What to Include on Your Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards have become the epitome of sophisticated entertaining.
With an artful arrangement of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more, they offer a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering with friends or a formal dinner party, a well-crafted charcuterie board is sure to impress your guests.
But what exactly should you include on your charcuterie board to ensure it’s a hit? As cheese experts here at d’Arry’s, we’ve put together a guide to help you assemble the perfect spread.
Key tips and advice
When crafting your charcuterie or cheese board, remember these key tips for a memorable spread.
Aim for variety
Include variety in your selection of meats and cheeses, offering different flavours and textures to keep things interesting.
Include accompaniments
Don’t forget the accompaniments – sweet, savoury, and tangy options like jams, olives, and pickles can elevate the flavours of your board.
Focus on presentation
Focus on presentation by arranging your ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing manner, using different heights and textures to create visual interest. Use an interesting serving platter for your board, and a variety of large and small bowls.
Add personal touches
Don’t be afraid to add personal touches that reflect your taste and style, whether it’s a homemade condiment or a unique garnish.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious charcuterie board every time! Now, let’s get into what to include.
Cured meats
Start by selecting a diverse array of cured meats. Opt for a mix of flavours and textures, such as prosciutto or parma ham, salami, and chorizo. Arrange the meats in loose folds or rolls to create visual interest on the board.
Cheeses
Cheese is the cornerstone of any charcuterie board!
Choose a selection of cheeses with different milk types (cow, sheep, goat cheese), textures (soft cheeses, semi-soft, hard), and flavours (mild, sharp, funky). Be sure to include a strong blue cheese for a more adventurous flavour.
Some classic choices for a cheese board include brie, aged cheddar, stilton, and gouda. Don’t forget to include a cheese knife or two for easy serving.
Olives, pickles & nuts
Add crunch and flavour to your charcuterie board with a selection of nuts. Toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios complement the other components and offer a satisfying contrast in texture.
For a delicious briny flavour, include olives and pickles. They pair perfectly with cheese and cured meat, and make for a tasty snack on their own, too!
Fresh & dried fruits
Incorporate fresh fruits like grapes, berries, and sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats and cheeses. Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, and cranberries add sweetness and texture to the board.
Crackers & bread
Provide a selection of crackers and bread to serve as a vessel for the meats and cheeses. Choose a variety of options, including plain water crackers, crusty baguette slices, and seeded crackers, to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Spreads & dips
Enhance the flavours of your meats and cheeses with a variety of accompaniments, spreads and dips. This can include both sweet and savoury options, such as honey or fig jam, grainy mustard, aioli, olive tapenade, and pesto. These additions add depth to the board and provide complementary flavours to the main ingredients.
Unique items
To elevate the presentation of your charcuterie board, consider adding some fresh herbs such as rosemary sprigs or basil leaves for a pop of colour and fragrance. Edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies can also add a whimsical touch.
Finally, don’t forget to add your own personal flair to the board. Whether it’s a special homemade condiment, a favourite cheese from your travels, or a unique garnish, incorporating something unique to you will make the charcuterie board feel truly special and memorable.
Build your charcuterie board with artisan cheese and meat at d’Arry’s – from our very own cheesemongers!
By including a thoughtful selection of meats, cheeses, accompaniments, and garnishes, you can create a charcuterie board that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Of course, charcuterie boards vary based on many different factors and personal tastes, as well as the prep time you have available.
However, we’re sure that with these essential ingredients and tips, your next gathering is sure to be a resounding success, leaving your guests (and their taste buds) impressed.
For expert advice on your charcuterie board, and our delicious artisan ingredients, visit our cheesemongers today.