Are you looking for charcuterie board ideas, but don’t know where to start?
Great, I’m so glad you are here!
We’ll cover all of the ins and outs of making a charcuterie board that will fit any party and impress your guests.
Charcuterie boards are a fabulous for entertaining.
They are easy to assemble, and somehow have a magical ability to be upscale and casual all at the same time.
They also help keep hostess stresses down because there is no need to execute a multi course or worry about cooking when guests arrive.
People are turning anything and everything into a ‘charcuterie board’ these days.
Like this delicious dessert charcuterie board below…
Source: Lady Decluttered
You will find everything from breakfast boards, dessert ‘charcuterie’, to savory main dish boards and even candy charcuterie board creations.
The sky is the limit with anything you’d like to display and serve charcuterie style.
Like this savory and filling Mexican taquito charcuterie board idea.
Source: Whatever Filled Boards
They are so popular because everything is gathered in one handy spot, ready for guest to graze at their leisure.
It’s also fun to play with the food arrangements. You can create curves and shapes for an appealing look and display.
For this post, we’ll focus on the traditional meat and cheese charcuterie.
However, you’ll learn how to knock it out of the park for any board you decide to create.
Let’s get to it.
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Charcuterie Board Vs. Meat & Cheese Tray
What is A Charcuterie Board?
First things first, charcuterie (pronounced SHAHR-KOO-TUH-REE) is a French word for the preparation of smoked, dry-cured, or cooked meat.
A charcutier (aka pork butcher) prepares sausages, ham, bacon and terrines for preservation.
This was a handy and quite necessary skill of french chefs before the invention of refrigeration.
Today, you probably know charcuterie meats as the yummy salt cured nibbles you can find in the specialty foods section of your grocery store.
Americanized Meat & Cheese Tray
This is certainly a case of potatoe, potato.
While charcuterie board and meat and cheese tray can be used interchangeably, one could argue that the ‘meat and cheese’ tray is the Americanized slang for charcuterie board.
Source: Chelsea Joy Eats
While all charcuterie boards include meat and cheese, not all meat and cheese trays include charcuterie.
Serving vehicles can also distinguish the two.
Not everyone has a large charcuterie board to assemble a beautiful spread, so they opt for an attractive platter or tray instead.
Nothing wrong with that!
Details, details, let’s get to the good stuff!
Charcuterie Board Ingredient Ideas
Source: Delicious Meets Healthy
When it comes to charcuterie board ingredients, variety always wins.
Think variety in flavor, texture, and color and your cheese board will be a slam dunk. You also might be wondering HOW MUCH to make?
Well, how big are your appetites? 😉 What time is your function? Are you serving anything else along with your charcuterie board?
If your charcuterie board is the star of the show I’d consider 1-3 ounces/person per main ingredient, though this is just a rough estimate. You’ll have to employ a little guesswork here, but to play it safe, lean on the heavy side.
You don’t want to run the risk of your guests leaving hungry, and if you’re like me, you won’t be upset at a cheesy snacks later.
Charcuterie Board Meats
We are so fortunate to be able to purchase most of these specialty meats at our local supermarkets! If you are lucky enough to have a specialty deli nearby, their selection will range far beyond this popular list.
- prosciutto
- capicolla (prosciutto’s spicy brother)
- genoa salami
- mortadella
- cured sausages like chorizo
- soppressata.
- ham
Charcuterie Board Cheeses
Cheeses could have a classification novel all their own! There are SO many flavors and textures, how do you know which ones to get?
I like to pick one or two cheeses from each of these categories below to ensure a variety of flavor and texture!
- Soft Cheeses
- Brie
- Blue
- Feta
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Semi/Soft and Medium Cheeses
- Gouda
- Havarti
- Munster
- Port Salut
- Gruyere
- Semi/Hard and Hard Cheeses
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Pecorino
- Colby
- Monterey Jack
Starches
Source: Reluctant Entertainer
- Thinly Sliced/Cubed Baguettes
- Crackers
- Crostinnes
- Breadsticks
- Crisps
Salty Pickled & Dried Sweet
- Olives
- Sweet & Hot Peppers
- Asparagus
- Pickels
- Beets
- Nuts
- Dried Apricots
- Dried Mangos
Charcuterie Board Fresh Ingredients
Source: Modern Honey
- Assorted Berries
- Grapes
- Sliced Cucumber
- Carrots
- Bell Peppers
- Figs
Oils & Sauces
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Bruschetta
- Honey
- Mustard
- Oil Seasonings
- Jellies
Charcuterie Board Extras
Source: Heather Fern
Sometimes the devil is in the details!
To assemble a next level charcuterie board, you are going to need some tasty fillers and extras.
You will also want some essential serving items like…
Charcuterie Board Assembly Ideas
Please don’t agonize over the presentation!
I’m including some popular charcuterie board pictures (along with some helpful links) to inspire you.
You can be as creative as you’d like when it comes to assembling a charcuterie board.
Cutting boards, serving platters, table top with butcher paper, sheet pans, or any other flat surface can work for charcuterie board assembly.
This lovely charcuterie board from Spend With Pennies blog groups like items in small piles.
Notice the balance of color, with bright berries on opposite corners and the pretty curving lines of crackers and cheese.
Source: Pinterest
Assembling meat roses is such a beautiful and custom addition to any charcuterie board display.
This diagonal line and variety of shapes and textures almost looks too good to eat!
The Reluctant Entertainer provides another lovely example of a charcuterie board assembly.
I love the symmetry of the oil dipping bowls, and linear piles of sliced meats. Bright colors from fresh ingredients really make this board appealing!
Game Day Charcuterie Board Idea
Source: Foodie Crush
Creativity always wins out when assembling any charcuterie board.
Chicken wings, fresh veggies and assorted dipping sauces are a hit for any game day party.
Source: Christie Appleton Pinterest
The detail in display on this circular charcuterie board is so impressive!
Curved lines of meat and cheese create a beautiful line to arrange around with a variety of color and flavor.
How about this epic seasonal stunner from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen? I love the folds and rolls of meats neatly arranged around the bowls.
Sprinkled pomegranate seeds and a rosemary garnish are a wonderful holiday addition.
Source: Board At Home Instagram
I love this smaller circular charcuterie board for it’s tidy and clean presentation.
It still includes a variety of texture and flavor and perfect for a smaller gathering.
Wine Pairing Ideas For Your Charcuterie Board
Source: A Grateful Meal
It would be totally appropriate to start here and work backwards. 🙂
A beautiful charcuterie board is begging to be accompanied by a good glass of wine!
Actually, I can’t imagine a meat and cheese display without it. It would be like salad without the dressing.
Chances are you are going to want to pick up a bottle or two. Maybe your guests even want to bring some!
Below is a list of classic wine/cheese pairings that you can use when deciding which bottle to grab!
Remember to serve whites slightly chilled, and reds at room temp. 😉
Source: Wanderlust & Wellness
Simple Wine & Cheese Pairings
- Pinot Gris- Muenster, Goat, Gouda, Edam
- Cabernet – Sharp White Cheddar, Blue, Gouda, Camembert
- Merlot- Gouda, Gorgenzola, Brie, Camembert, Cheddar
- Pinot Noir – Gouda, Feta, Swiss Port Salut
- Sauvignon Blonc – Goat, Asiago, Gouda, Gruyere, Mozzarella
- Zinfandel – Gruyere, Cheddar, Feta, Blue
Source: Cole In The Kitchen
I hope you found some inspiration for your cheese board assembly!
For even more inspiration, take a peek at these incredible food and entertaining ideas your guests will love!
Cheers for now!
<3 Ang
