guest post by ashley schuering - https://confessionsofagroceryaddict.com

 

‘Tis the season for family gatherings, little indulgences, and holiday magic. Chuao’s Chocolate Charcuterie Board ties all three together as neat as a bow. Featuring realistic chocolate “salami,” vibrant fresh fruit, chocolatey dips, bonbons, cookies and more, this playful, dessert-inspired twist on a party favorite is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults.

What to Put on a Chocolate Charcuterie Board 

There’s really no wrong moves when it comes to picking the elements for your chocolate grazing board, but you have lots of options! The general idea is similar to a regular charcuterie spread. you want plenty of contrasting tastes and textures so guests can mix and match.

We think the one “must-have” is a log of chocolate "salami." It looks wildly similar to the real thing and really sells the whole concept! Don’t worry, though. This no-bake European treat is a snap to make. It takes just 15 minutes of active prep time and 10 (or fewer) simple ingredients. Here’s how to make it.

Chocolate "Salami" Recipe

• 2 full-sized bars of Chuao chocolate (we like spicy maya)

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 7 tablespoons butter (salted, softened)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed)

• ½ - ¾ teaspoon salt, to taste

• 2 cups broken digestive biscuits

• ½ cup chopped toasted nuts

• ½ cup dried fruit soaked in ¼ cup brandy (or orange juice or water)

Step 1: Prep. Start by prepping your mix-ins. Chop the chocolate and cookies into bite-sized pieces, toast your nuts until fragrant, and soak the dried fruit in brandy (or orange juice or water) so it plumps up nicely. Give it a few stirs over the course of your prep so all the fruit gets infused. Set everything aside.

Step 2: Melt. In a small saucepan, gently melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, crushed biscuits, and toasted nuts. Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients, then fold in the soaked fruit (along with any remaining liquid). Stir until everything is evenly coated. If the mixture looks a little crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of warm cream until it comes together.

Step 4: Shape. Transfer the mixture to a large sheet of parchment paper and use your hands to shape it into a tight, even log about 1 foot long. Wrap it up snugly in the parchment, twisting the ends like a giant piece of holiday candy, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you like a firmer texture.

Step 5: Roll & Slice. When you’re ready to serve, unwrap your “salami” and roll it in powdered sugar to mimic the classic aged look. Place in a prominent spot on your board, and cut the first few slices for maximum drama.

More Chocolate Charcuterie Board Ingredients

As we mentioned earlier, a great chocolate charcuterie board is built on contrast and playfulness. Think of it like a chocolate tasting playground: a little tart here, a little crunchy there, a touch of spice, a hint of mint, something creamy, something bold. When you layer flavors and textures intentionally, every bite feels like a revelation.

To make building your board easier, think in terms of five flavor groups. Hitting one or two from each category guarantees plenty of variety and visual appeal.

Juicy & Tart

Fresh, juicy elements brighten the richness of chocolate and keep the board from feeling heavy. Think ruby-red raspberries, mandarin orange segments or candied orange peel, berries, grapes, or pomegranate arils. Add a small jar of jam, preserves, or lemon curd for a pop of acidity.

• Chuao Pairing: “Totally Tangy Mango” brings a sweet-sour punch that cuts through dark chocolate brilliantly.

• Try This Combo: A digestive biscuit + raspberry jam + fresh raspberry + shard of dark chocolate = instant mini tart.

Creamy & Sweet

This is where you lean into soft, melt-in-your-mouth decadence. Think fluffy s’mores hot chocolate dip, chocolate fondue, filled truffles and bonbons, edible cookie dough, creamy peanut butter, milk or white chocolate pieces, mini marshmallows, or sweet, colorful sprinkles.

• Chuao Bars: Use our classic Sweet & Salty, Sprinkle Dreams, or Honeycomb for a creamy-crunchy twist.

• Try This Combo: Dip marshmallows into warm spicy maya dipping sauce and serve on a graham cracker. Perfect for when you want cozy fireside vibes without lighting a single log!

Crispy-Crunchy & Salty

You need crunch for contrast, and salty elements make chocolate taste even richer. Layer in chocolate-covered honey grahams, yogurt pretzels, star crunch cookies, bar nuts, and buttery biscuits. Add small piles of roasted nuts or chocolate-covered pretzels to round out the presentation.

• Chuao Bars: Use our Cookies All the Way, Salted Chocolate Crunch, Pretzel Toffee Twirl, or Potato Chip for salty-sweet magic.

• Try This Combo: A pretzel + peanut butter + a shard of Pretzel Toffee Twirl = a grown-up Reese’s.

Bold & Bittersweet

Your “grown-up” flavors live here. anything deep, dark, minty, roasty, or intensely cocoa-forward. Include dark chocolate 60%-80%, mocha chip meringues, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or fudgy cosmic brownies. These add grown-up intensity and a hint of mystery.

