Save My roommate texted me that morning: "bring something pretty for brunch." I stood in my kitchen wondering what could possibly feel festive enough, then caught sight of those ruby-red strawberries at the market and everything clicked. There's something about building a board that lets you play with color and texture without needing to actually cook—just arrange, drizzle, chill. By the time my friends arrived, the chocolate had set, the berries were glistening, and suddenly our Sunday felt like a celebration.
I made this for my partner's parents on Valentine's Day, and what I didn't expect was how it became a conversation starter. His mom kept circling back to the brie, his dad quietly stacked the prosciutto on croissants, and somehow we ended up lingering at the table for two hours just talking. That's when I realized a charcuterie board isn't really about the food—it's permission to slow down together.
Ingredients
- Large fresh strawberries (12 count): Look for ones that are firm and deeply red all over—pale strawberries won't have the flavor punch you need, and soft ones will weep into your chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (120 g): Don't cheap out here; grab something you'd actually eat on its own, because that's what your guests will taste.
- White chocolate (60 g, optional): This is purely for drama, but the contrast looks stunning and adds a sweet finish.
- Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries (200 g each): Buy these close to serving time—they're fragile and will start leaking juice if you let them sit.
- Sliced strawberries (200 g): Use the imperfect ones or the smaller berries that didn't make the chocolate-dipping cut.
- Brie cheese (120 g): This is your soft, creamy anchor—slice it just before serving so it doesn't dry out.
- Goat cheese (120 g): The tang brightens everything, and honestly, people either love it or don't, which makes it a good conversation piece.
- Sharp cheddar (120 g): Go for an aged one if you can find it; it'll have more character than the mild stuff.
- Prosciutto or vegetarian deli slices (100 g): Fold these loosely so they look generous and have texture; flat slices look sad.
- Roasted almonds (100 g): These add crunch and keep the board from feeling too soft and sweet.
- Marcona almonds or candied pecans (100 g): Pick one or the other—these are your fancy touch, salty-sweet and impossible to stop eating.
- Dark chocolate squares or truffles (80 g): Real chocolate, not candy; people will notice.
- Honey or berry jam (1/2 cup): Honey feels more elegant, but jam is more forgiving if you drizzle too much.
- Mini croissants or brioche toasts (12 pieces): These are your delivery vehicle for cheese and jam; don't skip them.
- Fresh mint leaves and edible flowers: The flowers are optional, but mint fills gaps and adds color without trying too hard.
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate gently:
- Put your semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring between each one. This matters because chocolate burns fast and becomes grainy and bitter if you're not paying attention.
- Dip the strawberries with confidence:
- Hold each strawberry by the leafy top and dip it into the chocolate about three-quarters of the way up, then give it a little twist and let the excess drip off before placing it on your wax paper. If you're nervous, you'll overthink it—just trust your hand.
- Add the white chocolate detail:
- Melt your white chocolate the same way and drizzle it over the cooled semi-sweet layer in thin lines. This step is purely for beauty, so don't stress if it's not perfect.
- Chill until set:
- Pop the whole tray in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This is a good time to prep your board and get everything else ready.
- Choose your board wisely:
- Wooden boards look beautiful and have enough texture to keep things from sliding around. If you don't have one, a large ceramic platter works fine—just avoid anything too slick.
- Start with cheese placement:
- Arrange your three cheeses in separate sections so they each get their own space and people can actually identify them. Leave room between sections; crowding makes everything look chaotic.
- Build in layers and clusters:
- Fold your prosciutto loosely and tuck it next to the cheese, then scatter berries in generous handfuls around the board—don't sprinkle them like you're seasoning; go bold. The berries should look abundant, not rationed.
- Fill in the gaps strategically:
- Arrange your almonds, chocolate squares, and croissants in different sections, leaving small pockets of empty board showing so it doesn't look too busy. This is where mint leaves become your best friend—tuck them into corners and between items.
- Crown the board with your strawberries:
- Place the chocolate-dipped strawberries in the center or scattered across the top where they're impossible to miss. These are your showstoppers.
- Set out the honey and let people serve themselves:
- Pour your honey or jam into a small bowl with a spoon nearby. People love drizzling it over cheese and croissants, and it gives them an action to take rather than just standing there.
Save The real moment came when a friend who usually just grabs a plate and leaves actually sat down, loaded a croissant with brie and jam, and just smiled. No phone, no rush—just that simple pleasure of good food shared without pressure. That's what this board does; it gives you permission to linger.
How to Make It Your Own
The beauty of a charcuterie board is that it's a starting point, not a prescription. If you hate goat cheese, swap it for aged gouda or smoked cheddar. If you want to go full vegan, plant-based cheeses have gotten shockingly good, and there are amazing vegan chocolates now. Heart-shaped cookies fit the Valentine's theme perfectly, or add dried apricots and figs if you want to pull in different flavors. The board you build should feel like you, not like you're recreating someone else's perfect photo.
Timing and Prep Strategy
If you're making this for a specific time, work backward. Chocolate needs 20 minutes to set, so dip your strawberries at least an hour before guests arrive—this gives you buffer time if something goes wrong. Everything else can come together in the 30 minutes before serving; in fact, that's when your board looks freshest. The exception is cheese: slice it no more than a few hours before service, and keep it in the fridge until the last minute. Berries should be added within 30 minutes of serving, or they'll start to break down.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This board pairs beautifully with sparkling rosé, obviously, but also with fresh mimosas, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or even just good strong coffee. The whole setup feels like brunch, which means people expect to linger and chat. Set your board on a table where people can gather around it rather than passing it plate to plate—that encourages the kind of informal mingling that makes meals memorable. Play soft music in the background, give people small plates and napkins nearby, and let them graze at their own pace.
- Sparkling wine or mimosas are your friends here, so keep them cold and ready to refill.
- Small plates and appetizer napkins are essential—nobody wants to hold a full dinner plate while picking at a board.
- Let the board sit out for 15 minutes before guests arrive so the cheese softens and flavors open up.
Save This is the kind of dish that feels special without being stressful, which honestly might be the best kind of cooking there is. Make it, share it, and watch people slow down.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent strawberries from melting chocolate when dipped?
Ensure strawberries are thoroughly rinsed and completely dried before dipping. Slight moisture causes chocolate to seize, so drying is essential.
- → Can I substitute cheeses for a vegan version?
Yes, plant-based cheeses work well. Choose firm and creamy vegan cheeses to maintain texture variety on the board.
- → What’s the best way to arrange the berries?
Group each berry type separately in clusters around the cheeses and accompaniments for a colorful, balanced look that encourages sharing.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cover the board with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Consume within 1-2 days, as fresh berries and pastries may lose quality.
- → Can I prepare the chocolate-dipped strawberries ahead?
Yes, prepare and chill them up to a day before serving. Store covered in the fridge to keep chocolate firm and fresh.