Charcuterie Board
The Charcuterie Board is a versatile and visually stunning appetizer combining an array of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, crackers, spreads, and pickled vegetables. Effortlessly elegant and customizable, it offers a balance of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free (can be adapted)
Cured Meats
- Prosciutto, sliced – 100g
- Salami, sliced – 100g
- Chorizo, sliced – 100g
Artisanal Cheeses
- Brie (soft cheese) – 100g
- Aged Cheddar (hard cheese) – 100g
- Blue Cheese – 100g
Fresh Fruits
- Grapes – 1 cup
- Figs, fresh – 6 pieces
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – 1 cup
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds – 1/2 cup
- Walnuts – 1/2 cup
- Pumpkin seeds – 1/4 cup
Crackers and Bread
- Assorted crackers – 1 box
- Baguette slices – 1 small baguette
- Breadsticks – 1 small pack
Spreads and Dips
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Fruit jam (e.g., fig or raspberry) – 3 tablespoons
- Mustard – 2 tablespoons
- Hummus – 1/4 cup
Pickled Vegetables
- Olives – 1/2 cup
- Cornichons – 1/4 cup
- Pickled onions – 1/4 cup
Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs – few pieces
- Fresh thyme sprigs – few pieces
- Edible flowers – optional, for decoration
- Choose Your Board and Layout: Select a large wooden board, slate platter, or marble slab to showcase your ingredients. Plan the arrangement by placing cheeses first, then adding meats nearby, and filling gaps with smaller items like fruits and nuts.
- Prepare and Slice Ingredients: Cut harder cheeses and cured meats into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Wash and dry fresh fruits thoroughly. Prepare spreads and dips and serve them in small bowls.
- Arrange Ingredients Artistically: Space cheeses evenly on the board and fan out sliced charcuterie close by. Fill remaining spaces with clusters of nuts, fruits, and crackers. Stack crackers or cheese wedges to add height and visual interest.
- Add Finishing Touches: Garnish the board with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, drizzle honey over specific cheeses, and add edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
Notes
- Mix textures by combining creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts to maintain palate interest.
- Use colorful fruits and fresh garnishes to balance the rich tones of meats and cheeses.
- Label cheeses and meats with small tags or chalkboard signs to help guests explore flavors.
- Include salty, sweet, and tangy elements to balance flavors across the board.
- Avoid overcrowding the board—leave some open space for a cleaner presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of board
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: charcuterie, appetizer, cheese board, cured meats, easy appetizer, party food, gluten free, vegetarian options, vegan options