If there were ever a brunch shortcut that still feels thoughtful, this brunch charcuterie board is it. With warm biscuits, some delicious spreads, fresh fruit, and breakfast meat, this is my favorite way to entertain.
I think what I love most about this breakfast and brunch board is that everyone can choose their own adventure. And, speaking from experience as a food stylist, pulling off a gorgeous breakfast spread with minimal effort couldn't be easier. It's the perfect option for Mother's Day, Christmas morning, Easter brunch, a baby shower, or just a lazy weekend morning with friends.
I don't know about you, but if I ever spot a charcuterie board at a party, it's the first thing I make a bee-line towards. So, this is already set up to be the kind of casual, crowd favorite brunch option that's sure to feel a little special. I mean, everyone loves a snacking board, right?
The best part about this biscuit board though may be that it's super customizable and as homemade (or not) as you want it to be. Bake biscuits from scratch or grab your favorite bakery version or bag of frozen biscuits. Make the honey butter and compote ahead, or keep it simple with store-bought favorites.
Either way, this is a stress-free way to entertain, and I just bet you'll come back to this recipe again and again.
When it comes to special occasions and entertaining around the holidays, from Christmas or Thanksgiving to Easter and summer get-togethers, you'll want to serve an epic cocktail to go with this breakfast board. I happen to have lots. Whether it's my leveled-up Trader Joe's sangria, bourbon hot toddy, or prickly pear cocktail, you really can't go wrong!
Ready to build that easy brunch charcuterie board? Let's do it!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this recipe:
- Southern buttermilk biscuits or 3 ingredient drop biscuits
- oven baked ham slices
- spicy pimento cheese recipe
- honey (optional)
- orange honey butter
- blueberry compote
- fresh berries
(See recipe card for quantities.)
Instructions
Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to get started!
- First, place a large board on a flat surface. Spoon the sauces and condiments into bowls and place around the board.
- Then, arrange the biscuits around the bowls. Serve.
Hint: If you use the buttermilk biscuit recipe and are feeding a large crowd, you'll want to double or triple the recipe. For planning purposes, count on 1 to 2 biscuits per person.
Substitutions
Need to make some ingredient swaps? Here are some ideas:
- Homemade biscuits - If you're not in the mood to bake biscuits from scratch, store-bought bakery biscuits or a bag of frozen biscuits (I love Mama Mary's) are a great way to take a shortcut. You can also substitute mini croissants, split and toasted English muffins, or even scones for a slightly sweeter board.
- Sliced ham - Instead of ham, pick from other breakfast meats like sausage links, sausage patties, crispy bacon, country ham, or even smoked salmon with cream cheese for a lox-inspired option.
- Blueberry compote - Pick your favorite homemade jams and preserves or use store-bought. Homemade apple butter, leftover cranberry sauce, strawberry jam, fig preserves, peach jam, raspberry preserves, and pepper jelly are all fantastic options. You may even want to include a combination of your favorites.
- Fresh berries - Choosing seasonal produce is the way to go here for the best flavor so if fresh berries aren't looking so great, that's okay. In spring and summer, the best fresh fruit options are sliced peaches, melon, cherries, and tropicals. In fall and winter, the fresh produce I reach for are orange slices, grapes, and sliced apples or pears.
- Jalapeno pimento cheese - If you don't want to make pimento cheese from scratch, there are some great pre-made options in the deli department at the grocery store. Or, grab flavored cream cheese, whip up some ricotta and drizzle with honey, or pick up a package of Boursin cheese.
- Orange honey butter - I honestly could eat honey butter with a spoon, but go for plain softened butter if that's what you prefer.
Variations
This recipe is so versatile. Check out these variations:
- Continental Breakfast Board - You know that continental breakfast buffet you'll get for free at a hotel. Well, here's your opportunity to make your own version at home with your favorite breakfast items. In addition to biscuits, you can add mini bagels, donut holes, mini cinnamon rolls, and your favorite muffins (my family loves chocolate chip muffins and lemon blueberry streusel muffins).
- French Toast and Pancake Board - This one is a big hit with the kiddos in the family. Arrange French toast, regular or mini pancakes, and mini waffles on the board and surround with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sweet spreads like Nutella and peanut butter, fresh berries, maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar. The possibilities are endless
- Build-Your-Own Breakfast Sandwich Board - Lean into savory options for this board. In addition to biscuits, add English muffins, and slices of toast plus cheese slices, fried eggs and scrambled eggs, sausage patties, bacon (both thick-cut bacon and Canadian bacon are great).
Equipment
Here's the equipment you'll need to make this recipe:
- 4 small bowls
- 1 small shallow dish
- large serving board or platter
Storage
At room temperature: Store the biscuits in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days.
To refrigerate: For the biscuits, refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the honey butter and blueberry compote, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. And for the ham, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze: For the biscuits, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. (Reheat at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes before serving.) For the honey butter and blueberry compote, freeze up to 3 months and bring to room temperature before serving. And, for the ham, freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months
Tasty Tip
Take it from this food stylist, vary the sizes and heights of your bowls to create visual interest. Pick ingredients that are colorful and add fresh herbs and edible flowers for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
That all depends on the size of your crowd, but when it doubt, bigger is better. A large cutting board, charcuterie board, or even a sheet pan works perfectly.
If you don't have a big board, you can always use two smaller ones and refill ingredients as needed.
Instead of spooning the jam, butter, ham, and pimento cheese directly on the board, I always use small bowls or ramekins.
Yes, that's why this is so great for entertaining! Prep the spreads, slice the ham, and wash fruit ahead of time. Assemble and warm the biscuits right before serving.
I intentionally left that part of the recipe vague. You can make this as big or as little as you'd like. Aim for 1 to 2 biscuits per person. If you're serving a smaller crowd, maybe choose 2 to 3 toppings. For a larger crowd, you can go for more variety.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this simple brunch charcuterie board:
🍽Get the recipe
Build an Easy Breakfast and Brunch Biscuit Board
Equipment
- 4 small bowls
- 1 small shallow dish
- large serving board or platter
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a large charcuterie board or wooden board on a flat surface.
- Divide the ham, pimento cheese, blueberry preserves, honey butter, and berries between separate serving bowls and small plates.
- Arrange the bowls and the honey on top of the serving board, leaving space for the biscuits.
- Nestle the biscuits between the bowls. Add fresh or edible flowers, and serve.
Recipe Guidelines and Test Kitchen Tips
When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:
- Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
- When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
- I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
- When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
Food safety
Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe:
- Don't leave leftovers sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
Juyali says
I love trying new breakfast boards. I can’t wait to try this one!
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! Let me know how it turns out!
Cathy says
Could this recipe be used for strawberry shortcakes?
AshleyFreeman says
Hi Cathy! Yes, and I love that idea! The biscuits are on the savory side, so just add a little sugar to the dough. You can also sprinkle a little turbinado or coarse sugar on top of the biscuits after you egg wash them for a sweet crunch.