Valentines Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Fondue

Name: Valentines Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Fondue
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries, hulled; 1 cup banana slices; 1 cup pretzels; 1 cup assorted cheeses (brie, cheddar, and blue cheese); 1 cup assorted cured meats (prosciutto and salami); 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds and walnuts); 1/2 cup marshmallows; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Special Seasonal Food Ideas

Creating a Valentine's Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Fondue is one of my favorite ways to celebrate love. I love how this sweet and savory spread allows everyone to create their own perfect bite. The contrast of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and the indulgent chocolate fondue makes it an exciting experience for all. It’s simple to prepare yet feels luxurious, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, who can resist dipping strawberries and marshmallows into melted chocolate?

Created by

Allegra Stone

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:53:35.255Z

When I first made this charcuterie board, I didn’t realize how much joy it would bring to everyone at the table. The magic happens when you combine textures and flavors, along with the fun of dipping into the warm chocolate. I experimented with fruits like strawberries and banana slices, which paired perfectly with the smooth chocolate. It was a hit!

What really made this board special was the variety of items I included. A mix of cheeses and cured meats helped balance the sweetness of the fondue, and I learned that using a good quality chocolate for melting elevates the whole experience. Each bite felt indulgent.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
The interactive experience of dipping is a fun activity.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones on a special occasion.

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The success of your Valentine's charcuterie board largely depends on the quality of your ingredients. When selecting cheeses, look for a variety that includes creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese to create a well-rounded flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique texture and taste, providing delightful contrasts against the sweet elements like strawberries and chocolate. Don't hesitate to ask your local cheese specialist for recommendations if you're unsure which varieties to choose.

For the cured meats, prosciutto and salami are classic choices that complement the cheeses beautifully. Their salty notes enhance the sweetness of the fruits and the richness of the chocolate fondue. If you're catering to dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out these meats for vegetarian alternatives such as marinated olives or roasted red peppers, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun.

Temperature and Timing Tips

Perfecting the chocolate fondue requires attention to temperature and timing to achieve that decadent, silky texture. When melting the chocolate, keep your heat low and stir steadily—this prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. If you notice the chocolate thickening too quickly, you can add a splash more heavy cream for a thinner consistency. Aim for a temperature that keeps the fondue warm without boiling, ideally around 100°F to 110°F after removal from the heat.

Once your charcuterie board is assembled, serve it immediately for the best tasting experience. Room temperature fruits and cheeses will enhance the flavors, making for a more enjoyable bite. Keep the fondue warm as well, perhaps in a small slow cooker or fondue pot, to allow for longer dipping sessions, especially during a cozy evening in with loved ones.

Ingredients for the Charcuterie Board

For the Charcuterie Board

1 cup strawberries, hulled
1 cup banana slices
1 cup pretzels
1 cup assorted cheeses (brie, cheddar, and blue cheese)
1 cup assorted cured meats (prosciutto and salami)
1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds and walnuts)
1/2 cup marshmallows

For the Chocolate Fondue

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

How to Prepare the Charcuterie Board

Prepare the Chocolate Fondue

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Keep warm.

Assemble the Board

On a large serving platter or wooden board, arrange the strawberries, banana slices, pretzels, cheeses, cured meats, mixed nuts, and marshmallows in groups, creating a colorful presentation.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the warm chocolate fondue alongside the charcuterie board and let everyone dip their favorite items as they enjoy this sweet and savory feast!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Consider adding other fruits like apple slices or pineapple for more variety, and don't hesitate to use milk chocolate for a sweeter dip. This board is easily customizable based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

Presentation Ideas

An eye-catching presentation is key to enhancing the experience of your charcuterie board. Consider using a large wooden board or a round marble platter, which can add a rustic and elegant touch to your setup. Arrange items by color or size in clusters rather than in neat rows to create a more organic and inviting look. Don't forget to include some sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or mint to add pops of green and freshness to the board.

Using small bowls for dips and nuts can help organize your spread and prevent items from rolling around. These bowls can also be used to hold extra chocolate fondue, allowing guests to scoop up as needed. This not only looks aesthetic but also encourages shareability, which is perfect for a communal meal.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing for a gathering and want to ease your workload, many elements of this charcuterie board can be made ahead of time. You can wash and cut the fruits a few hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. Similarly, cheese and cured meats can be arranged on the board and wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Assemble the board no more than an hour before serving to maintain freshness.

While the chocolate fondue is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To reheat, use a microwave in short intervals or gently warm it on the stovetop with a little extra cream until you reach the desired consistency again. This flexibility means the indulgent experience can continue well after Valentine's Day!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate or white chocolate can be used for a sweeter option.

→ How can I keep the chocolate warm during serving?

You can use a fondue pot or keep the saucepan on low heat to maintain warmth.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover chocolate can be cooled and used as a frosting for cakes or cupcakes, while the fruits and meats can be stored for snacks.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

You can use dark chocolate that is dairy-free and replace the cheese and meats with plant-based alternatives.