Our cheese-obsessed staff tried eight different charcuterie board subscription boxes to find the best options for all curd nerds.
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Charcuterie boards have been trending for years—and they remain as popular as ever. Whether they’re supper club boards for feasting or fruit and cheese boards for snacking, these delightfully arranged boards are our go-to hosting hack. However, while it may seem simple, curating cheese board pairings takes a lot of know-how. Not to worry, though—that’s where charcuterie board subscription boxes come in.
“Charcuterie boards aren’t going anywhere. They’ve become the modern centerpiece of casual entertaining,” says Rachel Leonard Kennedy, American author and hostessing expert. “Many people love hosting or creating beautiful gatherings, but don’t always have the time or expertise to source specialty meats, cheeses and accompaniments themselves. A subscription box takes the guesswork out of it.”
Like charcuterie gift boxes, charcuterie subscriptions (sometimes called meat and cheese of the month clubs) come equipped with almost everything you need for a beautiful spread. There’s no need to research which accoutrements or meats pair with which cheeses, since experts handle all the nitty-gritty details. All you need is a wooden charcuterie board and a mailing address!
That said, much like cheese clubs, there are so many charcuterie subscription options. But don’t despair! Our team of cheese-lovers and charcuterie champs did the hard work of testing eight options to find the fanciest and most frugal picks for pigging out.
Appy Hour
Pros:
- Fully customizable
- Curated by cheesemongers
- Delicious selection of meats, cheeses, and dried fruits
- Each item is gourmet and high quality
- Excellent packaging and stayed cold on delivery
- Plenty of subscription options
- Tasting guide with pairing recommendations
Cons:
- Geared towards hosting, rather than a snack for 1-2 people
Folks seeking a luxe charcuterie experience are in for a treat with a subscription to Appy Hour. This monthly charcuterie board delivery arrives absolutely packed with gourmet charcuterie trimmings. Ahead of each shipment, subscribers receive an email outlining the contents of the upcoming month. They can then log into their account to swap out anything they’re not excited about. Hello, vegetarians and nut-free folks! This one is for you.
The deep customization offered by the service, paired with the fair price point, makes it our best charcuterie subscription box overall. You can even choose from seven or nine different inclusions, with the latter priced just $20 higher. Shipping is fair, with most locations topping out under $10. The brand also offers frequent free shipping coupons for new subscribers.
Tester Paul Rankin’s box was brimming with gourmet selections. Included were four packets of cured meats, three hard cheeses, one jar of sheep and goat cheese in oil, one sweet lemon ricotta, a box of artisan crisps, a bag of praline pecans, a bag of dried tart cherries and, lastly, a tiny jar of blackberry balsamic jam.
“This entire box was exquisite,” raves Paul. “I’m already a huge fan of a charcuterie board, so this was an easy winner. Each meat was different and delicious, the dried cherries and candied pecans tasted amazing. But the cheese, the cheese! The cheeses were the star, particularly the sweetened lemon ricotta, which was absolutely stunning.”
Notably, the delivery also receives five stars. Paul reports that even in Florida on an 82-degree day, the contents arrived nice and cold. He used his board for hosting, and it was a huge hit.
“I added some fresh grapes to the mix to give the board a little pop of color, and there was not a single crumb leftover. I’ve had plenty of charcuterie boards that are just a few standard cheeses and meats slapped onto a cutting board. These were noticeably curated from fancy places,” Paul reports. He also notes that buying each item separately would very likely cost far more than the price of the box, making it an excellent value.
Size Options: Choice of 7 or 9 items | Cost: $89 for 7 items, $103 for 9 items | Cheeses Per Box: 3-5 | Other Inclusions: 2 meats, 2+ accompaniments (dried fruits, nuts, etc.), package of crackers | Serving Size: 4-6
Murray's Cheese Board Club
Pros:
- Offers the highest-quality cheeses we tried
- Fresh and cold upon arrival
- Cheeses are adventurous, but still approachable
- Includes cheese information and board building tips
- Transparency around the sourcing and pairings
- Brand consistently impresses Taste of Home editors
Cons:
- Pricier than others
When it comes to a charcuterie board subscription box for cheese lovers, look no further than the Murray’s Cheese Board Club. We’ve raved about Murray’s extensively before, and for good reason—each and every wedge we’ve tried from this cheesemonger shines. This new addition to the brand’s numerous cheese clubs comes with accoutrements galore. However, as always, the cheese is definitely the focal point, and this one comes with four per box.
