How to Make a Charcuterie Board German Style

We’ll admit it—we really love snacks! And there’s something so satisfying about the simplicity of a charcuterie board. 

It’s easy to put together, looks beautiful, and always impresses. Charcuterie boards have become super popular – no wonder why, who can hesitate those tasty bites?

So why not put an international spin on this trend with a German-inspired charcuterie board?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a German-style charcuterie board that brings authentic flavors to your table—whether you’re planning an Oktoberfest party or just a cozy night in.

With everything from classic sausages to Obazda and sweet mustard, this board will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Ready to snack the German way? Let’s dive in!

Do it yourself: How to make a Charcuterie Board

What to Put on a Charcuterie Board

Creating a German-style charcuterie board is all about balancing flavors and textures. 

Here’s a list of some ideas you can assemble on your charcuterie board:

Meats

• Bratwurst Slices: Traditional German sausages; look for pre-cooked bratwurst in the deli section.
• Landjäger: A semi-dried, smoked sausage with a smoky, robust flavor. If unavailable, smoked beef sticks or pepperoni can serve as a substitute.
• Salami: Adds a classic, spicy touch to the board. You can find various types of salami, from mild to peppered.
• Speck (Smoked Bacon): A flavorful, cured ham that’s great when fried briefly in a pan to bring out its rich, savory taste. For a similar option, try prosciutto.
• Ham: Traditional German ham is often smoked and thinly sliced, adding a tender, subtly smoky flavor. It pairs perfectly with cheeses and breads on the board.
• Mortadella: A smooth, mild Italian-style sausage that’s slightly sweet and soft, adding a balanced taste to the board.
• Liverwurst: A spreadable liver sausage, common in German cuisine, perfect for spreading on rye bread.
• Fleischsalat (Meat Salad): This unique German specialty is made from finely chopped meat (traditionally bologna) mixed with pickles and a creamy dressing. It’s a rare find outside Germany, but it’s Anna’s personal favorite! Since we’re fully vegetarian, we enjoy the vegan version, which is just as delicious and creamy.

Cheeses

• Emmental: Nutty-flavored cheeses with characteristic holes.
• Bergkäse: An Alpine cheese with a strong, bold flavor that adds a rich, robust note to the board.
• Gouda: A milder, creamier cheese that provides balance with its softer, less intense taste.
• Camembert or Brie: Soft, creamy cheeses that add a rich texture.
• Schimmelkäse (Blue Cheese): Known for its bold, tangy flavor, blue cheese adds a strong punch to the board and is ideal for guests who enjoy intense flavors.

Breads and Pretzels

For Germans, bread isn’t just food; it’s a beloved tradition, and no charcuterie board is complete without a variety of hearty breads. Germans love their bread in all forms and flavors, especially those with a dense, rich texture and deep flavors. Here are some must-have options for your board:

• Rye Bread: A dense and flavorful staple in German cuisine, with a slightly tangy taste. Rye bread pairs wonderfully with cheeses and meats, adding an authentic touch. For a substitute, try pumpernickel, which has a similar dark, rich flavor.
• Pumpernickel: This dark, earthy bread is made from coarsely ground rye and has a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for spreading with butter, liverwurst, or cheese.
• Vollkornbrot (Whole Grain Bread): Made with whole grains and often packed with seeds, Vollkornbrot is dense, nutritious, and offers a wholesome, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for those who love a hearty, fiber-rich bread.
• Dark Bread with Seeds: German breads often come with a variety of seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or flax, adding extra crunch and flavor. This seeded bread is delicious on its own or topped with cheese and spreads.
• Laugenbrezeln (Soft Pretzel Bites): Soft pretzels bring a Bavarian touch to the board. If pretzel bites aren’t available, use pretzel rolls or sticks for a similar salty, doughy taste.
• Sourdough Bread Slices: Sourdough offers a mild, tangy flavor and pairs well with a variety of toppings. Its chewy texture adds to the rustic feel of the board.
• Baguette Slices: Although not traditional in Germany, baguette slices offer a lighter option for variety. French baguettes are widely available and work well with softer cheeses.
• Small Pretzels: These crunchy, salted pretzels add a nice contrast to the softer breads and are perfect for dipping in mustard.

Dips

• Obazda: This classic Bavarian cheese spread combines creamy Camembert (or a mix of Camembert and Limburger). You can actually make this on your own at home easily!
• Sweet Mustard: A Bavarian specialty that’s slightly sweet, perfect for balancing the flavors of cured meats and sausages. Honey mustard can be a close substitute if you can’t find Bavarian mustard.
• German Mustard: Known for its spicy, tangy kick, German mustard is a must on any German charcuterie board. If unavailable, Dijon mustard offers a similar profile.
• Curry Date Dip : This is Anne’s family favorite and truly to die for! The combination of sweet dates, fresh garlic, and a hint of curry make this dip a unique and addictive addition to any spread. 

Pickles and Sides

• Cornichons: Small, tangy pickles that add a crisp, slightly sour bite. Baby dill pickles are a good alternative.
• Perlzwiebeln (Pickled Pearl Onions): These are a traditional German addition, and Anna loves them! However, in the U.S., they often have a stronger vinegar taste compared to the slightly sweeter flavor found in Germany.
• Radishes: Sliced for a fresh, crunchy touch that balances out the richer flavors; they’re readily available in the produce section.
• Olives: Though not traditionally German, olives add a perfect salty element to the board. Black or green olives work well, adding a bit of variety and enhancing the overall flavor balance.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with cheeses and meats.

