How to Make the Perfect Platter
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a casual gathering with a few friends, a meat and cheese board is the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to make, easy for guests to serve themselves, endlessly customizable, and not to mention, totally delicious. Want to make the best-ever board? We’ve got expert tips to help your meat and cheese spread come together perfectly.
All-in-One Gifts
The easiest way to set yourself up for perfect platter success is a hearty selection of favorite flavors as your base. Our collection of all-in-one gifts come with mango wood cheese boards and serving utensils to make them party-ready, plus Hickory Farms signature flavors that are sure to please a crowd.

The The Classic Bites & Board Gift Set offers bold and savory signature flavors with both summer sausage and salami, three cheeses, and our famous Sweet Hot Mustard.


For a board that boasts both sweet and savory flavors, start with thePremium Charcuterie & Chocolate Gift Box. It features Signature Beef and Sweet & Smoky Turkey Summer Sausages, Original Dry Salami, Smooth & Sharp Cheddar Blend, Smoked Gouda Blend, Smoky Onion Mustard, Hot Pepper Bacon Jam, Cranberry & Sesame Nut Mix, Cranberry Pistachio Crisps, plus decadent Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. Or, if you’ve got all the meat and cheese you need already, you can purchase just the Mango Wood Cheese Board Set for effortless, beautiful serving at any gathering.


Create Your Platter
Creating the perfect platter is simple. Start with a few meat and cheese favorites. Then, add freshness and color with olives, sliced vegetables, and fruit. Finish it off with savory condiments, mustards, and fresh herbs. And—don’t forget crackers and crisps to provide the perfect base for every bite!
Tips for Easy & Delicious Serving
- Serve on a large platter or cheese board so you have plenty of room. A larger wooden cutting board works great, too!
- Slice your meats and cheeses before serving for instant appeal and easy snacking for your guests.
- Try slicing your sausage and salamis on a bias for a beautiful presentation.
- A variety of cheese shapes will add interest to your board. Play around with cubes, wedges, and slices.
- Need to feed a crowd? Our 26 oz Signature Beef Summer Sausage feeds 13 people!
- Squeeze or spoon your condiments into small bowls to make them easier to top meat and cheese bites.
- Add a bit of fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for more texture, and to bring the flavors of the meat and cheese to the next level.
Find even more entertaining essentials and meat & cheese favorites at hickoryfarms.com!