As much as I love making unconventional boards, I can’t pretend that the tried-and-true charcuterie board as a staple in my house. It’s quick, easy and you can customize for whoever is lucky enough to enjoy it. There are a few things to keep in mind when making a charcuterie board so we will start with the basics. If it is your first time attempting to make a charcuterie board, do not feel intimidated, just follow the instructions below and enjoy the ooh’s and ahh’s from your guests!
What exactly is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is made up of various snacking food that pairs well together. Generally, it’s a mix of meat like salami and prosciutto, cheeses both hard and soft and various other things like crackers, fruit, vegetables, nuts, olives, chutney and jams and dips and hummus.
How to make a classic charcuterie board
This is the time to let your creativity shine! It’s worth pointing out that there is really no wrong way to make a charcuterie board but if you are looking for the Instagram worthy board here a few tips.
- I like to start with any ramekins or small dishes that I use for dips, nuts, cheeses, or chutney. It’s easy to build your board around the bowls.
- Cheese. Arrange various cheeses around the board. Mix it up, leave some in a larger wedge, slice some and cut some into cubes. Using different shapes will really add to your board.
- Next, I like to add in whatever meats I am using. You can roll it, twist it or just pile it up on your board. Just like the cheese, displaying the meat in a variety of sizes and patterns look really nice.
- Arrange any fruit, vegetables, and nuts, filling them in around the meats and cheeses.
- Add in any other items you are including such as condiments, breads, etc.
- Arrange the crackers to fill in the remaining spaces.
- Garnish with various herb such as a sprig of rosemary or thyme or sliced fruit like oranges or apples.
There you have it – a perfectly delicious and visually pleasing charcuterie board!
Notes
- The sky is the limit. Tailor your ingredients to what your family or guests like. Vegetarian, skip the meat. Honestly if you have a variety of foods that pair well together your board will be a hit.
- Think about how you will serve your board and what you’ll need. Ramekins, small bowls, serving spoons, toothpicks, small plates?
- Make it easy on your guests. Go ahead and make a small skewer of tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella. Make an antipasto skewer with tortellini, mozzarella, and pesto. It makes it easy to eat and looks very impressive.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Fruit pairs nicely with the various cheese and meats on a board. I almost always include thinly sliced apples or pears when I have prosciutto on the board. Strawberries and blueberries go with everything!
- Make is seasonal – use whatever fresh fruits and vegetables are in season.
- I almost always include some sort of dip. Think, tzatziki, hummus, ranch dip, or various salsas.
- Roasted vegetables are delicious on a charcuterie board, just make sure you include small plates and utensils.
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