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Homebody Eats » Appetizers » Charcuterie Boards

Ultimate Charcuterie Board Cost & Pricing Guide

Published: Aug 25, 2021 · Modified: May 4, 2022 by Jessica Mode · This content may include affiliate links.

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If you love building charcuterie and cheese boards, use this post to learn all about ingredient costs, supply costs, and all the other expenses involved. With my tips and experience, you will be able to learn about perfect serving sizes and everything you need to know when selling charcuterie boards.

various hard cheeses like manchego.

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Cheese and charcuterie boards are a trend that's here to stay for the foreseeable future. If you look around Instagram, Pinterest, and other platforms, you'll see that there are seemingly endless amounts of people making these boards all around the world.

With boards and platters continuing to rise in popularity, I wanted to share the information in this post in hopes of helping someone interested in selling their charcuterie creations. So, if you've ever wondered 'How much should I charge for a charcuterie board?,' this is the post that will answer your questions. 

Starting a business is no simple task. Fortunately, with the help of this post, the process will be a lot easier. This extensive guide will help you through the process of brainstorming, the cost of ingredients, sourcing supplies, determining serving sizes, and pricing your product.

As a disclaimer, this post is not meant to substitute the advice of a lawyer or accountant. You'll still need to go through the proper channels to get your business set up with the correct requirements and regulations.

Jump to:
  • Cost of Charcuterie Ingredients
  • The ultimate charcuterie board shopping list!
  • Charcuterie Board Supplies
  • Serving Sizes
  • Suggested Pricing Guide
  • Ways To Save Money On Charcuterie Boards
  • FAQs
  • Other Helpful Articles
cheese board with fruit, cheese, and crackers.

Cost of Charcuterie Ingredients

One of the first things you'll need to think through is the price of ingredients. It's important to source high-quality ingredients that your customers will love!

This section will talk through the average price of items (cost will vary depending on your location) as well as the best ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or taste!

Cheese

Charcuterie boards and platters are built largely upon cheese. This is a staple ingredient that you do not want to skimp on! This will be one of the most expensive parts of the board but will also be one of the most important indicators of quality.

As with nearly any ingredient, there are higher-end and lower-end versions of everything. If you need to save some money, you can opt to look for a lower-end (and less expensive) version of a cheese. Check out the pricing for a variety of cheese, plus tips for saving money.

Blue cheese: $5.00 - $12.00 per 4 ounces

Since blue cheese is on the pricier side and has a unique taste that everyone may not like, I'd suggest having a smaller serving of this type of cheese on your board.

Cheddar: $5.00 - $7.00 per 8 ounces

Cheddar cheese is a crowd-pleaser that (almost) everyone loves. This is a great cheese to include on all boards. Bonus: it's very reasonably priced and can be used to save money on your end!

Gouda: $8.00 - $12.00 per 8 ounces

Gouda is one of the more expensive cheeses on the list. There are many varieties of gouda (aged, smoked, etc.), so it's a great option to add more flavor!

Gruyere: $7.00 - $16.00 per 8 ounces

Gruyere is another cheese option that many people enjoy. While it is slightly more expensive than cheddar, it can be used in smaller quantities or on premium boards.

Hard cheese (asiago, parmesan): $6.00 - $15.00 per 8 ounces

Hard cheese is another cheaper option. It can also be cut and displayed in many beautiful ways.

Manchego: $9.00 - $12.00 per 8 ounces

Manchego is a type of hard cheese that's priced a little higher than other hard cheese varieties. Opt for manchego for premium boards (and make sure your pricing reflects this quality).

Soft cheese (brie, goat): $6.00 - $12.00 per 8 ounces

Although soft cheese can be pricey, a large wheel of brie will serve quite a few people and make a great statement piece for your board.

various asiago and parmesan cheese.

Charcuterie (Meat)

The charcuterie (meat) part of any plate will be a bit pricey. The great news is, a little goes a long way! I'd suggest buying quality charcuterie to elevate your board and impress your customers.

Salami/Sopresata/Genoa: $5.00 - $10.00 per 4 ounces

These meats are great for making pretty designs on your boards and platter (like these meat flowers).

Prosciutto: $7.00 - $15.00 per 4 ounces

Since the price of prosciutto is so high, use it sparingly! You could also wrap it around a piece of cheese so guests know exactly what pairs best with the prosciutto.

Jamon Iberico: $10.00 - $15.00 per 1 ounce

This is considered the king of cured meats. Sliced thin and melting in your mouth like butter, this is the Spanish version of prosciutto and arguably much more delicious. I recommend only using this for the fanciest charcuterie boards, given the steep price. 

