A charcuterie board is a wooden board containing cold pre-cooked, smoked, or cured meats. However, two definitions can be attached to the name; a traditional definition is “a big platter of meat.” Over time, the definition of a charcuterie board has also evolved.
The most modern definition of a charcuterie board is an array of meats, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, crackles, bread, cheeses, biscuits, and cookies. It also includes condiments such as sauces, jams, mustards, honey, jams, and salsas.
A perfect charcuterie board shouldn’t take much time since little or no cooking is needed. It is a go-to timesaver when putting together the best bitings for your guests. All you need is a list of guests’ favorite cured meats and treats.
Below is a guide on how to make the perfect charcuterie board that no one will forget.
What do you need for your charcuterie board?
Whatever you need for this board depends on the number of guests you intend to serve or if you’re serving it as a main meal or snack. Whichever the case, let’s get right into what you’ll need.
Utensils
Depending on the number of people, you might need one, two, or three sizeable wooden serving boards to assemble the most delectable charcuterie board. You will also need cheese knives to cut and spread the different cheeses available. And lastly, you need small bowls to hold condiments such as jams and sauces.
Meats
Most charcuterie boards contain cold, cured, smoked, or pre-cooked meats. There are different kinds of cured meats available in the market to choose from. Cured meats can also come from different animals, cultures, and countries.
Some cured meats you can add to your charcuterie board include salami, one of the most popular cured ground meats made into sausages. Varieties of salami include soppressata, finocchiona, and genoa.
Other meats you can add include prosciutto, mortadella, bresaola, serrano ham,country ham,capicola and iberico ham.
Cheeses
A perfect charcuterie board should contain flavor, color, and variety. Variety means allowing your guests to experience something new in their taste buds. Go extra with your cheese varieties to take it to the next level.
Cheeses you can add to your charcuterie board to complement the meats include hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino-Romano, Asiago, and Mimolette. These cheeses are best paired with soppressata and bresaola.
Other cheeses include firm cheeses such as Cheddar, Manchego, and Gouda. Semi-soft cheeses such as Fontina, Drunken goat, Havarti, and Roquefort. Soft cheeses include Gorgonzola dolce, fresh ricotta, goat cheese, and Brie.
Bites and condiments
With the bites, you can go with your guests’ favorites plus something new that will keep their palates wanting more. You may also include different colors, shapes, and flavors, from sweet to salty.
Bread
Include warm baguette, toasted pita bread, crostini, and flatbreads. These are just ideas; add other bread varieties that best suit your culture and occasion.
Crackers and crisps
You can choose from many crisps and crackers from different countries. Also, remember to include gluten-free crackers for those who prefer gluten-free foods or those with gluten intolerance.
Include different flavors of crackers and crisps such as hot and spicy, mildly spicy, salty, cheese and onion favors, lemon, and even sweet crackers.
Fruits and veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables add color and bring a healthy balance to the meats and carbs. Here you also have a wide variety to choose from, including in-season fresh fruits and vegetables and others like red, green, and yellow bell peppers, carrots, celery, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower, to mention a few.
For fruits, you can go in with both fresh and dried fruits. These include sliced apples, pears, red and green grapes, blueberries, oranges, watermelon pieces, and sliced strawberries. Dried fruits include figs, cranberries, dates, apricots, and peaches.
Nuts
You can also include a few nuts on your charcuterie board to add texture. Nuts such as peanuts, pecan nuts, chestnuts, cashew nuts, and hazelnuts can be a great addition to your board.
Spreads and pickles
Jams, honey, and mustards are great condiments to your bread and other meals on your board. Add some pepper to your honey to make it spicy for your meats. You can also include some salsa and chutneys.
Pickled vegetables such as peppers, brined olives, and cucumbers bring a pleasant variety to the meaty flavors, so don’t forget to add them.
Make it your own
Remember, you can make the best charcuterie board on a budget without breaking the bank. Tailor it to your budget and use readily available meats, fruits, veggies, and cheeses. You can check your fridge before shopping and buy the most necessary addition you don’t have at home.
Bon appétit!