“All four cheese varieties were approachable and well-suited for someone new to cheese tasting,” says Mary Henn, who tested the subscription. “The most adventurous of the four was the Murray’s Cave Aged Reserve Treeline. It’s a hearty, tangy hard cheese that offered a new and exciting flavor without feeling too ‘risky’ for a beginner or sensitive palate.”
Mary also received dry roasted and salted pistachios, a marionberry spread, cherry, cacao and almond crisps, black truffle salami, dried cranberries and a jar of whole piquante peppers. In addition to the Treeline, there was also a Bucheron goat cheese, a gouda and a cheddar. Mary appreciated the inclusion of two more familiar flavors as easy crowd-pleasers in this charcuterie board kit.
“Overall, it was a fresh, delicious assortment that I’d rank among some of the better cheese delivery options. Having tried Murray’s several times now, I’ve been consistently impressed by the quality and flavor of their offerings,” she says. Mary also notes that the cheeses are so good, they stand well on their own. If you’re more interested in chomping on cheese than putting together pairings, Murray’s also offers a wide assortment of other gourmet cheese clubs. We highly recommend their mac and cheese club!
Size Options: N/A | Cost: $108/month for three months | Cheeses Per Box: 4-5 | Other Inclusions: Crackers, nuts, spreads, dried fruit, meats, etc. | Serving Size: 4-6
Harry & David Charcuterie Subscription Box
Pros:
- Gorgeous presentation
- Easy to cancel
- Generous portion sizes
- Most inexpensive option we tried
- Great variety of accompaniments
- Free shipping with Celebrations Passport
Cons:
- High shipping cost without a Passport
- Cheese isn't super high-quality
- No prepaid subscription lengths available
Those clued into gourmet gift baskets are no doubt familiar with Harry & David. This go-to gifting brand offers several gift-ready clubs. We’ve tried a few in the past, including the brand’s incredibly popular fruit and plant clubs. The charcuterie club is the newest addition to their subscription lineup. And as with all Harry & David products we’ve tested, the quality is impressive enough to send as a gift—and the portions are abundant.
“This is a generous Harry & David gift box with enough items for two separate charcuterie boards,” says tester Anna Lane. “I was surprised at how many products were included, and that everything was full-size.” And she’s not kidding—her box included two boxes of water crackers, gouda cheese, pepper jack cheese, Italian jack cheese, three sausages, two mustards and a pepper and onion jam.
While she finds it an overall good value, she does note that the cheeses aren’t the kind of cheeses you’d splurge on at the cheesemonger. They’re more akin to the generic cheeses you’d find in a supermarket. In short, this cheese and meat subscription is a better fit for someone who enjoys charcuterie, but isn’t choosey about their cheeses.
“While we didn’t love the two jack cheeses, everything else was a big hit,” notes Anna. “The Gouda was so popular with my kids that I didn’t even get a chance to photograph it before they ate all of it!”
This is also the most inexpensive club we’ve tried, albeit by a thin margin. We recommend paying for a Celebrations Passport, which offers a full year of free shipping across the Harry & David family of brands for only $20. Otherwise, you’re paying about an extra $25 for shipping each month. It’s also worth noting that while you can’t select prepaid subscription lengths like you can with other Harry & David clubs, it’s easy to cancel right from your Harry & David account page.
Size Options: N/A | Cost: $80/month | Cheeses Per Box: 2-3 | Other Inclusions: Spreads, crackers, sausages | Serving Size: 2-4
Platterful Charcuterie Kit
Pros:
- Huge variety of pairing options
- Convenient 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month subscription options
- Large box feeds 6 to 8 as a small appetizer or 2 to 4 as a meal
- Selections are usually approachable crowd-pleasers
- Meticulous temperature-controlled packaging
- Video and print tutorials included
Cons:
- May not impress serious cheese heads
Those new to cheese boards might feel a little overwhelmed when building their first board. For newbies, a subscription to Platterful’s monthly charcuterie packs is the perfect way to learn. Given its approachable flavors and simplicity of style, this is a great option for beginners. Each Platterful shipment arrives with educational materials and step-by-step assembly instructions (including videos) for a professional-tier presentation.
Tester Reina Galhea’s large box included three types of cheese, two meats, three dried fruits, two small packages of olives, two spreads, crackers, maple walnuts, corn nuts and two mini bowls with spatulas for serving. While she notes that the selections aren’t necessarily bold or adventurous, this is a solid option for folks who are new to flavor pairings.
