Party Planner
Charcuterie board for 10 people
For 10 people, buy about 1¼ lb of cured meat and 1½ lb of cheese, 60–80 crackers, 1¼ lb of fruit and 2 spreads as an appetizer before a meal. If it's the party food, go up to 2 lb of meat and 2 lb of cheese; if it's dinner, 2½ lb of meat and 2½ lb of cheese.
What to buy for 10 people
Appetizer (a meal follows)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 1¼ lb | 3 kinds · about 6 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 1½ lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 60–80 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 1¼ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 5 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 10 oz | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 2 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Party spread (no meal)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 2 lb | 3 kinds · about 9 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 2 lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 100–120 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 2 lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 10 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 15 oz | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 2 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Meal (the board is dinner)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 2½ lb | 3 kinds · about 12 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 2½ lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 120–150 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 2½ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 10 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 1¼ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 2 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Based on 2 oz each of meat and cheese per guest before a meal, 3 oz as the party food and 4 oz as the meal. How we worked it out.
Get this list as a printable PDF with checkboxes, all three party sizes and the timeline.
How much it costs
| Level | Appetizer | Party spread | Meal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30–$40 | $45–$60 | $60–$80 |
| Standard | $50–$70 | $75–$105 | $100–$140 |
| Splurge | $130–$200 | $195–$300 | $260–$400 |
Estimates for the food only, scaled from the costs of the boards in our book. Store, region and season all change the total.
Board size and setup
One 16–18 inch board. Keep bowls for olives, jams and honey on the board so nothing rolls into the crackers. See board sizes.
Timeline
- 2–3 days beforeBuy crackers, nuts, jams and anything shelf-stable.
- The day beforeBuy the cheese, meat and fruit.
- The night beforeCut the firm cheeses, cover and chill. Wash the grapes.
- 1 hour beforeTake the aged and firm cheeses out so they can warm up. Leave soft cheese like brie in the fridge for now.
- 30–45 minutes beforeTake out soft cheese like brie (it needs only 20–30 minutes), then build the board: cheese first, then meat, then bowls, crackers and fruit.
- While it's outKeep it out no longer than 2 hours, then refrigerate what's left.
Perishable food shouldn't sit out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). USDA guidance.
Or see the free preview of Classic American Charcuterie Board.
Other guest counts
Hosting 8 instead? See the plan for 8. Hosting 12 instead? See the plan for 12.
Questions about a board for 10
How much meat and cheese do I need for 10 people?
As an appetizer before a meal, about 1¼ lb of meat and 1½ lb of cheese. If the board is the party food with no meal, about 2 lb of meat and 2 lb of cheese. If it's dinner, plan 2½ lb of meat and 2½ lb of cheese.
How many crackers for 10 people?
60 to 80 crackers or slices of bread as an appetizer, 100 to 120 as the party food. Put out half and refill.
How big a board do I need for 10 people?
One 16–18 inch board. Guests eat more comfortably from two smaller boards than from one crowded one.
How much does a charcuterie board for 10 people cost?
As an appetizer, roughly $30–$40 on a budget, $50–$70 for a standard board, and $130–$200 with splurge cheeses and meats. Prices vary by store and region.
How far ahead can I make a charcuterie board for 10 people?
Cut firm cheeses the night before and build the board 30–45 minutes before guests arrive. Perishable food shouldn't sit out more than 2 hours.
Is there a complete plan for 10 people?
Yes: The Classic American Starter Board (board #01 in 50 Boards Built by Science) serves 8–12, with the exact shopping list, a timed build and a swap for every ingredient.
