Take the concept of a charcuterie board and use it with a Fruit Platter, or an arrangement for a Sandwich Platter and the creative S’mores Board!
what is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is truly an art of arranging cured meats accompanied by cheeses, fruits, nuts, sauces and finger foods on a platter or board. From a simple board to enjoy with your family in the evening or a fancy one that fits an entire table at parties – this is true culinary art. The ULTIMATE charcuterie board has a balanced combination of flavors from sweet, to savory and spicy or sour. Keeping the ingredients diverse will ensure there is something for everyone to choose from.
How is Charcuterie Pronounced?
Though it sounds like a long complex word, it is not at all. You pronounce it just as it sounds shahr-KOO-tuh–ree.
charcuterie board ideas-
The ideas of how to arrange a Charcuterie Board are truly endless. The ingredients used can be ones that are seasonal or something in the store all year round. First, start with a board. You can also just lay everything out onto a table or countertop if you’ll be making a large board.
Rectangle BoardRound BoardMarble Board
What goes on a charcuterie board?
Meats – You can want to include a variety of meats for people to choose from. The meat may be sliced or cubed. Salami, Proscuitto and ham are very popular. Dried Fruit – Any dried fruit with work, preferably pitted. Dips & Sauces – Sauced and hot or cold dips are great. Add to mini jars with small spoons for scooping Cheeses – A combination or hard cheeses and soft cheeses works great. Jams – Different flavored jams may be placed onto the board in its jar or transferred into ramekins.Nuts – Just about any nut will work and you can add them in between other ingredients or ramakins so they may be scooped with a spoon.Fresh Fruit – Any fresh fruit works great, be sure to wash it so it’s ready to be enjoyed. Crackers – A variety of different-sized crackers and sliced bread. Vegetables – Just about any vegetable will work, it’s a great way to add some healthy options to the board.
best jam for a charcuterie board?
Just about any jam or jelly you like may be used. My favorite would have to be pepper jelly or some kind of spicy jam. It adds so much flavor to any cheese, especially brie (which is a favorite of mine for a cheeseboard).
ApricotStrawberryRaspberryTriple BerrySpicy Raspberry JamSpicy Peach Jam
best crackers for a cheeseboard?
You can use just about any size or shape of crackers for the cheeseboard, here are some ideas”
Wheat ThinsSnack CrackersSesame CrackersFlatbread CrispsRitz CrackersWhole Wheat
best cheese for a charcuterie board?
You can use any type of soft cheese, hard cheese or crumbly cheese. For a softer and crumbly cheese, I like to keep the block whole and slice any cheese that’s harder and is able to be cut into slices.
Brie Cheese (my absolute favorite)Brie Cheese SpreadCheddarBlock of Blue CheeseSmoked GoudaParmigianoProvoloneBurrataGoat CheeseColby Jack Cheese
best meats for a charcuterie platter?
The meats may be sliced in advanced, stacked and kept refrigerated until platter is ready to be assembled.
Dried Cured SalamiProsciuttoSoppressataPepperoniHamTurkey
what else goes into a charcuterie board?
Though you can use just about any of your favorite finger food style ingredients, here are some options:
Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios)Mini PicklesSliced CucumbersCherry TomatoesFresh Fruit (grapes, oranges, clementines, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries)Dried Fruit (apricots, prunes, raisins, cherries or cranberries)Olives and/or CapersFavorite Dips (hot or cold)Spreads of Any Flavor, sweet or savory
how to assemble a charcuterie board?
And now the fun part, arranging everything onto your board!
Start with any jars or ramekins you will be using first, place them randomly on the board.Add any jars or jams randomly. Then add everything else. Place the sliced or cubed meat, crackers, veggies, fruit. Fill any emply areas with nuts. Add spoons and knives into cheeses if they’ll need cut, I love THIS set.
Chef’s Tip: Arrange the ingredients so the colors and sizes are evenly balanced.
MORE PARTY APPETIZERS-
Baked Jalapeno PoppersBacon-Wrapped ChickenOven Roasted CauliflowerBacon Ranch Cheese BallSauteed Shrimp
