How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Market-Fresh Finds
Charcuterie boards have become the go-to choice for entertaining—perfect for cozy nights in, lively gatherings, or even as thoughtful gifts. And the best part? They’re as fun to build as they are to enjoy. Whether you lean rustic and relaxed or elevated and elegant, a good board brings together bold flavors, beautiful textures, and a bit of creativity.
At Cold Creek’s Market, we carry (almost) everything you need to build a board that’s both delicious and delightful—from handcrafted cheeses to local honeys, sweet treats, crunchy crackers, and fresh fruits. Let’s break it down:
Start with the Base
Every great board starts with, well... a great board. Choose from our selection of wooden boards and trays, or line a cutting board with parchment for a casual look. Let your style shine—go classic, seasonal, or totally themed.
Pro tip: Grab one of our cheese boards to serve as your foundation—you’ll use it again and again.
Choose Your Cheeses
This is where your board really starts to sing. We offer a beautiful selection of artisan cheeses that vary in texture and flavor. Mix soft and firm, bold and mild, cow’s milk and goat.
Favorites from our Market:
Ashe County: Cheddar, Pepperjack, Bleu, Mountain Marble, Gouda
Jim’s Cheese: Cheddar with Cranberries, Cheddar with Blueberries
Clemson Bleu Cheese (a local classic!)
Spreads that Steal the Show
Sweet, savory, spicy—spreads pull the whole board together. Ours are sourced from local makers and bursting with flavor.
Featured favorites:
Jams & Jellies: Dutch Kettle, Southern Roots Sisters
Honeys: Edisto Honey, Billue Honey, River Bluff Honey
Dips & Spreads: Joy’s Gourmet,Faithful Foods (hello, pimento cheese!)
Pair fig jam with goat cheese, drizzle honey over blue cheese, or swipe a cracker through artichoke dip—you can’t go wrong.
Crackers, Bread, and a Bit of Crunch
Every board needs a base for building that perfect bite. We carry a variety of crackers and bread mixes so you can serve it fresh or gift the mix for a bake-at-home moment.
Find in the Market:
Dr. Pete’s Bread Mixes
Several styles of ready-made crackers—thin, crisp, and hearty
Pickled & Briny Goodness
Add tang and texture with briny bites. A few pickled items create contrast and cut through rich cheeses beautifully.
Market favorites:
Pickled veggies & olives by Davina, Stamey’s, and Dutch Kettle
Fresh Fruit & Sweet Treats
Grapes, strawberries, figs, or apple slices bring freshness and color to your board. Round it out with a few indulgent bites from our Market shelves.
Sweet additions we love:
Griffs Toffee
Watanut Shortbread Cookies
Fat Toad Caramel
Yon Family Farms Chocolate Covered Pecans
Spring & Mulberry Gourmet Chocolate
Cold Creek Caramel Popcorn
Cold Creek Trail Mixes, Nut Mixes, Pecans, and Walnuts
Finishing Touches & Styling Tips
Presentation makes all the difference. Tuck in a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme, pile ingredients in little cups (we carry those!), and use our cheese knife sets for serving.
Don’t forget decorative napkins—fun, festive, or elegant, we’ve got them all.
Host a Charcuterie Night or Build a Gift Box
Invite a few friends and let everyone create their own board using Market finds—it’s a guaranteed good time. Or build a Charcuterie Gift Box featuring a curated selection of cheeses, spreads, pickles, crackers, and a mini jar of local honey or jam.
P.S. Our popular Bites & Delights gift board even includes meat—so if you’re looking to gift a full experience, we’ve got you covered.
Visit Us & Let’s Build Something Beautiful
Stop by Cold Creek’s Market and let us help you gather all the goods to build the ultimate board. Whether you’re entertaining ten or enjoying a cozy night in for two, we’ve got just what you need to make it special—from the first crunchy bite to the last sweet finish.
Because around here, a good spread starts with great ingredients—and we’ve got those in spades.
