Remove soft cheese (brie) from refrigerator 20–30 minutes before assembling so it comes to room temperature. Cut cheddar into 3/4-inch cubes or slices. Cut manchego into thin wedges. Place cheeses on a board in separate clusters, leaving space between each type for accompaniments.

Arrange meats

Fold or roll prosciutto slices into loose ribbons or rosettes; stack salami and soppressata and fan or fold slices into small piles. Place each meat type in its own cluster near complementary cheeses (e.g., prosciutto by soft cheese, salami near aged cheddar).

Pickles & Condiments

Prepare pickles and olives

Drain olives and marinated artichokes thoroughly and pat dry. Scatter cornichons and olives into small bowls or piles and place them on the board. Position marinated artichoke hearts near the crackers so juices won’t make bread soggy.

Serve mustards and jelly

Spoon house mustard into a small ramekin. Place the berry hot pepper jelly in a separate ramekin. Position both on the board near soft cheese and crackers so guests can pair sweet-spicy jelly with cheeses or meats.

Bread & Crackers

Toast baguette slices

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush baguette slices with 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. If desired, rub toasted slices with a cut garlic clove while still warm for a hint of garlic. Let cool slightly.

Arrange crackers

Fan crackers in one or two small piles on the board, leaving room for spreads and cheeses. Keep crunchy items separate from items that might release moisture.

Garnish & Accents

Add fruit and nuts

Scatter halved figs or small bunches of grapes and toasted almonds around the board to provide sweetness and crunch. Place fruit next to soft cheeses and nuts near hard cheeses for easy pairing.

Finish and garnish

Tuck rosemary sprigs between clusters for color and aroma. Drizzle a tablespoon of honey over the wedge of soft cheese or place it in a tiny dish if you prefer guests to drizzle their own. Do a quick walk-around to ensure there are balanced portions of meat, cheese, crackers, and condiments across the board.