Charcuterie Made Simple: 5 Components You Need For Your Board (2024)

  • Skip to content
  • In the Home
  • Beyond the Home
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Laundry
  • Pet
  • Home
  • Kitchen
  • Charcuterie Made Simple: 5 Components You Need For Your Board

Follow these simple guidelines to create a charcuterie board for your next party.

‘Tis the season for entertaining, and a shareable appetizer like a charcuterie board is a stunning way to bring your guests together.

While they’ll easily become the highlight of your holiday party menu, charcuterie boards are deceptively simple to create.

Choosing how you want to assemble your charcuterie board can feel overwhelming, and you might even not be sure which flavors work well together. To make it simple, choose several foods from each of these five categories:

  • Cheeses
  • Meats
  • Fruits and/or veggies
  • Crackers and/or bread
  • Spreads

Cheeses for charcuterie boards

Here are four types of cheeses that work well together. Choose one of each:

  • Something aged: These cheeses are sharp and hard or firm in texture. Examples include cheddar, gruyere and gouda.
  • Something soft: These cheeses are exactly that — soft! They make a lovely contrast to the harder cheeses. Examples include brie, camembert and goat cheese.
  • Something firm: Firm cheeses have a little bit of bounce to them. Examples include manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano and edam.
  • Something blue: Blue cheeses are typically spotted through out and have a rich flavor. Examples include gorgonzola, Roquefort and stilton.

Meats for charcuterie boards

When it comes to picking protein, you’ll want to make sure your board has:

  • Something whole: Meats preserved whole are what probably come to mind first when you think of charcuterie board meats. Examples include thin-sliced prosciutto, bresaola and jamòn.
  • Something smooth: Smooth meats, or force meats, are great for spreading on crusty toast. Examples include paté and rillettes de canard.
  • Something cured: These thicker meats will add heartiness to your board. Examples include salami, Spanish chorizo, rosette de Lyon, French saucisson, cured sausage and hunter’s sausage.
  • Something dry: Lastly, dry meats will add a savory, smoky flavor. Examples include bacon and pancetta.

Breads and crackers for charcuterie boards

To get the yummy ingredients from the table to the tummy, you’ll want to add some carriers:

  • Two breads: Bread options include French sourdough, asiago ciabatta or raisin-pecan rye for a sweeter option.
  • Two crackers: Water crackers are virtually flavorless and allow the other charcuterie to shine. Other options include thin multigrain crackers and crispy breadsticks or dipping sticks.

Fruits and vegetables for charcuterie boards

Fruits and veggies add an element of surprise to your board. Make sure to include these flavors:

  • Two sweet: This category includes fruits and veggies with higher sugar content. Examples include apples, grapes and beetroots.
  • Two salty: Dried fruits also tend to pair well with meats and cheeses. Examples include dried figs, dates and apricots.

Spreads for charcuterie boards

Include two main flavors for spreads as well:

  • Two sweet: Examples include apple butter, apricot jam, fig spread and local honey.
  • Two sour: Examples include grainy mustard and chutney and roasted pepper bruschetta.

Tip: Your guests will probably want to wash their hands after digging into your beautiful board. You’ll feel proud to display Foaming Hand Soap from Home Made Simple in your guest bathroom — it smells as good as it looks and gently cleans hands.

Finishing touches

Time to top it all off and make your charcuterie board look pretty! These finishing touches will set your board apart:

  • One crunchy: Great options include peanuts, walnuts, almonds or pistachios.
  • Two soft: Choose one type of green olive and one type of black olive to complement each other.
  • One pretty: Sprigs of fresh herbs placed throughout the board can also add some flavor. Examples include rosemary, basil, thyme and sage.

Voila! You’ve created an eye-catching appetizer that’s almost too pretty to eat. If you stick to these guidelines, your board will be anything but boring.

  • entertaining
  • diy
  • craft
  • recipe

Related Articles

Soak Away Your Worries With DIY Bath BombsRevitalize your body and mind with our nature-inspired bath bomb recipes.
DIY Mason Bee HouseCraft a cute and cozy mason bee home with materials you have on hand.
15 Garden Party Ideas From A Professional Party PlannerTake your dinner or co*cktail parties outdoors this summer with our top garden party tips.
DIY Kids’ Craft PartyPut a new spin on your child’s party with a craft space to entertain your young guests.
Host A Festive Fall Harvest PartyWelcome the cooler weather with a celebration that will get everyone in the mood for fall.
7 Whimsical Ways To Repurpose TeacupsTransform teacups into planters, party favors, place card holders and more.
Cheesecake Toppings That Everyone Will LoveSet up a cheesecake toppings bar and let guests customize their dessert to their liking.
DIY Caramel Apple BarBring the flavors of fall to your next gathering with a DIY caramel apple bar.
Charcuterie Made Simple: 5 Components You Need For Your Board (2024)

FAQs

Charcuterie Made Simple: 5 Components You Need For Your Board? ›

Often, chocolate or sweets are included, too. However, the simplest board will always have five key ingredients: fruit, nuts or olives, cheese, meat, and a carb like toasted bread or crackers.

