How to Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board
This Recipe is written by Lea | Published on December 18, 2024
Charcuterie boards are great for any get-together, and what better time to share my most recent meat and cheese boards with you than before Christmas? They’re simple to put together and always look impressive. You can mix and match different flavors, textures, and colors to suit everyone’s taste. Here’s how you can make your own charcuterie board that not only your guest will love, but that can work for any occasion.
What’s on My Charcuterie Board
On my board, you’ll find a variety of cheeses, including both creamy cheeses and aged cheeses. There’s also a selection of meats, ranging from savory to rich flavors. For a fresh touch, I like to use fresh fruits, paired with some dried fruits for added sweetness. I love adding a jar of homemade jam to my boards when I have some on hand, it complements the savory elements! And, of course, a variety of nuts that provides the perfect crunchy contrast.
I don’t complicate things, honestly, I just go with whatever we love at home and, if I’m lucky, whatever is on sale! When it comes to jams, I usually pick based on what I have on hand, but some of the best options to pair with ham and cheese are fig, apricot, cherry, plum, or raspberry. These jams bring a perfect balance of sweetness to the savory flavors of the board.
List of Ingredients for a Charcuterie Board:
Brie: A creamy, soft cheese that’s mild and smooth, perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with fruits.
Aged Cheddar: A firm cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor.
Gouda: A semi-soft cheese with a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with both meats and fruits.
Prosciutto: A thinly sliced dry-cured ham that’s salty and savory.
Genoa Salami: A flavorful, slightly spicy salami that adds a nice contrast to the milder cheeses.
Soppressata: A dry Italian salami with a robust, peppery flavor.
Fresh Grapes: Grapes are the perfect bite-sized fruit that balances the savory elements of the board.
Kiwi: Kiwi adds a pop of color and freshness.
Figs (Dried): Figs pair beautifully with cheese and meats.
Homemade Fig Jam: A rich and sweet spread that complements the salty meats and creamy cheeses.
Walnuts: Walnuts pair beautifully with a charcuterie board.
Here’s each ingredient labeled to make it easier👇🏼
What’s great about meat and cheese boards is how customizable they are. Even with the same cheeses and meats, you can create a completely different look and feel. For example, these two boards feature the same cheeses and meats (with the second board having an extra cheese, Gorgonzola, which you’ll spot in the top left corner). The rest of the ingredients are the same, but I switched up the fruits and nuts. The second board includes stuffed olives, two types of crackers, almonds instead of walnuts, and raspberries instead of the kiwi and grapes. I also added a bit of rosemary for decoration
How to Assemble Your Charcuterie Board
Start by placing the larger items, like the cheeses and meats, around the edges of the board and the centre. These will be the focal points, so arrange them in a way that’s visually appealing; perhaps in a circular or fan shape to create a nice flow.
When placing the main elements (cheeses and meats), spread them out evenly across the board. Don’t place the same type of cheese next to each other, try positioning one in the lower left corner and the other in the top right corner, for example. This way, your board will have a balanced look.
Next, fill in the gaps with smaller items like crackers, olives, and fruits. These elements should be spread out across the board, keeping the colors and textures in mind.
The goal is to keep everything accessible while making sure the board looks full and inviting, with a mix of shapes and colors that draw the eye.
How to Serve Your Charcuterie Board
To ensure your charcuterie board looks and tastes its best, timing is key. It’s best to assemble the board right before serving, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, here are a few tips to keep everything fresh:
Refrigerate in Advance: You can assemble everything ahead of time, but be sure to keep your board in the fridge until just before serving. If you're storing it, cover the board loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent the cheese and meats from drying out. To avoid the fruits from wilting or getting soggy, it’s a good idea to store them separately and add them just before serving.
If you’re hosting outside in warmer weather, keep the board on ice or in a cool place until it’s time to serve.
How to Customize Your Charcuterie Board for Special Diets
You can easily customize Charcuterie boards to suit special dietary needs, here are a few of my suggestions:
Gluten-Free: If any of your guests have a gluten intolerance, you can opt for gluten-free crackers or serve sliced vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for dipping. You can also add gluten-free bread or rice cakes to the board. Just be sure to check that the meats and cheeses don't contain any gluten in their seasonings or additives.
Dairy-Free: Creating a dairy-free cheese board might seem challenging, but you’ll find plenty of dairy-free cheese options at the supermarket! You will also need to make sure your meats are not wrapped in dairy products. You can add extra fruits, nuts, and dairy-free dips (like guacamole or baba ganoush) to keep it flavorful.
Low-Carb or Keto: Focus on cheese, meats, nuts, and low-carb vegetables like celery, olives, and pickles. Avoid crackers and breads and opt for cheese crisps or meat roll-ups.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
After the party is over, you’ll likely have some leftovers from your charcuterie board. Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh for the next day:
Cheeses: Wrap any leftover cheeses tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap. To keep them extra fresh, place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and in the fridge. If you have soft cheeses like Brie, try to use them within a couple of days, while harder cheeses like Cheddar can last longer.
Meats: Store leftover meats in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from drying out. If they were left out for more than two hours, it’s best to toss them for safety.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes and kiwi should be eaten within a couple of days. For longer-lasting fruits, like dried figs or apricots, store them in a cool, dry place or airtight container (a ziplock bag works fine too).
Nuts and Crackers: These don’t need refrigeration. Simply store leftover crackers back in their original packaging.