Mortadella: $3.00 - $5.00 per 4 ounces

Mortadella is one of my favorite Italian charcuterie meats. It is on the less expensive side compared to most of the aged meats on this list, so it is super budget-friendly. Look for different versions of mortadella like with olives or pistachio. 

Capicola/Corsica: $8.00 - $15.00 per 4 ounces

Sliced thin and super delicate, it bears many similarities to a prosciutto. Fortunately, capicola tends to be cheaper than the highly desired prosciutto, making it a great option for saving money without a huge dropoff in quality.

Produce

Fresh produce can provide a great pop of color! These are great options for filler items to add to a board since produce is very reasonably priced.

Fresh Fruit & Veggies: $1.00 - $5.00 per lb

From celery stalks to exotic fruit, there is an endless range of fruits and vegetables varying in flavor, color, and price. This is one of the most inexpensive parts of any charcuterie board, so don’t be afraid to incorporate plenty of fresh produce.

Dried Fruit: $3.00 - $8.00 per 8 ounces

There is a big price difference between raisins or dried cranberries compared to dried mango or figs. Be sure to coordinate any dried fruit used with the other flavors of the cheese board.

Honey/Jam

If you need to cut costs, feel free to skip out on both of these food items.

Honey: $3.00 - $10.00 per 8 ounces

You can use a variety of honey from a piece of honeycomb to infused honey with flavors such as orange, lemon, or lavender.

Jam: $3.00 - $10.00 per 8 ounces

The nice thing about jams and jellies is that they last for a long time, and you can use the same jar for multiple cheese boards.

cranfiggy chutney jars.

Nuts

Be careful with nuts - make sure to ask customers if there are any allergies. Nuts are another great filler item, and there are lots of varieties!

Nuts: $1.50 - $8.00 per 4 ounces

A general rule of thumb: if there's still a shell on the nut, it will typically cost less money. Keep that in mind if you’re looking for little ways to save money.

Olives/Pickles

Olives and pickles provide a nice touch of acid and brine to a board. Feel free to use different varieties of both items.

Olives: $3.00 - $15.00 per 8 ounces

Plain olives are typically very inexpensive. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, check out the selection of stuffed olives.

Pickles: $0.50 - $4.00 per 8 ounces

Adding a pickled item to a cheese board is a great way to add a change of texture and some acidity to the spread of flavors. Cornichons are my favorite to use because they don't take up much space and are the perfect finger food.

Bread/Crackers

Of course, you'll need some bread and crackers to complete your charcuterie board. Some people prefer to serve these items on the side of the board.

Bread: $1.00 - $6.00 per loaf

Bread is super inexpensive and a great way to fill in space on any charcuterie board. To level up your bread choice, look for a unique artisanal loaf or bake your own.

Crackers: $2.00 - $8.00 per 8 ounces

Just like bread, crackers are a great way to fill in the open space on your cheese board. Neutral-flavored crackers are usually the best for charcuterie platters, letting the flavors of the cheese and the meat stand out.

For more charcuterie board ingredient ideas, grab my ultimate shopping list with over 100+ food items to inspire your next board or platter.

The ultimate charcuterie board shopping list!

100+ food ideas to inspire your next cheese board or platter!

    ​

    thin wafer crackers.

    Charcuterie Board Supplies

    Another essential part of creating charcuterie boards for selling is finding reasonably priced supplies.

    Some common places to source charcuterie board supplies include:

    • Amazon: Best for people just starting a business who need a lower quantity of supplies.
    • WebstaurantStore: Perfect for businesses doing a large quantity of business.
    • Local Restaurant Supply Store: A good option for when you need supplies quickly and don't have time to wait for shipping.

    Here are some charcuterie board/platter supplies you'll need to consider buying:

    Boards: You'll need a board to hold everything on! Some great options include reusable wood boards (just cut down plywood and cover with parchment paper), disposable bamboo serving trays, or cardboard boxes with a window cutout (great for small platters).

    Utensils: Don't forget to package your board or platter with the proper utensils for what's on the board. This may include bamboo tongs, bamboo cutlery, a honey dipper, or decorative toothpicks.

    Labels: Depending on the type of board or platter you're selling, you may wish to label the types of cheese. I like these flag toothpicks for a simple yet elegant touch.

    Garnishes: I find that some of the prettiest charcuterie boards are the ones that also have garnishes on them. This can range from baby pumpkins, whole fruits (like pomegranates, apples, and pears), edible flowers, and sprigs of herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and mint).

