Uncle Sam Charcuterie Board Recipe
If you’re looking for a patriotic and playful way to celebrate the 4th of July, this Uncle Sam charcuterie board is about to steal the show. It’s not just a charcuterie board — it’s a work of edible art.
With stars made of dairy slices, a hat made of meat and mozzarella, and a beard built from pecans, this personalized charcuterie board will leave everyone talking (and munching).
Make an Uncle Sam Charcuterie Board
This themed platter isn’t just for the 4th of July. Try it for a school event, seasonal potluck, or any holiday that calls for a little red, white, and blue. It’s also a great appetizer, perfect for sharing, and super easy to customize for dietary needs.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic or a festive dinner or want a centerpiece that doubles as a serving platter, this DIY grazing board is your all-in-one showstopper. It’s an easy way to add red, white, and blue magic to any gathering.
Ingredients Needed:
- Salami
- Camembert
- Semi-hard cheese
- String cheese
- Mini Mozzarella
- Blueberries, Strawberries, Grapes, Dried Cherries
- Red, blue, and white candies
- Pecans
- Crackers and Pretzels
- Cracker stars
Instructions:
Cut the Cheese Stars – A star-shaped cookie cutter punches stars from the semi-hard cheese slices. Set the stars aside for later garnishing.
Create Uncle Sam’s Face – Start with a small wheel of Camembert. Trim a narrow wedge from one side so the cheese sits flat.
Split the removed wedge’s rind in half lengthwise. Carefully carve away excess rind until you’re left with two curved pieces that resemble Uncle Sam’s mustache and beard. Position them on the lower half of the Camembert wheel.
Shape a nose from another scrap of rind and press it into the centre.
Add two blueberry “eyes” above the nose and a dried-cherry “mouth” just below the mustache.
Assemble Uncle Sam’s Hat and the Flag Elements – Place Uncle Sam’s face in the lower-right corner of your charcuterie board.
Slice the salami in half; use the strips to form the red hat stripes above the Camembert.
Tuck mini mozzarella balls between the salami strips to create the white stripes.
Fill the hat’s “crown” area with fresh blueberries, then nestle a few cheese stars on top to resemble the stars-and-stripes motif.
Scatter pecans and any remaining salami around this section to frame the design artistically.
Add Hair, Crunch, and Fresh Fruit – Gently unravel a braid of smoked string cheese and drape the strands around the Camembert to give Uncle Sam flowing “hair.”
Fill open areas on the board with pretzels and assorted crackers for crunch.
Break a cluster of grapes into several small bunches; arrange them among the other items.
Slice fresh strawberries lengthwise and use them to add bright pops of color throughout the display.
Place two small bowls on the board and fill them with patriotic-colored candies for a sweet finish.
Tuck any remaining cheese stars into gaps so the board looks full and cohesive.
Our board is ready! Serve it to the table and get ready to receive compliments.
After the party, there are often bits of dairy, sausage, nuts, and fruit left over. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into new dishes:
Camembert or Brie can be used for sandwiches, hot sandwiches, or added to scrambled eggs and creamy sauces.
Berries and fruit can be frozen for smoothies, made into a fruit salad or compote, or yogurt with honey. Crispbread can be crushed and used as breading.
Options:
- Instead of Camembert, use hummus in a bowl and white cheese slices instead of the mustache and beard.
- Use strips of red peppers and cucumbers for the hat
- Vegan version – replace the cheese with nut pastes and use plant-based cured meat
- Kids version – remove the salami and add colored marshmallows, berries, and chocolate sauce
Patriotic Charcuterie Board Ideas
You’ve just made a platter that looks like Sam and tastes like a dream. This kind of themed charcuterie board turns heads and gets everyone reaching for a bite — whether it’s a grape, a cracker, a pecan, or a dairy star.
It’s the kind of dairy board that makes even the most basic snack platters feel like a party.
It’s also a creative spin for anyone searching for charcuterie board ideas or board ideas in general, because who says food can’t be both fun and festive?