What are the 5 ingredient charcuterie? ›

Often, chocolate or sweets are included, too. However, the simplest board will always have five key ingredients: fruit, nuts or olives, cheese, meat, and a carb like toasted bread or crackers.

What are the basic components of a charcuterie board? ›

The term “charcuterie” refers to the preparing of cured meats, like prosciutto, bacon, salami, etc., but these days when people say charcuterie, they are usually referring to a fun, meat and cheese board that typically includes cured meats, a variety of cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dipping sauces ...

What is the 3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie? ›

What is the 3-3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Boards? No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.

What makes a perfect charcuterie board? ›

For a savory board this would look like a variety of soft and hard cheeses, different kinds of crackers/pretzels/breads, and various nuts to provide high contrast to the eye and tastebuds. One of my favorite places to get unique cheese, meats, and crackers is Trader Joes, but even Walmart has a great selection.

What is on a true charcuterie board? ›

A charcuterie board is a tray that includes cured meats, cheeses and a variety of sweet and savory bites as well (including miniature pickles, olives, fig spreads, apricot preserves, whole grain mustards, honeycomb, and more).

What pairs well on a charcuterie board? ›

Include creamy cheeses, crunchy pickles, crusty bread, and delicate slices of cured meats. The interplay of different textures can add depth and interest to your pairings. Think about visual appeal: Consider the visual aspect of your charcuterie board.

What kind of jam for charcuterie board? ›

Here are some tips for using the jams on your next charcuterie board: Fantastic Fig Jam: This jam pairs well with blue cheese, brie, or goat cheese. Add it to your cheese board alongside these types of cheeses and some crackers or sliced baguette. Sherry's Cherry Jam: This jam goes well with aged cheddar or gouda.

What to buy for DIY charcuterie board? ›

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Here are a few ideas to get you started: Cured meats: Prosciutto, genoa salami, chorizo, sopressata, ham, and cured sausages are all classic choices for a charcuterie board. Cheese: Choose a variety of textures and flavors. A few options are soft brie, burrata and camembert.

What dips go on a charcuterie board? ›

Good dips for a charcuterie board include hummus, guacamole, salsa, spinach and artichoke dip, baba ganoush, and tzatziki. Other options include various types of cheese dips, such as queso and pimento cheese, as well as fruit-based dips like strawberry cream cheese and honey cinnamon yogurt.

What are 3 cheese for charcuterie board? ›

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Cheese: Choose a variety of textures and flavors. A few options are soft brie, burrata and camembert. For firm cheese oprions try cheddar, manchego, Parmesan and gouda. And creamy options like creamy blue cheese, gorgonzola or goat cheese.

What is a traditional charcuterie? ›

The word charcuterie refers to cold cooked, cured, or smoked meats; so technically, a traditional charcuterie board is just a meat platter.

Top Articles
Mushroom Growing Kits | Fungi Farm
Always up-to-date guide to social media image sizes
Spasa Parish
Rentals for rent in Maastricht
159R Bus Schedule Pdf
Sallisaw Bin Store
Black Adam Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Delano
Espn Transfer Portal Basketball
Pollen Levels Richmond
11 Best Sites Like The Chive For Funny Pictures and Memes
Things to do in Wichita Falls on weekends 12-15 September
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
Paulette Goddard | American Actress, Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin
What's the Difference Between Halal and Haram Meat & Food?
R/Skinwalker
Rugged Gentleman Barber Shop Martinsburg Wv
Jennifer Lenzini Leaving Ktiv
Ems Isd Skyward Family Access
Elektrische Arbeit W (Kilowattstunden kWh Strompreis Berechnen Berechnung)
Omni Id Portal Waconia
Kellifans.com
Banned in NYC: Airbnb One Year Later
Four-Legged Friday: Meet Tuscaloosa's Adoptable All-Stars Cub & Pickle
Model Center Jasmin
Ice Dodo Unblocked 76
Is Slatt Offensive
Labcorp Locations Near Me
Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlook
Experience the Convenience of Po Box 790010 St Louis Mo
Fungal Symbiote Terraria
modelo julia - PLAYBOARD
Poker News Views Gossip
Abby's Caribbean Cafe
Joanna Gaines Reveals Who Bought the 'Fixer Upper' Lake House and Her Favorite Features of the Milestone Project
Tri-State Dog Racing Results
Navy Qrs Supervisor Answers
Trade Chart Dave Richard
Lincoln Financial Field Section 110
Free Stuff Craigslist Roanoke Va
Stellaris Resolution
Wi Dept Of Regulation & Licensing
Pick N Pull Near Me [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ]
Crystal Westbrooks Nipple
Ice Hockey Dboard
Über 60 Prozent Rabatt auf E-Bikes: Aldi reduziert sämtliche Pedelecs stark im Preis - nur noch für kurze Zeit
Wie blocke ich einen Bot aus Boardman/USA - sellerforum.de
Infinity Pool Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Bakersfield
Dermpathdiagnostics Com Pay Invoice
How To Use Price Chopper Points At Quiktrip
Maria Butina Bikini
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6009

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.