How to Build a Wisconsin Charcuterie Board

 

Wisconsin on a Board

A great charcuterie board isn't just food — it's a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and an excuse to open a good bottle of wine. At Wisconsin 26, we've curated the pantry staples and serving pieces that make building one genuinely easy and genuinely impressive.

Here's our step-by-step guide to building a Wisconsin-style board that looks like it took hours (it won't).

Start With the Right Board & Essentials

The foundation matters. We carry several options depending on your style and serving size:

• Italian Olivewood Charcuterie & Cheese Board — beautiful grain, naturally antimicrobial, heirloom-quality
• Flip, Serve & Store State Charcuterie Board with Lid — a Wisconsin-shaped board that doubles as a conversation piece
• Acacia Board with 2 Ceramic Bowls & Lids — perfect for spreads and dips, built right in
• Wisconsin Shaped board with built in 3 oz Ramekin/Dip Section
• Ramekins, Handmade pottery made for Wisconsin 26 by Twice Baked Pottery

The Wisconsin 26 Pantry Anchors

Every great board needs a few hero spreads. Ours:

• Award Winning Bacon Jam — smoky, sweet, and deeply savory. Pairs with aged cheddar and salami.
• Coarse Whole Grain Mustard — sharp and textured, the perfect foil for rich meats and soft cheeses.

The Crackers

Skip the generic crackers. We carry four standout options perfect for any board:

• Potter's Crackers Organic Wisconsin Rye Crackers — made right here in Wisconsin, hearty, slightly nutty, and sturdy enough to hold a generous spread of bacon jam without breaking.
• No. 1 - Artisanal Cracker- Flouwer Cracker — delicate, beautiful, and a stunning visual addition to any board. Their light texture pairs perfectly with soft cheeses and sweet spreads.
• White Wine & Basil Crackers — crisp and herbaceous, designed to complement a glass of white wine and let your cheeses shine.
• Snackable Red Wine & Rosemary — bold and aromatic, a natural pairing with aged cheeses and cured meats.

Build It in 6 Steps

1. Place your bowls first. Anchor the Bacon Jam and Mustard in small bowls to define your layout.
2. Add 2-3 cheeses. One hard (aged cheddar), one semi-firm (gouda), one soft (brie or camembert). Place them at different corners.
3. Layer in the meats. Fan salami, drape prosciutto, fold soppressata. Tuck near the cheeses for easy pairing.
4. Fill with crackers. Line Potter's Rye Crackers along the edges, scatter Flouwer Crackers for elegance, and add the Wine & Basil and Red Wine & Rosemary crackers alongside your favorite cheese pairings.
5. Add color and brightness. Fresh grapes, dried apricots, figs, cornichons, and olives fill gaps and balance the richness.
6. Finish with herbs. A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme make the whole board look intentional and editorial.

Gift It, Too

Our Charcuterie Gift Basket and Charcuterie Cutting Board Gift Basket are ready-to-give options that include the board and pantry staples — perfect for housewarmings, holidays, and host gifts.

Everything on this board is available in store on 3rd Street or online at Wisconsin 26 Mercantile. Come in and we'll help you build the perfect spread.