Easter Charcuterie Board

An Easter charcuterie board is one of those quiet wins when hosting. It looks festive, feels thoughtful, and somehow buys you time when the rest of the meal is still coming together.

I started making a dedicated Easter board after one too many holidays where everyone hovered around the kitchen, hungry, while I tried to juggle timing. A ready-to-go board changes the whole energy.

This version leans into spring. Fresh produce, lighter cheeses, and just enough salty meat to balance everything out without feeling heavy.

The real charm is the Easter bunny design tucked into the center. It’s playful without being over-the-top, and people always notice it before they even notice the food.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or specialty stores for this. Everything here is easy to find, forgiving to assemble, and flexible enough to suit different eaters.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner, this Easter charcuterie board works as a gentle opening act. It keeps people happy and lets you breathe.

Why an Easter Charcuterie Board Works So Well

Easter meals can be tricky. Some dishes are hot, some are cold, and everything seems to finish at a slightly different moment.

A charcuterie board smooths over those gaps. People can snack without filling up, and no one feels rushed to the table.

I also love how customizable it is. Vegetarian guests, picky eaters, or kids who just want familiar flavors all find something they like.

This board keeps the meat minimal and lets fruits and vegetables shine. After a long winter, that freshness feels especially welcome.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Cheese spread – Forms the bunny’s face and acts as the main dip for pretzels and vegetables.
• White cheddar, cubed – Creates the bunny ears and adds a mild, crowd-pleasing cheese option.
• Small pretzel dippers – Used as bunny whiskers and perfect for scooping up cheese.
• Carrot chips or baby carrots – Add crunch, color, and a fresh dipper for the cheese spread.
• Green bell pepper, sliced – Brings a crisp bite and helps define the bunny’s face shape.
• Prosciutto – Adds a soft, salty contrast and fills space with texture above the ears.
• Cantaloupe melon, cubed – Provides sweetness and balances the savory elements.
• Fresh blackberries – Fill in gaps and add a deep pop of color between the ears.
• Curly parsley – Used as garnish to separate elements and keep the board looking lively.

Choosing the Right Board

The best board is usually the one you already own. A large surface with a slight lip makes everything easier and less stressful.

I prefer something round for this design because it naturally frames the bunny shape. That said, a rectangular tray works just fine.

If you’re transporting the board, handles or raised edges are a lifesaver. They keep everything in place and make carrying feel secure.

How to make Easter Charcuterie Board?

Step 1 – Place the Cheese Spread

Start by putting the cheese spread into a round bowl if it isn’t already in one. Shape matters here more than perfection.

Set the bowl in the bottom third of the board, centered, leaving a little space between it and the edge.

Step 2 – Build the Bunny Ears

Using the cubed white cheddar, create two tall ear shapes above the cheese spread. Don’t worry if they’re slightly uneven.

The charm is in the suggestion of ears, not in making them identical or perfectly straight.

Step 3 – Add the Pretzel Whiskers

Lay pretzel dippers on each side of the cheese bowl so they fan outward like whiskers.

You can layer them loosely for now and adjust later once the board fills in.

Step 4 – Fill with Carrots

On one side of the ears, place the carrots above the pretzels. Let them spill naturally to fill the space.

This area adds brightness and crunch, so don’t be shy with volume.

Step 5 – Add Green Bell Peppers

Tuck the green pepper slices below the cheese spread, between the pretzel whiskers.

They help anchor the face and give the bunny a little definition.

Step 6 – Arrange the Prosciutto

Tear the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and place them above the bunny ears.

Let the folds stay loose and airy. That softness balances the sharper lines of the cheese cubes.

Step 7 – Add the Melon

On the opposite side of the carrots, add the cubed melon above the whiskers and beside the ear.

This keeps the board visually balanced and adds a sweet option nearby.

Step 8 – Fill Gaps with Blackberries

Scatter blackberries between the bunny ears to fill any remaining open space.

The darker color pulls the whole design together and makes everything pop.

Step 9 – Garnish with Parsley

Finish by tucking parsley anywhere the board feels crowded or needs separation.

A little green goes a long way and keeps everything looking fresh.

Tips

• Assemble everything except pretzels if making the board ahead of time.
• Wrap the board tightly with plastic wrap to keep produce fresh.
• Add pretzels just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Use a board with a lip if you need to transport it.
• Don’t overthink symmetry; relaxed placement looks more inviting.

Substitutions and Easy Swaps

This board is forgiving, which is part of why I love it. You can swap ingredients without losing the overall effect.

If you don’t have cheese spread, any white, creamy cheese works. Goat cheese or a feta-based dip both hold their shape nicely.

White cheddar can be replaced with mild gouda, Swiss, or any semi-firm white cheese that cubes cleanly.

Small breadsticks work well if pretzels aren’t available. They still dip easily and keep the whisker look.

Orange peppers can stand in for carrots, and cucumber strips are a fresh alternative to green bell pepper.

Salami or ham replaces prosciutto easily, and pineapple works if melon isn’t in season.

Serving Ideas for Easter

This Easter charcuterie board fits into almost any menu. It works before brunch, alongside lunch, or ahead of dinner.

I often pair it with lighter dishes so it doesn’t compete with the main meal.

It’s also great as part of a smaller spread if you’re keeping things casual and low-pressure.

Sometimes, I’ll serve this board and dessert only. It feels relaxed and surprisingly complete.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are easy to manage if you separate everything. Cheese and meat keep well in airtight containers in the fridge.

Carrots, peppers, and parsley can be stored together and used within a few days.

Pretzels should stay at room temperature in a sealed container to keep their crunch.

Fruit goes fastest, so try to use melon and berries within a couple of days.

Using Up What’s Left

If you end up with a lot of leftovers, they make an excellent next-day lunch.

I like to portion everything into containers for a simple, grown-up snack plate.

Extra vegetables can be chopped and added to omelets or folded into a quick frittata.

Nothing goes to waste, and it feels like a bonus meal without extra effort.

An Easter charcuterie board doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With a little planning and a relaxed approach, it becomes one of the easiest wins of the holiday.

And honestly, watching people smile when they notice the bunny makes it worth every minute.