Can You Start a Charcuterie Business From Home? Cottage Food Rules

Often not entirely from a home kitchen. Most state cottage food laws only cover low-risk foods (baked goods, jams, candy) and exclude perishable meats and cheeses, which are central to charcuterie. However, you can usually run the business from home (admin, marketing, orders) while preparing food in a licensed commercial or commissary kitchen. A few areas allow home kitchen permits; check locally.

This is general information. Check your state and county health department.

What cottage food laws usually allow

Legal options for charcuterie businesses

1. Rent a commissary or commercial kitchen by the hour or month
2. Home kitchen operation permit where your county allows it
3. Partner with a licensed caterer or restaurant kitchen
4. Teach workshops where guests assemble their own boards (rules still apply)

What you'll need

• Business licence and sales tax permit
• Food handler or food manager certification
• Health permit for your kitchen
• General and product liability insurance
• Allergen labelling

Running the business from home

You can manage orders, marketing, bookkeeping and client calls from home while prepping food in a licensed kitchen.

Full guides: How to start a charcuterie business and How to start a charcuterie cart business. Related: Can you make and sell candles from home?.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start a charcuterie business from home?

You can run the business from home, but food usually must be made in a licensed kitchen.

Are charcuterie boards allowed under cottage food laws?

Usually not, because they contain perishable meats and cheeses.

What kitchen do I need for charcuterie?

A licensed commercial, commissary or permitted home kitchen.

Do I need insurance for a charcuterie business?

Yes. Liability insurance is strongly recommended.

Can I teach charcuterie workshops from home?

Possibly, but food safety rules still apply; check locally.