Valentines Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Truffles

Name: Valentines Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Truffles
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 types of cheeses (e.g., brie and sharp cheddar); 100g prosciutto; 100g salami; 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries); 1 cup assorted nuts (almonds and walnuts); 1 cup olives; 1 small loaf of crusty baguette; 200g dark chocolate; 100ml heavy cream; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Cocoa powder for rolling

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Ideas

I love putting together a sumptuous charcuterie board for special occasions, and this Valentine's edition is no exception! The vibrant colors and variety of textures create an inviting spread that sets a romantic atmosphere. With a delightful combination of savory cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and homemade chocolate truffles, this board is sure to wow your loved one. Plus, it's customizable, allowing you to incorporate personal favorites, making the experience even more special.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:02:34.291Z

When I first tried creating a charcuterie board, I was amazed at how much joy it brought to my gathering. Every bite was a delightful surprise, and I quickly learned that the beauty lies in the presentation. By artfully layering flavors and colors, each board becomes a unique masterpiece that tells its own story.

The secret to this Valentine’s charcuterie board is the unexpected addition of chocolate truffles. They add a sweet finish that balances the savory elements beautifully. I use a simple recipe for the truffles, allowing me to incorporate ingredients that resonate personally—such as a hint of orange zest or a splash of raspberry liqueur. It’s an experience I love sharing!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A beautiful variety of flavors and textures to impress your Valentine
Homemade chocolate truffles that add a personal touch
Perfect for casual dining or a romantic celebration

      

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Truffles

The chocolate truffles are a key highlight of this charcuterie board, offering a luxurious finish. When chopping the dark chocolate, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even melting. For optimal results, use high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content; this enhances the truffle’s richness. When heating the cream and butter, do so over medium-low heat. This prevents the cream from boiling over and helps achieve a smooth ganache without scorching.

Once you've combined the cream with the chocolate, watch for the perfect consistency. The ganache should be glossy and thick enough to hold its shape when rolled. If it seems too soft, allow it to chill for a longer time—up to an hour—before scooping. Using a small cookie scoop can help you achieve uniformly sized balls, making your presentation more appealing and consistent.

Arranging the Charcuterie Board

For an aesthetically pleasing charcuterie board, consider the balance of colors and shapes. Start with the cheeses, placing them in varying positions to create visual interest. Cut the brie into wedges and crumble the sharp cheddar to provide texture variety. Placement matters: clusters of the same types will create visual chaos. Instead, arrange meats like prosciutto and salami in ribbons or rolls, which naturally draw the eye and invite guests to dig in.

Another important tip is to add height to your board. Strategically stack small bowls of olives and truffles, while filling gaps with fresh berries and nuts. This not only enhances the board's appearance but also makes it easier for guests to reach individual components. If you find your board feeling overcrowded, reduce the number of each type of ingredient to allow the star players to shine.

Ingredients

For the Charcuterie Board

2 types of cheeses (e.g., brie and sharp cheddar)
100g prosciutto
100g salami
1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
1 cup assorted nuts (almonds and walnuts)
1 cup olives
1 small loaf of crusty baguette

For the Chocolate Truffles

200g dark chocolate
100ml heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cocoa powder for rolling

Steps

Make the Chocolate Truffles

Chop the dark chocolate and place it in a bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and add vanilla extract. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set, then scoop and roll into balls, coating them with cocoa powder.

Assemble the Charcuterie Board

On a large board or platter, arrange the cheeses, meats, berries, nuts, and olives. Use small bowls for the olives and truffles. Fill any spaces with slices of baguette. Aim for a colorful presentation!

Pro Tips

Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite cheeses and meats! Seasonal fruits can also add a refreshing twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to customize the charcuterie board, feel free to substitute with different cheeses like goat cheese or gouda, depending on your preference. Similarly, swap out the prosciutto and salami for turkey or vegetarian alternatives, making this board more accommodating for dietary restrictions. Various nuts can be utilized as well; try pecans or pistachios for an extra crunch and flavor diversity.

For a unique twist, instead of using berries, consider dried fruits such as figs or apricots, which add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness. This can complement the saltiness of the cured meats perfectly. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your guests' preferences, ensuring a variety but avoiding overwhelm.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the greatest advantages of this charcuterie board is its make-ahead potential. The chocolate truffles can be prepared up to a week in advance, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are rolled in cocoa powder just before serving to maintain a fresh appearance and texture. Chilling them for a couple of hours after rolling can also enhance their firmness, making them easier to handle.

You can also assemble certain elements of your charcuterie board a few hours before serving. To maintain freshness, keep the meats and cheeses wrapped until the last minute. If you're including fresh fruits, consider preparing them a few hours in advance and lightly tossing them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. This way, you can present a gorgeous spread without stress on the day of your celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the truffles in advance?

Yes, you can make the chocolate truffles up to two days in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What cheeses work best for a charcuterie board?

A mix of soft and hard cheeses usually works best. Brie and aged cheddar are a nice combination.

→ How can I make the board vegetarian?

Simply replace the meats with additional cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. You could also add plant-based cheeses for variety.

→ What are some good accompaniments for the drinks?

Wine pairs wonderfully with charcuterie. A light rosé complements the board beautifully!