Build the perfect charcuterie board and cultivate confidence in entertaining.

A beautifully curated charcuterie board is a fun way to show off your meats and cheeses. Here’s how to create a real show-stopper!

Charcuterie board

What Belongs On a Charcuterie Board?

In terms of artistry and taste, creating a balance is key. You want a mix of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy flavors. Visually, create harmony by pairing various colorful and multi-textural ingredients together.

Meats

Cured meats are a key part of your board – try a mix of sliced salami, coppa, ham, or pancetta. Don’t forget to add pieces of sausage like bologna or summer sausage. Thick slices of chorizo add texture and a meaty bite. You could also pop on a pot of chicken liver pate or a terrine.

Cheeses

You want a balance of strong, creamy, tangy, and mild cheeses. Of course, camembert and gouda are popular, as is a lovely piece of blue cheese or manchego.

Don’t forget to add soft goat cheese or feta as a contrast to harder cheeses like pecorino or cheddar.

Accompaniments

Adding fresh fruits like grapes, sliced apples, figs, and berries adds sweetness and contrast to your charcuterie board.

Consider a sprinkle of nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts. Condiments like honey, fruit preserves, and jams are also at home on your board, as are mustard and pickles. Adding a few briney ingredients like olives or capers is lovely, too.

Choose two or 3 types of bread or crackers as the vehicles to load up all the tasty treats you’ve laid out. To cater to everyone’s tastes, consider multigrain, gluten-free, crusty, and plain white bread options.

 Build The Perfect Charcuterie Board

1. Choose your board: opt for a wooden or slate board, a marble slab, or even a large serving tray.
2. Begin by placing small bowls on the board to hold condiments such as honey, mustard, or fruit preserves.
3. Now, it’s time to arrange the meats.  Do this in a way that allows easy access for guests to pick up slices without disturbing the overall presentation.
4. Follow up by adding an assortment of cheeses.
5. To complete the charcuterie board, add accompaniments that complement the flavors and textures of the meats and cheeses.
6. Finally, fill any remaining empty spaces on the board with bread and crackers.

Be creative and use what is in season. Combine trendy ingredients with classic favorites, and everyone will want to tuck in.

 Tips To The Best Charcuterie Board

• Adding color: fruits, flowers, and veggies all add pretty pops of color
• Vary the textures and shapes: arrange your meats and cheese in different shapes. Roll the slices, fold pieces, or cut cubes out.
• Choose complimentary pairings, for example:
  1. Sweet, sour, savory: try this Sour Cherry Bourbon Goat’s Cheese
  2. Tangy and creamy: pickles and olives with creamy cheeses

Remember, the key to taking your board to the next level is to think beyond the basics and incorporate elements that enhance both the visual appeal and taste experience.

Wrapping It Up

Take a look at our Products Page where you will find loads of options to choose from to build the perfect charcuterie board.