    Serving Sizes

    When planning your boards and platters, reference these serving size suggestions (per person) as a starting point.

    Cheese: 2-3 ounces per person

    Charcuterie (meat): 4-6 slices per person

    Fruit: ⅛ - ¼ cup per person

    Nuts: 2 - 3 tablespoons per person

    Olives/Pickles: 3-4 olives/pickles (about ⅛ cup) per person

    Honey/Jam: 1 tablespoon per person

    Crackers/bread: 7-10 slices per person

    cheese board with fruit, star tortilla chips and dips.

    Suggested Pricing Guide

    If you're interested in selling your charcuterie or cheese boards, it's important to think through an ideal pricing structure. You want to price your boards and platters according to the food products, supplies, and time it takes to create the board.

    Here's a basic pricing formula you can use to estimate the cost of your charcuterie boards: cost of food + cost of supplies + hourly creation rate + sales tax (if applicable) = total board cost

    You'll also want to consider changing your pricing based on various circumstances:

    • Overhead: These are essentially your hidden business expenses. Things like the cost of gas for groceries, electricity used in your kitchen, and the water used when cleaning dishes.
    • Delivery: Consider including a delivery fee for any orders outside a 10 - 15 mile radius. Add $.75 - $1.50 per additional mile outside of your radius.
    • Gratuity: For large orders over a certain cost (i.e. $500) or party size (i.e. board for 15 people), consider adding a 10% - 15% gratuity.
    • Deposits: Consider requiring a 50% deposit to reserve the event date to avoid people canceling orders last minute.
    • Minimums: For smaller boards, require customers to order a minimum dollar amount.
    • Cancellation Policy: Require customers to still pay a certain percentage of their order cost if they cancel 2-4 days prior to the event date.
    • Board Costs: If you are planning to sell your charcuterie boards and have the option for the customer to keep the board, be sure to include the full cost of the board in your price. This includes taxes and shipping fees (if either is applicable).
    • Eco-friendly Boards/Utensils: Charge a premium for reusable or eco-friendly supplies.
    • Commercial Kitchen/Business Expenses: Be sure to factor in the additional costs that you pay just to run your business including commercial kitchen rent, supplies such as gloves/soap, etc.

    To help you think through your pricing structure, here are suggested base prices. These are based on estimates from around the internet.

    Increase your prices from here depending on your personal business costs as discussed above:

    Small Charcuterie Board (1-2 people): $25 - $50+

    Medium Charcuterie Board (3-5 people): $50 - $100+

    Large Charcuterie Board (8-10 people): $100 - $175+

    Extra Large Charcuterie Board (20 - 30 people): $350 - $1,000+

    Grazing Table (100+ people): $1,500 - $5,000+

    Average price per person: $15 - $25+

    Please be sure to consult with a lawyer on a client contract/service agreement with the terms and conditions that you decide on.

    Ways To Save Money On Charcuterie Boards

    Here I will break down my tips and suggestions for creating the most beautiful cheese and charcuterie boards without breaking the bank.

    There are many ways to save when building cheese boards. So, decide what parts of your board are most important, and then focus on the other ways to budget. 

    Choose less expensive cheeses/meats: These are likely your main expenses. Finding less expensive but still quality products can go a long way to saving money. 

    Shop at bulk stores or wholesalers: These stores are a great way to save on product expenses. If you have multiple orders or large orders, buying in bulk/ wholesale can save you a ton. 

    Use seasonal produce: Not only is this a great way to get the best quality products on your boards, but it is a great way to theme your boards as well. Buying in-season produce is always more affordable than out-of-season produce. 

    Use less meat/cheese and fill the space with other items: Fillers such as crackers, nuts, candies, dried fruit, or jams are great ways to save on the more expensive products. 

    Use non-food products on your board: Non-food products like edible flowers, small pumpkins or gourds, and greenery such as eucalyptus are great ways to fill up your board, maintain a beautiful presentation, and save money.

    FAQs

    How much does a charcuterie board cost to make per person?

    The cost per person varies depending on the goods used. A rough range based on current market values and average serving sizes is $15 - $25+ per person.

    How should I price a charcuterie board for 100 people?

    After calculating the cost of food, supplies, labor, and other expenses, your price should range between $1,500 and $5,000. The types of ingredients used and the amount of time spent working will determine where your price falls in this range. For cheese board pricing on large boards, I recommend adding a gratuity of 10 - 15% as well.

    How much should I charge for a charcuterie board?