• Chuao Bars: Use our Snuggle Up S’mores (cozy and roasty), For the Love of Peppermint (fresh and cool), Triple Nut Temptation (nutty and flavorful), or any of our dark chocolate bars.

• Try This Combo: Pair peppermint fudge with fluffy marshmallows and chocolate-dipped pretzels. The cool mint pops against the creamy sweetness, while the salty crunch adds the perfect contrast.

Spiced & Surprising

Here’s where things get fun. This is where your board gets its personality, with unexpected hits of cinnamon, chili, ginger, smoke, or holiday spice. Try adding spicy maya chocolate dip, churro chocolate pudding, ginger snaps, candied ginger, or chili-roasted nuts to create little flavor “plot twists” that create intrigue.

• Chuao Bars: Use our Plant-Based Baconluxious, Exploding Coal, Spicy Maya, or Hope, Joy & Gingerbread. These bring heat, seasonal spice, and flavor fireworks.

• Try This Combo: A piece of chocolate salami + a shard of Spicy Maya + a slice of orange = a holiday bite with sophisticated flair.

Ready to get started? Stock up on your favorite Chuao goodies. there’s tons to choose from, like our holiday love sampler filled with seasonal mini bars, chef’s favorites bonbons and truffles gift box, or spicy maya drinking chocolate. From there, all you need are a few grocery store staples and a bit of creativity! 

How to Arrange Your Board

Think of this step like decorating a holiday tree. there’s no single “right” way, but a little intention goes a long way towards making your display feel magical.

Start by placing your largest or most visually striking items first. For this chocolate charcuterie board, that’s your chocolate salami. Slice about half of it and fan the pieces across one corner, then leave the rest whole so guests can appreciate the illusion. This instantly anchors your layout and creates a focal point.

Next, build outward with small bowls or ramekins filled with dips, spreads, jams, or saucy treats. From there, begin clustering your other ingredients by category or color. The beauty of a dessert board is the bold contrast, like deep brown chocolate against the ruby glow of raspberries or smooth ganache next to our chunky oh my s’mores bark luxe. 

If you’re using multiple Chuao bars, break some into rustic shards while leaving others whole for visual variety, or use minis in their colorful wrappers to make it easy for guests to choose. Feel free to “cascade” elements down your board by creating mini piles of cookies, pretzels, or nuts that gently flow from one section to another.

A few styling tips to keep your board looking intentional:

• Vary shapes and heights. Stack some cookies, lay some flat, and prop up a bar or two for dimension.

• Follow the rainbow. Place colorful items like fruit or sprinkles between darker elements to keep the eye moving.

• Add finishing touches. A dusting of powdered sugar looks like snow, rosemary and fresh cranberries evoke holly, and candied orange peel or a sprinkle of luster dust adds sparkle.

By the time you’re done, your chocolate charcuterie board should feel abundant, playful, and inviting. Then, when it’s party time, set your board out with plenty of small plates, napkins, and utensils so guests can assemble their own creative treats.

Creative Themes for Your Chocolate Charcuterie Board

If you’re feeling extra festive (or you just love a themed party), consider these variations.

• Peppermint Wonderland - Use For the Love of Peppermint and Snuggle Up S’mores bars, white chocolate, mini candy canes, chocolate-dipped marshmallows, red berries, and snowy powdered sugar. A dreamy palette of reds and whites is an instant Christmas classic.

• Cozy Cabin Board - Lean into warm, wintery flavors: Spicy Maya, Plant-Based Baconluxious, or Triple Nut Temptation bars, cinnamon-dusted dips, and graham crackers. Add some sprigs of sugared rosemary and serve with red check napkins to complete the vibe.

• Kids Holiday Party Board - Go big on color and whimsy: Sprinkle Dreams and Cookies All the Way bars, marshmallows, gummy candies, bright fruits, and chocolate chunks. Arrange everything in rainbow order for extra visual appeal.

• New Year’s Eve Chocolate Board - Think luxe and sparkly: dark chocolate with a pop like firecracker or Exploding Coal bars, fresh figs, berries, gold sprinkles, and edible glitter. Pair with bubbly and party poppers.

Celebrate With Chuao Chocolatier

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family movie night or a full-on holiday fête, a Chuao chocolate charcuterie board brings everyone together for a shared moment of joy. It’s a conversation starter, a show-stopping centerpiece, and a celebratory dessert all in one! 

So go ahead, play, taste, experiment, indulge. And when you’re ready to stock up on the bars and bites that are built to spread joy, explore Chuao’s holiday collection. After all, starting with a premium base ensures your board will be the talk of the party. 

Let the holiday grazing begin! 🍫✨