“This is a great fit for someone who isn’t super picky about having the highest quality ingredients, but rather wants an economical choice that still impresses with variety and solid flavor,” she says.
“The ingredients came in a compact box with an insulated compartment for the perishables. I picked up the box from my mail room within an hour of it getting delivered. The cheeses were still cold, the ice pack still partially frozen. The nonperishable ingredients were also quite cool from being stored near the insulation pack.”
This charcuterie box subscription also donates 10 meals to combat childhood hunger in the U.S. for every box sold. Talk about a charcuterie of the month club gift that gives back!
Size Options: Large and Standard | Cost: $124/month for large, $84/month for standard | Cheeses Per Box: 2-3 | Other Inclusions: 1-2 cracker packs, 1-3 spreads, 2+ other accompaniments such as nuts, chocolate, etc. | Serving Size: Standard feeds 2-4, Large feeds 6-8
Williams Sonoma 6 Months of U.S. Cheese Subscription
Pros:
- 3 to 4 types of cheese per box
- Entirely American-made
- Contents of boxes are preplanned
- Distinct flavor varieties
- Generous portions
- 3- or 6-month options available
- Gift-ready packaging
Cons:
- No accoutrements or cheese information included
We originally tested the William’s Sonoma Six Months of Cheese subscription as part of our exploration of cheese clubs. Despite its lack of accompaniments, we knew we had to give it a shout out here, too. It absolutely blew us away with its showcasing of 19 cheeses delivered over the course of six months.
Sure, it doesn’t include any fancy brochures or extra bells and whistles. But each box includes an average of three distinct cheeses that shine on their own. Made lovingly within the United States, each inclusion feels special and satisfying to enjoy.
“This was a lovely gift experience,” notes Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “The way it was packaged really elevates the whole box. The box was in great shape, and the entire thing was lined with insulated material.”
For folks wanting to build their own board around a handful of solid picks (or fill their cart with other gourmet charcuterie finds from William’s Sonoma), you can’t go wrong with this subscription. Its simplicity and stylish packaging also makes it a lovely gift for dairy fiends who’d rather feast on cheese straight from the wheel, rather than slathered in savory and sweet pairings. Each box’s offerings are distinct and, of course, delicious.
“Big John’s Cajun was a little more tender and had a delicious, slightly spicy flavor. Sea Hive had the most mild flavor. The honey notes were barely there, making it a very neutral pairing. Barely Buzzed had a really nutty, savory flavor. The espresso added some depth while the lavender added a slightly sweet, earthy note. All three varieties were nice and distinct. They each had varying flavor notes that were easy to tell apart.”
Size Options: N/A | Cost: $319.95 for a six-month subscription | Cheeses Per Box: 2-3 | Other Inclusions: None | Serving Size: Best for 1-3 people
What To Look for When Shopping for a Charcuterie Subscription
According to Rachel, the beauty of charcuterie subscriptions is that they introduce flavors and pairings folks might not discover on their own.
“I often tell people that charcuterie boards are really about connection because they give guests something to gather around, talk about and enjoy together,” says Rachel. “A charcuterie club makes it easy to recreate that experience regularly without the stress of planning it all yourself.”
She notes that the best charcuterie clubs focus on quality, variety and thoughtful curation. Here’s what she suggests looking for when shopping for a charcuterie subscription box:
- Ingredients: “Look for companies that highlight artisanal cheeses, responsibly sourced meats and interesting accompaniments like small-batch jams, honey, olives or specialty crackers. Good clubs also rotate selections so you’re not receiving the same items every month.”
- Packaging and Freshness: “Proper temperature control, clear ingredient information and pairing suggestions show that the company cares about both quality and the experience.”
- Transparency: “If a company doesn’t clearly explain where their products come from or how they’re sourced, that’s usually a sign to keep looking.”
As for what to avoid, Rachel has a fews thoughts.
“One thing I always tell people to watch for is overly processed products. If the meats and cheeses feel generic or heavily packaged, it defeats the purpose of a charcuterie experience,” she says. “Another red flag is a box that focuses heavily on filler items—things like large quantities of crackers or sweets—but only includes a small amount of the actual cheese and cured meats.”
She also notes that a high-quality charcuterie assortment has balance, texture and visual variety.
