Charcuterie boards are an endless delight for last-minute, on-the-go party fun! Cured meats, spiced pickles, and delicious cheeses paired with mouth-watering jellies will give your guests more than one thing to gossip over at the table. Prepare for a sensory overload with our timeless Charcuterie Board recipe, which we're sure will be an instant hit at your next gathering.
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I'll be the first to admit that I can spend a decent amount of time circling a party spread when a good charcuterie board is there.
For those wondering what a charcuterie board is, it is simply a platter made of heavenly goodness- emphasis on the word heavenly.
Containing a selection of cured meats, fruits, cheeses, and jellies, traditional charcuterie boards are bite-sized morsels spread out on either a platter or wooden serving tray.
If you're a history sponge-like myself, then you may have seen many depictions of charcuterie boards in old Greek, roman and English paintings (typically surrounded by lounging ladies or men in robes or armor but not always).
Charcuterie boards are a classic party staple and for a good reason.
They have evolved so much that most modern charcuterie boards include additional items such as hummus, spiced pickles, cucumber, and orange slices, even ranch and olive dip.
When deciding to create this recipe for your next event, we recommend that you get an accurate headcount of who all will be attending and add a bit of wiggle room to your recipe size.
Why?
Because after your guests take a look at this spread, I promise you they'll think this is the best charcuterie board they've ever tasted, and you'll have a riot of your hands after it runs out.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Extremely versatile: Mix and match your favorite breads, jams, cheeses, fruits, pickles, and olives!
- Spreads or dips will add an additional mix of spice to intensify the flavor pairings.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Here's the charcuterie board ingredients needed to recreate this dish:
- Cured Meats (Prosciutto, Salami, Pepperoni)
- Cheeses (Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Fontina Cheese)
- Crackers & Bread (Ritz and Toasted Nutcrackers, Garlic Toast)
- Dried Mixed Fruit and Nut Mix
- Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries)
- Fruit (Grapes, Cutie Oranges)
- Olives (Green and Black)
- Pickles (Spicy and Sweet)
- Spreads (Raspberry Chipotle, Maple Bacon Chutney)
- Cheese Dips (2 varieties)
- Chocolates
HOW TO MAKE MEAT AND CHEESE CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Grab your serving tray and bowls and follow along to re-create this charcuterie platter:
- Depending on your chosen theme, grab your cured meats and cheeses, place them in individual serving bowls, and set them on your platter, beginning in the center and moving outward.
- Next, pull your nuts and crackers and place them alongside the meats and cheeses in an appealing manner.
- Do the same for your remaining fruits, vegetables, and pickles.
- Next, grab the spreads and place them at the end corners of the meat and cheese spreads.
- Sprinkle in the remaining ingredients per your theme and set on the table.
- Enjoy!
TIPS FOR MAKING MEAT AND CHEESE TIPS FOR MAKING A CHARCUTERIE BOARD
- Start by choosing your theme. Your theme will determine the overall layout of the spread and what can be incorporated, substituted, or improvised.
- Have you ever tried bacon jam? Not a typical staple for a charcuterie board, bacon jam will surely give spice and texture when paired with the cheeses.
Charcuterie Board
The go-to for any party! Charcuterie boards are fun and easy to assemble. No need for fancy cooking, just grab some favorites meats, cheese, and fruit and be ready to “wow” your guests.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto
- Salami and Pepperoni wrapped cheese
- Blue Cheese
- Smoked Gouda
- Goat cheese varieties
- Fontina cheese
- Ritz crackers, toasted nutcrackers, garlic toasted french rounds
- Dried mixed fruit and nut mix
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Grapes
- Little cutie oranges
- Green and black olives
- Pickles - spicy and sweet
- Spreads - Raspberry chipotle, maple bacon chutney
- Cheese dips ( 2 varieties)
- Chocolates
Instructions
- Place items that should be served in bowls on the tray. Items may include jams, olives, cheese dips, and olives. Place these in separate parts of the board.
- Next, place the meats either in piles or row groups around the board.
- After adding the meats to the tray, place the cheese in places where there are larger gaps to fill in spots.
- Next, add the bread and crackers in nice rows or stacks.
- Fill in "holes" with fruit, nuts, chocolates, and pickles.
- If things are spilling off the board, it's OK. You'd rather have too much than not enough.
- Finally, give the board a good look over and see if any spots need to be filled in.
- Serve with suitable wine pairings or your favorite beverage.
Notes
- Start by choosing your theme. Your theme will determine the
overall layout of the spread and what can be incorporated, substituted, or
improvised.
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