Have you wondered how to make a beautiful charcuterie board?
We break down the step-by-step process so you could whip up your own impressive spread.
What Is a Charcuterie Board?
Credit: Dera Burreson
Charcuterie is French with origins in the 15th century, and it refers to cured meats.
Make them for parties, date nights, orHoliday gatherings.
Theres no limit to when and how to make this ultimate party tray.
What Are the Elements of a Charcuterie Board?
The Platter
First, choose a board, tray, or platter to be your foundation.
Wood and marble are popular charcuterie board material choices because they are sturdy and beautiful.
Bear in mind: The larger the board, the more money you’ll spend to fill it up.
The Dishes
Dishes create structure on the board.
Raid your kitchen cabinets for salt cellars, small candy dishes, and ramekins.
What you have on hand is perfectthey don’t need to match!
Contrasting flavors and textures diversify the board and give guests a broader range of options to sample.
If you aren’t sure what to buy, ask the store for pairing recommendations.
Credit:Brie Passano
The Meats
Include a few varieties of thinly sliced cured meats.
Some popular charcuterie meats include guanciale, pancetta, hard salami, prosciutto, and mortadella.
The Crackers
Crackers, breadsticks, breads.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
There’s no hard-and-fast rule here, though we recommend offering twotypes of crackersor breads with different flavor profiles.
If someone on your guest list has gluten sensitivity, consider subbing in a nut-based cracker option.
The Produce
Fruits and veggies add color and freshness to a charcuterie or meat and cheese board.
They’re also a tasty contrast to rich, salty meats and cheeses.
When planning which items to include, consider foods that can be eaten whole or cut into slices.
Buy in-season produce for the best flavors (and to trim down your grocery bill).
Cheese markers or labels are another simple, easy way to style up your a charcuterie board.
Guests will also appreciate knowing what kind of cheese they’re about to dig in to.
Building a Charcuterie Board: Where Do I Start?
Though there are manyeasy charcuterie board ideasout there, the process is somewhat formulaic.
Try honey, mustard, cornichons, blue cheese-stuffed olives, or a mixed selection of salted nuts.
Step Two: Add the Cheeses and Meats
First, place the cheeses.
Arrange them evenly around the board and allow space for slicing and scooping.
Next, add the meats.
We placed the prosciutto, Italian salami, and American salami in little piles next to the cheeses.
It’s OK if items on the board touch; they’re meant to be enjoyed together.
Let them topple over and get a bit messyit’s part of the board’s beauty.
We used two kinds of crackersAsiago cheese and flax seedto complement the various flavors on the board.
Fill in any gaps on the board with fruits, vegetables, and sprigs of herbs.
We used whole radishes, sliced figs, red grapes, and thyme.
Most charcuterie meats and cheeses are tastiest when served at room temperature.
Perishable items shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours.
Before heading to the grocery store, shop for ingredients in your pantry.
From there, look in the store for ingredients that will complement what you have at home.
Got a house full of people?
Try a grab-and-go sandwich board where guests can build their own creations to their liking.
(Think of it as the cool kid version of the classic cold cut platter.)
Or create a dessert or candy board that the kids will love.
Hosting for the holidays?
Why not create a cookie board?
Sweet or savory, use your imagination and get creative.
