Is there a right or a wrong way to assemble a charcuterie board? I’m so glad you asked!
The answer?…It depends. 😛
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 menu at once. Like everything, there are some charcuterie boards that will stand out from the rest.
The best ones will have a variety of color, texture, flavor and a stylish arrangement.
Don’t worry, we are going to go over ALL the ways you are going to knock it out of the park.
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Charcuterie Board Vs. Meat & Cheese Tray…What Is The Difference?
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.
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 Ingredients
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.
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.
- proscuitto
- capicolla (proscuitto’s spicy brother)
- genoa salami
- mortadella
- cured sausages like chorizo
- soppressata.
- ham
Cheese
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
- Thinly Sliced Baguettes
- Crackers
- Crostinnes
- Breadsticks
- Crisps
Salty Pickled & Dried Sweet
- Olives
- Sweet & Hot Peppers
- Asparagus
- Pickels
- Beets
- Nuts
- Dried Apricots
- Dried Mangos
Fresh
- Assorted Berries
- Grapes
- Sliced Cucumber
- Carrots
- Bell Peppers
- Figs
Oils & Sauces
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Bruschetta
- Honey
- Mustard
- Oil Seasonings
- Jellies
Extras
Sometimes the devil is in the details! To assemble a next level charcuterie board, you are going to want the help of these handy charcuterie board entertaining items.!
Charcuterie Board Assembly
Please don’t agonize over the presentation! I’m including some popular charcuterie board pictures (along with some helpful links) to inspire you.
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.
The Reluctant Entertainer provides another lovely example of a charcuterie board assembly. Notice the symmetry of the oil dipping bowls, and linear piles of sliced meats.
Bright colors from fresh ingredients really make this board appealing!
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.
Wine Pairings For Your Charcuterie Board
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 something! 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. 😉
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
I hope you found some inspiration for your cheese board assembly! Cheers for now!
<3 Ang
Psssssssssst! Want to learn about one of my secret weapons?