    You'll need to calculate the cost of your ingredients, supplies, and time in order to figure out how much you should charge. In general, this is the formula I use: cost of food + cost of supplies + hourly creation rate + sales tax (if applicable)

    Other Helpful Articles

    Need more tips & tricks for building cheese and charcuterie boards? Check out these articles:

    • grazing table with hummus, vegetables, and fruit.
      11 Creative Wedding Grazing Table Ideas & Tips
    • girl holding a large cheese board platter.
      Ultimate Charcuterie Board Shopping List | 100+ Ideas for Any Occasion
    • girl near table filled with food.
      How to Prepare a Grazing Table
    • fourth of July charcuterie board.
      30+ Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas and Themes

    More Charcuterie Board Recipes

    • Valentine's Day charcuterie board.
      Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board
    • 50th birthday gold, white, and black cheese board.
      50th Birthday Charcuterie Board
    • new years eve cheese board with star shaped cheese.
      New Year's Eve Charcuterie Board
    • fourth of July charcuterie board.
      Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Charcuterie Board

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amy Martinez

      February 23, 2022 at 6:51 pm

      Don't forget to also add in the cost of becoming properly licensed and permitted, liability insurance for both yourself and your commercial kitchen space, monthly rent/lease or hourly rent for commercial kitchen space, and commercial equipment. Charcuterie boards cannot be prepared or sold to the public from a home kitchen anywhere in the US. This adds substantial cost. Ask any of us that do this daily for a living from licensed shops across the country.

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        February 23, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        Amy - great advice! Thanks so much for sharing this!

        Reply
        • Jennifer

          August 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm

          Where do you go to get properly licensed for this?

          Reply
          • Jessica Mode

            August 28, 2023 at 4:16 pm

            Hi Jennifer - I'd start with checking out your state's Department of Public Health and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

            Reply
      • Matt

        May 29, 2022 at 9:23 am

        This was a great help!!

        Reply
      • Barbie Martinez

        August 26, 2022 at 9:35 am

        Hi Amy,
        Thank you for all the info. I live in Miami Florida and I read that no license is necessary for cottage food business am I miss reading? I will only be selling to my personal clients . Can you advise me.

        Thank you,
        Barbie

        Reply
      • Sierra

        October 12, 2022 at 5:20 pm

        Hi, what license or permits would we need to start the business

        Reply
    2. Marcea Giacci Greenspan

      June 08, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      How can we print all the information without all the pictures and adds?

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        June 08, 2022 at 3:35 pm

        Hey Marcea! I'm not sure that there's an easy way to do this. I'd suggest copying the entire post, pasting them into a Word document, and deleting the items you don't want to be printed.

        Reply
        • Marcea Giacci Greenspan

          June 12, 2022 at 7:50 am

          Thank you

          Reply
    3. Angela Washington

      August 07, 2022 at 8:59 pm

      Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    4. ANDREA

      September 09, 2022 at 9:09 am

      Regulations vary from state to state, but most Cottage Industry licenses do not allow any food item that requires refrigeration after preparation. Meats and cheeses are generally not allowed. Check with your state or local food police (food licensing department).

      Reply
    5. Rhonda

      October 14, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      You provided such a wealth of information and fantastic links. I'm inspired!

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        October 14, 2022 at 4:44 pm

        I'm so glad it was helpful! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Lindsay

      October 22, 2022 at 6:47 am

      Do you do most of the board setup on-site of the events you are catering? I picture the boards being shuffled during transport. What have been your best advertising sources?

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        October 25, 2022 at 8:41 am

        Hey Lindsay! Personally, setting up the boards in advance is easier and cleaner in my opinion. You'll need to also check the laws in your state to see what your options are. As far as advertising goes social media, word of mouth, Facebook ads, or contacting local event planners who need caterers are all some advertising ideas.

        Reply
    7. gabriela

      March 10, 2023 at 10:50 am

      Hello, I have to prepare a charcuterie grazing table for about 150 people, what do you think is a fair price labor and all of the ingredients? (Its for my boos(

      Reply
      • Jessica Mode

        March 14, 2023 at 4:40 am

        Hi Gabriela! I would advise you to add up the cost of your food/materials/etc. and then figure out how much your time/labor costs (aka the amount of money you want to make from the job). With rising food costs, definitely don't undersell yourself! There's no right answer since food costs and charcuterie pricing varies depending on your area. 🙂

        Reply
    8. GUnther Lodi

      October 24, 2024 at 4:05 pm

      Hint: supply cost per square or cubic inch of wood, possibly with a cost per board foot variable.

      Reply

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    long charcuterie board with pricing guide.