“The cheeses should range in flavor and firmness–something creamy, something aged, something bold,” she advises. “The cured meats should be thinly sliced and flavorful without being overly salty. Then the accompaniments bring contrast: something sweet like fig jam, something briny like olives, something crunchy like nuts or crackers. When those elements work together, every bite becomes a little discovery.”
How We Found the Best Charcuterie Subscriptions
To find the best charcuterie clubs, we first considered all the clubs we tested for our cheese of the month clubs piece. While most of these clubs offer only cheeses, a handful are marketed as full charcuterie subscriptions. Then, we considered the most popular charcuterie subscriptions from recognizable brands we trust, including Harry & David and Murray’s. Next, we researched other popular options, sticking only to those that rung up at a fair price point and looked artisan enough to compete with the picks we already tested.
We focused on the following, scoring each category accordingly to find our top picks:
- Price
- Shipping cost
- Packaging
- Delivery
- Ease of ordering
- Ease of cancellation
- Customizations available
- Size/number of inclusions
- Unboxing experience
- Cheese and accompaniment quality
- Any documentation/instructions included
- Value vs. cost
- Other likes/dislikes that shaped our experience
Others We Tested
- Harry & David Fruit and Cheese Club: While we enjoyed this option enough to include it in our best fruit subscriptions piece, we think the Harry & David charcuterie club is more enjoyable for folks who expect a full charcuterie spread.
- Rare Cheese Club: While delicious, we chose not to include this pick from our best cheese clubs due to the high price point and ultra-adventurous nature that may not appeal to casual charcuterie fans. Additionally, the shipping price is rather high at $20.
- Boarderie: We absolutely adore the ready-to-enjoy charcuterie boards from Boarderie. Regrettably, they don’t offer subscription options at this time. We’d love to include this brand in the future, should they decide to create a monthly charcuterie club!
FAQ
What is the 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie?
According to Rachel Leonard Kennedy, American author and hostessing expert, the 3-3-3 rule is a simple guideline that helps you build a balanced board without overthinking it.
“The 3-3-3 rule makes charcuterie approachable and uncomplicated. Start with three cheeses, three meats and three accompaniments. You don’t have to wonder if you’re ‘getting it right.’ It keeps the board visually appealing while offering enough variety for everyone to find something they love,”she says.
Her example:
- Three cheeses (soft, semi-firm and aged)
- Three meats (like prosciutto, salami and chorizo)
- Three accompaniments (such as fruit, nuts and a jam or honey)
Is it cheaper to buy a charcuterie board or make your own?
It really depends! There are both pricier and more budget-friendly charcuterie board kits available for delivery. Making your own allows you more control over the spread and cost. However, the tradeoff is choosing your own cheeses and pairings. For beginners, this can be the most difficult part of the process. Having experts choose the cheeses and pairings takes some of that pressure off. It also ensures you’re getting a great variety of flavors and textures. Hosting expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy agrees.
“If you’re hosting a larger gathering, making your own board can be more cost-effective because you can control portions and shop strategically,” she says. “However, for smaller gatherings or last-minute entertaining, purchasing a prepared board can actually save time and reduce waste. I often tell people that the real value is the experience. Whether you make it yourself or buy one, a charcuterie board creates a shared moment around food, and that’s what people remember.”
Are charcuterie boards still popular in 2026?
“Absolutely,” says hosting expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy. “Charcuterie boards have evolved from a trend into a modern hosting staple. People today are craving connection and experiences more than ever. A charcuterie board invites guests to gather, graze and linger in conversation. It feels relaxed and welcoming rather than overly formal.”
She also notes that she’s seeing new variations on social media—dessert boards, brunch boards and themed boards—which keeps the concept fresh and creative.
“My personal favorite is a butter charcuterie board,” she says. “Search that one next time you’re scrolling for inspiration!”
Why You Should Trust Us
As Taste of Home’s Shopping Editor, I have covered everything from Pioneer Woman kitchen launches to the best pizza ovens. My expertise lies in product testing and exploring new flavors in food and drink. As a total cheesehead, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of fancy cheddar and Gouda. But my favorite way to enjoy cheese by far is with accoutrements that enhance the special flavors found in these dreamy dairy masterpieces! Our team of expert writers and editors are also well-versed in food subcriptions. We’ve tested over 100 different options in the past few years!
For this piece, we also spoke to Rachel Leonard Kennedy, American author and hostessing expert.