Tips for Serving Like a Patriot
- Use a wooden cutting board or slate for rustic flair
- If you love a little mix of sweet and savory, drizzle some jam on the side or pair with a simple salad
- Add a pop of color with fruit trays, or keep it all savory for a classic meat and dairy platter feel
- A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme can add a fresh home decor touch to your serving tray
You don’t need a fancy event to enjoy this, either. Just a little love, creativity, and an excuse to graze like a patriot.
This Platter Works Year-Round
This themed board isn’t just for the 4th of July. Try it for:
- School parties
- Military-themed birthdays
- Memorial Day or Labor Day events
- Patriotic weddings or cookouts
You’ll love how easy it is to adapt this seasonal idea for any occasion.
More Creative and Festive Charcuterie Boards
If you enjoyed putting together the Uncle Sam Charcuterie Board, here are more themed boards to celebrate every season and special occasion:
- Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board – A sweet and colorful snack board filled with heart-shaped treats and festive flavors.
- Snowman Charcuterie Board – A whimsical winter board designed to look like a snowman—fun, frosty, and full of snacks!
- How to Make an Easter Charcuterie Board – Celebrate spring with a bright and cheerful spread featuring seasonal sweets and snacks.
- Easter Bunny Charcuterie Board – A bunny-shaped board that’s both adorable and delicious—perfect for Easter brunch or parties.
The Uncle Sam charcuterie board is more than a tray of snacks — it celebrates flavors, creativity, and Americana flair. It’s a fun treat, a clever party piece, and a true example of what happens when graze meets greatness.
Whether you’re elevating your cookout, hosting a themed dinner, or just looking for that one bold idea to make your occasion shine, this handmade wooden charcuterie board is the way to go.
Ready to make yours? Grab your vegetable peeler, prep your walnut halves, and let’s snack our way into freedom.
Make a Uncle Sam Charcuterie Board
This super cute charcuterie board is easy to make for a July 4th celebration!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of salami
- 1 Camembert
- 2 oz. semi-hard cheese
- some smoked string cheese
- 6-8 mini mozzarellas
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup red, blue white candies
- 6-8 strawberries
- 6-8 pecan halves
- 2/3 cup crackers and pretzels
- 3 cracker stars
- 1 dried cherry
- 1 bunch of grapes
Instructions
- Using a star cookie cutter, shape the slices of semi-hard cheese.
- Make Uncle Sam's face from Camembert. Cut off a small section. Cut the crust in half. Cut off the excess crust with a sharp knife to leave the outline of the mustache and beard. Make a nose out of the crust and place it. Add eyes made from blueberries and a mouth made from dried cherries.
- At the bottom right of the board, place Sam's face. Cut the salami in half and lay out the hat strips in between. Place mini mozzarella to mimic the red and white stripes of the hat. Arrange the blueberries and stars. Arrange the pecans and remaining salami. Arrange the stars and semi-hard cheese to form a fancy ribbon. Divide the candy into two vases and set them on a board. It's already turning out very pretty, but we'll keep going.
- .Unravel a braid of smoked cheese and put it out instead of Uncle Sam's hair. Arrange the pretzels and crackers on the empty spaces. Chop the grapes into several small pieces and place them on the board. Slice the strawberries and decorate the arrangement.
- Our board is ready! Serve it to the table and get ready to receive compliments.
- After the party, there are often bits of cheese, sausage, nuts, and fruit left over. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into new dishes:
- Camembert or Brie cheeses can be used for sandwiches or hot sandwiches, added to scrambled eggs, or in cheese sauce.
- Berries and fruit: Freeze for smoothies, make a fruit salad or compote, or make yogurt with honey.
- Crackers can be crushed and used as breading.
Options:
- Instead of Camembert, use hummus in a bowl and white cheese slices instead of the mustache and beard.
- Use strips of red peppers and cucumbers for the hat.
- Vegan version - replace the cheese with nut pastes and use vegan salami.
- Kids version - remove the salami and add colored marshmallows, berries, and chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 587mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 12g
