How to Build a Beautiful Hispanic-Inspired Charcuterie Board at Home

We’ve reached the tastiest part of the evening—time to enjoy delicious Hispanic-inspired bites in the Save A Lot kitchen with today’s guest, Betty Mafla, owner of Shimmer and Delights. She joined us to share how to create a simple, elegant, and flavor-packed charcuterie and cheese board you can easily make at home.

Charcuterie boards are everywhere these days, but many people struggle with what to include and how to arrange everything. Betty broke it down step-by-step, making it approachable for beginners and perfect for gatherings, gifts, or celebrations.

She explained that there are many types of boards, from enormous grazing tables filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies—ideal for large events—to medium-sized charcuterie trays commonly used for parties. And then there’s her favorite: the little board—a personal, carefully arranged assortment you can assemble at home. That’s what she demonstrated.

To start, Betty created a salami rose, using four slices stacked on top of each other. Fold them in half and roll them gently—not too tight, not too loose—until it forms a beautiful rose shape. This becomes the centerpiece of the board. She paired it with Spanish Manchego cheese, placing it attractively beside the salami.

Next came chorizo on a small skewer, displayed at the front of the board. The perfect companion? Creamy jalapeño cheese. Despite its name, this cheese isn’t overly spicy—it simply adds a flavorful kick.

Betty then added Serrano ham, rolled and placed elegantly for both flavor and aroma. Its smoky scent adds another layer of richness to the board.

For a charming touch, she cut cheese into heart shapes using a mold. She presented these on a plantain leaf—an Ecuadorian ingredient—honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. With ingredients from Ecuador, Mexico, and beyond, the board became a celebration of Latin culture and flavors.

Once the proteins and cheeses were set, it was time to fill in the gaps. Betty added grapes, Spanish olives, and salted crackers to frame the ingredients. She sliced a strawberry for color and freshness, placing it neatly on the board.

To finish, she added sprigs of rosemary, pistachios, and a Colombian breva stuffed with dulce de leche—a sweet, irresistible bite she highly recommended.

By the time she placed a bit of jam on top, the board had transformed into a beautiful, inviting, and culturally rich display. Best of all, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as it looks.

For more creations—from charcuterie boards to desserts—Betty can be found at www.shimmeranddelights.com.

A big thank-you to Betty for joining us and sharing this delicious and creative way to celebrate Hispanic flavors at home!