What is a Charcuterie Board?
You probably have known what a Charcuterie is for a long time and I’m as usual, late to the game, but I’m on it now and am loving it!
Truth be told, actually got to enjoy one at our Daughter’s house a couple of years ago for the holidays. It was really impressive and really delicious.
I couldn’t pronounce it then and honestly thought she went to a lot of work to make really fancy meat and cheese, appetizer with fruit, bread, crackers, and nuts.
(This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.)
Well, I have learned since then, she makes them quite often when she entertains and mixes up the ingredients depending on who’s coming to the party.
I also learned to say “ shar-KEW-tah-ree. Just repeat a few times, and you’ll have it down.
So as I was doing my of research on how to make my own Charcuterie, I discovered there are actually very few hard rules about the ingredients used in creating a Charcuterie board.
9 Best Charcuteries to Make You an Expert!
Winter Cheese Board With German Beer & Cheese Fondue
I had to put this Charcuterie first because I think it is so impressive, and I know my company would devour it in no time. Don’t skip this one!
I totally love the looks of this Charcuterie for the Holidays, but really you can make it anytime. Not only will you find a complete list of the ingredients on the board but the recipe for the Beer & Cheese Fondue, too.
Harvest Charcuterie Board
Do you know what foods to put together, or what colors you want on your board?
I didn’t either, but here there are very helpful tips on what foods compliment each other on the platter.
This Harvest Board Fall Appetizer could be a dinner for 6 people or appetizers for 12.
The Ultimate Autumn Harvest Cheese Board
What ingredients to choose for your perfect board can be daunting and frustrating.
This is the place to get detailed instructions on how to choose meats, cheeses, and breads.
Other tips included using a separate knife for each cheese and even labeling the cheeses, which I think is brilliant. As a guest, I would appreciate knowing what I am about to taste.
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Once you purchase all of your ingredients, you still have to arrange everything so your Charcuterie Board so it is beautiful, right?
You can follow her step by step process of placing all the ingredients in sequence.
See how she starts with anchoring the board with cheeses and ends by filling in with fruit, nuts and fresh herbs. So helpful!!
Epic Best Bacon Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie for Breakfast?
I knew immediately when I found this from The Reluctant Entertainer that I was making this board for sure!
I love serving breakfast or brunch when my family visits and they will LOVE this.
Not only is there candied bacon, fruit, eggs, and cheeses, you can learn to make amazing ham & swiss stuffed pretzel rolls!
While you are checking out the Breakfast board here, check out The Reluctant Entertainer other Charcuterie boards, she has many and they all look delicious!
Dessert Charcuterie
Picture your dinner being over, or you have just served a beautiful meat and cheese Charcuterie, and now it’s time for dessert.
How impressive is this Dessert Charcuterie from Cookies and Cups?
At first glance, you see what you might expect on a dessert board. Cookies, pound cake, chocolates, fruits, etc. I might even add mini-cheesecakes to mine.
However, the main attraction to this dessert board is the Chocolate Salami Roll!
When she says it is super easy to make she isn’t kidding, but it is also so impressive on your board and so delish. ( There is no real salami in there).
Healthy Cheese Board
What do you do when you have friends over for wine, but you know they don’t want to blow their whole diet on high -fat cheeses and meats?
You serve a Healthy Cheese Board from the Reluctant Entertainer.
Look how impressive fresh vegetables and low -fat cheeses can be! It’s all about presentation, colors and a balance of flavors, right?
Greek Inspired Antipasto Platter
I know I sound like everything is my favorite, and maybe it is, but I really love hummus, olives and artichoke hearts!
I honestly thought about adding these to my next Charcuterie and then I found this Greek Inspired Antipasto Platter!
Instead of bread, she has pita chips and fresh pita- perfect.
Check out the cherry peppers stuffed with goat cheese! Not only do I see marinated olives and artichokes, I see marinated feta cheese and even garlic!
Christmas Charcuterie
All the details make this a festive incredible Christmas Charcuterie. Take note of the intentional colors of red and green.
The addition of sugared cranberries, Pomegranate, and White Cheddar Cheese will impress not only your guests but you too!
The Charcuterie Board
Before you choose all of your ingredients, you need a serving board or a platter to create your Charcuterie
What board should you use? Again, there are really no rules. A large platter, or lined cookie sheet work just fine, but here are a couple of options I found.
Ready to Make Your Own Charcuterie For Your Next Party?
What occasion do you want to serve your first Charcuterie? How about:
- An appetizer for a party
- A meal for guests or just two of you
- A dish for a potluck
- An after-school snack for kids and their friends
- A light lunch with friends and wine
Get to it!
You can’t mess it up, because again, there really aren’t any hard rules, and you can unleash your creative side.
Almost all of the ingredients can be purchased in a store. I mean, you can make homemade stuff as we saw in the above posts, but you don’t have to when you are just getting started.
From what I can tell it seems like the assembly of a typical Charcuterie takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
I’m sure we will get faster at it the more we make.
Obviously, no matter what board you use, or what ingredients you choose, the secret is to load it up balance the sizes, shapes, textures, tastes, and colors.
The best ingredients to start with is what you like. For example, I would never have a mushroom on my board.
Thank goodness we have these creative cooks to help us get started.
DON’T FORGET THE WINE!
How about 6 Detailed Steps for a Wine Tasting Party to go along with your Charcuterie?
Let me know if you make your own or try one of the eight I was lucky to find and share with you.
Leave a Reply