Fruits and Nuts

• Grapes: Provide a hint of sweetness; both red and green varieties work well and add a pop of color to the board.
• Apples: Thinly sliced; varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn (our favorite!) pair well with cheese, offering a crisp and juicy texture.
• Pears: Soft and sweet, pears bring a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with blue cheese and Camembert. Slice thinly to make them easy to grab.
• Walnuts or Almonds: For added crunch; consider toasting them for extra flavor and a warm, nutty aroma.

Sweet Touches for a Dessert Board

• Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies, typically enjoyed only during the Christmas season. If unavailable, ginger snaps or spiced cookies can be a good substitute.
• Spekulatius: Spiced, buttery biscuits with hints of cinnamon and cloves, also reserved for Christmas. These cookies add a festive, aromatic flavor to the board.
• Marzipan Treats: Soft almond-based sweets, popular in Germany year-round and perfect for a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: A sweet-salty treat, often found in the candy aisle or specialty sections.
• Apple Pie with Crumble: A German twist on classic apple desserts, featuring a delicious crumb topping; it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
• Apple Strudel Slices: Thin slices of this iconic German pastry add a warm, spiced flavor to the board. If unavailable, frozen apple turnovers or bakery-fresh apple pastries can serve as substitutes.
• Rote Grütze: A berry compote traditionally served with a bit of cream or custard, adding a fresh, tangy-sweet element to the board.
• Black Forest Cake Bites: Miniature versions of the classic German dessert, combining chocolate, cherries, and cream. If unavailable, chocolate cake bites with cherry filling can mimic the flavor.

Where to place your items on?

When it comes to arranging our German-inspired charcuterie board, we love to use a large wooden board. It’s not just practical—wooden boards truly offer the best aesthetic. They provide that natural, rustic look that perfectly complements German-style meats, cheeses, and fresh accompaniments.

Wooden boards, especially those made from materials like acacia or bamboo. Plus, they’re spacious enough to prevent items from crowding, making it easy for guests to see and reach each item. With a beautiful wooden board, your charcuterie spread will look as amazing as it tastes!

If you’re looking for convenience, there are also disposable options with lids available on Amazon, ideal for easy transport and cleanup.

Additionally, there are so many fun accessories, from mini bowls to sweet treats and decorative accessories, that can elevate the look of your board. These extras add a touch of charm and make your spread even more inviting.

How to Arrange a Charcuterie Board

Assembling a charcuterie board is as much about aesthetics as it is about flavor. 

Here are some tips to make your German-inspired board both beautiful and inviting:

1. Start with the Basics: Cheeses and Meats

• Begin by placing your cheeses and meats, as these are usually the centerpiece. Space them out to create balance. For example, place one cheese on each corner and one in the center if you’re using multiple varieties. Do the same for meats, separating similar items.
• Slice some of the cheeses and meats for easy grabbing, while leaving a few items whole or in larger pieces to add variety to the look.

2. Add Spreads and Dips

• Place spreads and dips, like Obazda and Datteldip, in small bowls or ramekins. Arrange them near items they pair well with, such as placing mustard near sausages and Obazda by the pretzels.
• Spread these bowls across the board to create visual balance and easy access for everyone.

3. Balance Colors with Fruits and Veggies

• Think about the colors of your items and use fruits and vegetables to create contrast. For example, if you have two green items, like grapes and pickles, place them at opposite ends of the board to avoid clusters of the same color.
• Bright red apples or radishes add pops of color and work well near lighter items, like soft cheeses.

4. Fill in with Breads

• Breads are essential for the German board! Place slices of dark rye, Vollkornbrot, and pretzels in small stacks or clusters around the board, especially near the spreads and cheeses.
• Use any gaps to add smaller items, like crackers or small pretzels, so the board feels full and abundant.

5. Finish with Nuts, Seeds, and Small Details

• Check for Allergies: Before adding nuts like walnuts and almonds, make sure no one has a nut allergy. Additionally, green apples can be a bit tart, so confirm they’re a good option for everyone’s taste or dietary needs.
• Scatter Nuts and Seeds: If everyone can enjoy nuts, place them in small piles throughout the board to add crunch and texture. They also work well to fill any remaining empty spaces.
• Add Fresh Herbs Sparingly: If you’re using fresh herbs or edible flowers, place them sparingly for a decorative touch. Rosemary sprigs are a great choice, adding a hint of green and a rustic feel.

6. Create Contrast and Visual Flow

• Aim for contrasting colors and textures. For example, place dark items, like pumpernickel, next to lighter items, like Camembert, to make each stand out.
• Space out items with similar colors, textures, and flavors to guide the eye across the board and create a dynamic, visually pleasing look.

7. The Final Touch

• Take a step back and make adjustments as needed. The board should look abundant but not overcrowded, with each item visible and easy to reach.
• Once everything is set, add a few small spoons, forks, or toothpicks for easy serving, and your German charcuterie board is ready to impress!

Final Thoughts: How to make a Charcuterie Board in German Style

Creating a German-style charcuterie board is all about celebrating flavors, textures, and the joy of gathering together. From hearty breads and savory meats to creamy cheeses and sweet treats, this board brings an authentic taste of Germany to any occasion.

These boards are perfect for gatherings, whether for an Oktoberfest-inspired get-together or a cozy evening with friends. They’re also an ideal dish to bring to a Christmas buffet, adding variety and charm to the spread. With a mix of classic German ingredients and thoughtful touches, this charcuterie board is sure to impress guests and spark conversation.

So, grab your wooden board, arrange your favorite German treats, and enjoy the satisfying experience of this beautiful, German-inspired charcuterie board!

FAQ: How to make a Charcuterie Board

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