Charcuterie Board

5 from 1 vote

Charcuterie Board

Making a Charcuterie Board is an elegant yet simple culinary craft. By artfully arranging cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruits, you create an inviting centerpiece that's as delicious as it is beautiful. This is more than a dish; it's a conversation starter and a delightful way to entertain guests.

Prep Time30

Cook Time0

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: charcuterie board

Servings:

Calories: 686kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

½ pound salami sliced
½ pound ham sliced
½ pound mortadella sliced
2 boxes crackers and/or bread
1 cup mixed olives
1 cup pickled vegetables like cornichons, pickled carrots, beets or cauliflower
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup dried fruits mixed, like apricots, figs, raisins, cranberries, etc.
½ cup fruit preserves
1 small bunch grapes or other fresh fruit like berries
¼ cup honey
1 pound assorted cheeses like brie, cheddar, goat cheese, gruyere, asiago, etc.

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Start by selecting a large platter or board to assemble your charcuterie. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate all of your ingredients.
Arrange the cured meats on the board, folding or rolling them into attractive shapes. Try to create some height and variation in your arrangement.
Cut the cheeses into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the cured meats. Again, try to create some height and variation in your arrangement.
Fill in the gaps on the board with crackers and bread, arranging them around the meats and cheeses.
Add the olives and pickled vegetables to the board, arranging them in small piles.
Add the nuts and dried fruits to the board, scattering them around the other ingredients.
Finally, add the fresh fruits to the board, arranging them in small bunches.
Drizzle honey or fruit preserves over the cheeses or serve them in small dishes on the board.
Serve your charcuterie board at room temperature and let your guests dig in and enjoy!

Notes

Variety is Key: Mix and match different textures and flavors. Use a combination of hard and soft cheeses, various cured meats, and an assortment of crackers or bread. Add some fruits, nuts, and spreads for color and contrast.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This ensures the freshness and visual appeal of the board.
Serving Size: Consider the number of guests when choosing the size of the board. For a smaller gathering, a simple plate might suffice, while a large wooden board could be used for parties.
Allergen Awareness: If you're serving to a diverse group, be mindful of potential allergies, and consider labeling ingredients or offering alternatives.
Artistic Presentation: The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in the presentation. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the arrangement, and use fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish.

Nutrition