Celebrate Independence Day with a burst of color, flavor, and festive fun by assembling this 4th of July Charcuterie Board.

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This no-bake dessert board is an easy and eye-catching addition to your holiday spread, filled with red, white, and blue treats that guests of all ages will love.

From cupcakes and donut holes to colorful candies and cookies, this board delivers variety, texture, and plenty of patriotic charm.

PRO TIPS for the Best 4th of July Charcuterie Board

Start with a clean slate – Use a large platter, wooden board, or even a baking tray lined with parchment paper for a neat base.
Anchor with larger items – Add cupcakes, donut holes, or cookies first to create structure.
Balance colors – Distribute red, white, and blue items evenly across the board to avoid clumping similar colors together.
Use small bowls – Contain loose items like M&Ms or gummy bears for a clean and polished look.
Vary textures and shapes – Mix chewy, crunchy, soft, and crisp items to keep things visually and texturally interesting.

Personalising the Recipe

You can personalize this board with your favorite red, white, and blue treats. Swap in macarons, mini cheesecakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, or even fruits like blueberries and raspberries. For a more balanced option, include savory bites like cheese cubes, crackers, or popcorn. The beauty of this board is that it’s endlessly customizable to your taste, occasion, and guests.

Ingredients

(Quantities depend on platter size – feel free to adjust to fit your board)

Red, white, and blue Gummy Bears
Red, white, and blue Sour Patch Kids
Red, white, and blue Swedish Fish
Red, white, and blue Airheads
Red, white, and blue M&M candies
Vanilla wafers
White chocolate-covered pretzels – adds texture and a creamy, sweet crunch
Yogurt-covered raisins – for a chewy, fruity bite
Strawberry thumbprint cookies
Powdered sugar donut holes – a soft, sweet centerpiece
Twizzlers, cut into small sections
Hostess 4th of July cupcakes – a festive, statement-making treat

How to organise the 4th of July Charcuterie Board

Prepare your serving surface—a large wooden board or tray works best. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Gather all items and prepare any that need unwrapping or cutting.

Start assembling the board by placing your largest items first—cupcakes, donut holes, and pretzels. These create focal points and help structure your layout.

Add medium-sized items like Twizzlers, thumbprint cookies, and wafers around the large items.

Fill in any gaps with smaller pieces like M&M candies, gummy bears, and yogurt raisins.

Use small bowls for loose items to create dimension and reduce mess.

Adjust the layout to evenly space the red, white, and blue elements for visual balance.

Once satisfied with the layout, cover lightly with plastic wrap until serving.

Different Methods of Serving

On a tiered stand for added height and display appeal
In individual mini charcuterie cups for personal servings
As part of a larger dessert table with themed drinks and décor
On a lazy Susan for easy spinning and access at large gatherings

How to Store Leftovers

For best results, store leftovers in separate airtight containers based on type—soft items (like cupcakes and donuts) should be refrigerated, while candy and cookies can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 3–5 days.

FAQs

Can I make this board in advance?
Yes! Prep and arrange the board a few hours ahead. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in a cool space until ready to serve.

Do I have to use only sweets?
No—this board can be adapted with savory items like cheeses, crackers, and deli meats, or even fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices.

What size board do I need?
A large cutting board or platter that serves 12–16 people works well. For smaller groups, scale down using a dinner plate or small tray.