Party Planner
Charcuterie board for 12 people
For 12 people, buy about 1½ lb of cured meat and 1½ lb of cheese, 72–96 crackers, 1½ lb of fruit and 3 spreads as an appetizer before a meal. If it's the party food, go up to 2¼ lb of meat and 2½ lb of cheese; if it's dinner, 3 lb of meat and 3 lb of cheese.
What to buy for 12 people
Appetizer (a meal follows)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 1½ lb | 3 kinds · about 7 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 1½ lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 72–96 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 1½ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 6 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 12 oz | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Party spread (no meal)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 2¼ lb | 3 kinds · about 11 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 2½ lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 120–144 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 2¼ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 12 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 1¼ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Meal (the board is dinner)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 3 lb | 3 kinds · about 14 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 3 lb | 3–4 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 144–180 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 3 lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 12 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 1½ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 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 | $35–$50 | $55–$70 | $70–$95 |
| Standard | $60–$85 | $90–$125 | $120–$170 |
| Splurge | $155–$240 | $235–$360 | $310–$480 |
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 large 22–28 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 Holiday Charcuterie Board.
Other guest counts
Hosting 10 instead? See the plan for 10. Hosting 15 instead? See the plan for 15.
Questions about a board for 12
How much meat and cheese do I need for 12 people?
As an appetizer before a meal, about 1½ lb of meat and 1½ lb of cheese. If the board is the party food with no meal, about 2¼ lb of meat and 2½ lb of cheese. If it's dinner, plan 3 lb of meat and 3 lb of cheese.
How many crackers for 12 people?
72 to 96 crackers or slices of bread as an appetizer, 120 to 144 as the party food. Put out half and refill.
How big a board do I need for 12 people?
One large 22–28 inch board. Guests eat more comfortably from two smaller boards than from one crowded one.
How much does a charcuterie board for 12 people cost?
As an appetizer, roughly $35–$50 on a budget, $60–$85 for a standard board, and $155–$240 with splurge cheeses and meats. Prices vary by store and region.
How far ahead can I make a charcuterie board for 12 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 12 people?
Yes: The Holiday Entertaining Board (board #06 in 50 Boards Built by Science) serves 12–16, with the exact shopping list, a timed build and a swap for every ingredient.
