a smoky Gouda or soft and creamy ones like Brie or Cambozola.

Whole Grain Mustard

Mustard is a must if you like a dip with a kick. Its subtle spicy flavor is great for layering with triple cream cheeses like Saint André or Brillat-Savarin. Flavored mustards like honey, blackcurrant, or cranberry make a great pair for ham or smoked turkey. 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Another delicious creamy dip toad to your next charcuterie board is spinach and artichoke dip. It’s very versatile, pairing well with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita bread or chips, crostini, or vegetables.

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde provides a lively contrast to creamy dips on a board. It adds a zing of freshness to other ingredients with its bright and tangy flavor profile, complementing the saltiness of tortilla chips and cured meats like chorizo.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the best breads for charcuterie, as well as the best dips and spreads to pair them with, you can now mix and match them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments to create a delightful, well-balanced spread that your guests won’t get enough of.

What are your favorite bread and crackers to include in your charcuterie boards? I’d love to know! If you liked what you read and learned something new, share this post with friends and family so that they, too, learn something fun today!