Description
Create a stunning and delicious Charcuterie Board perfect for any gathering, featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and accompaniments to satisfy diverse tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 3-7 types of hard cheeses: manchego, cheddar, swiss, gouda, gruyere, parmesan
- Soft cheeses: brie, triple cream, goat cheese, havarti, burrata, cream cheese with pepper jelly, blue cheese or gorgonzola (optional)
Cured Meats
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Ham
- Chorizo
- Capricola
- Soppressata
Nuts
- Almonds
- Candied pecans
- Pistachio nuts
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Macadamia nuts
Briny, Pickled, or Marinated
- Olives
- Cocktail onions
- Cornichons
- Dill pickles
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Olive tapenade
- Bruschetta
Savory Dips and Spreads
- Whole ground mustard
- Hummus
- Ranch dressing
- Balsamic dip
- Romesco sauce
Vegetables (optional)
- Cold cut veggies (as desired)
Fresh Fruit and Berries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Pears
- Oranges
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
Dried Fruit
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Figs
- Pineapple
- Mango
Sweet Spreads
- Fig butter
- Orange marmalade
- Blackberry jam
Chocolate
- Quality dark chocolate pieces
- Chocolate covered nuts
Crackers and Bread
- Pita crackers
- Whole grain crackers
- Croccantini
- Toasted baguette slices or mini toast crackers
Instructions
- Choose Your Board: Select an appropriately sized board for your party. For larger gatherings, consider using multiple boards. Refer to tips for board ideas and sizing.
- Lay out the Cheese: Start by placing 3, 5, or 7 types of cheese evenly spaced around the board to anchor it. Use an odd number of cheeses for visual appeal.
- Arrange the Meats: Fold cured meats like salami and soppressata in half and fan them out like a deck of cards or fold twice for easy grabbing. For thin meats such as prosciutto, create light, airy ribbons before placing them down.
- Add Savory and Sweet Accompaniments: Distribute savory items such as mustards, olives, and nuts near the cured meats and sharper cheeses like parmesan. Place sweet accents, including fresh fruit, jams, and candied nuts, close to softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese. Cheddar pairs well with a mix of both sweet and savory.
- Fill in the Gaps: Add crackers and toasted breads to fill larger empty spaces on the board. Use leftover nuts, fruits, or small garnishes to fill smaller gaps and enhance visual variety.
Notes
- Building a beautiful Charcuterie Board is easier than you think and can be customized for any season, group size, or occasion.
- Use odd numbers when selecting types of cheese for a more visually appealing layout.
- Pair flavors mindfully: salty with sweet, creamy with crunchy, and sharp with mild for the best tasting experience.
- Adjust quantities and varietals based on guest dietary preferences and size of the gathering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 607 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
