Crafting a stunning charcuterie board is an art form that blends flavors, textures, and visual appeal into a culinary masterpiece. Local board artist Del Salisbury of DelChuterie shares some must-know tips.
When making your charcuterie board, the 3 3 3 rule helps you along: Select 3 meats, 3 cheeses, and 3 accompaniments. Depending on the size of your board, you can do less or more, allowing for adjustments to include fewer or more elements as needed. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or an elegant soirée, a well-crafted charcuterie board is a delightful centerpiece that invites guests to indulge in a symphony of savory delights.
MEATS:
Choose a variety of meats that are easy to eat with your fingers.
Examples include Salami, Peperoni, Prosciutto, Soppressata, Mortadella.
CHEESE:
Buy a variety of cheeses that range from mellow to sharp in
flavor. Don’t get scared to experiment. Slice them into different
shapes—rustic chunks, cubes, triangles, or wedges, or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes or letters. Include a variety of hard/semi-hard cheeses like Manchego, Aged Cheddar, and Gouda, and soft/semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Goat Cheese, Havarti, or Blue Cheese.
BREAD & CRACKERS:
At least 1 cracker per slice of meat. Crostini, water crackers, grain crackers, or thin slices of toasted baguettes are perfect for spreading and scooping!
FRUITS & NUTS:
Fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even pear or apple slices add color and freshness. Dried apricots or dried mandarins are sweet and add a different texture. Nuts should be shelled and salted.
SWEETS:
Add something sweet, such as pepper jelly, fig jam (you can use any jam that you prefer), or a little bit of honey (spicy honey). Add a few chocolate-covered nuts and chocolate truffles to satisfy a sweet tooth!
PICKLES, OLIVES, & DIPS:
Small bowls of black, green, and kalamata olives, cornichons (baby dill pickles), banana peppers, or other pickled vegetables and cranberry relish, some whole grain mustard, tapenade, pepper/eggplant spread, hummus, artichoke dip, or cream cheese dip.
How to put together the board:
There is no wrong way. Have fun and get creative and don’t be scared to arrange the ingredients in any interesting way that inspires you.
Some things to remember: Cut fruit will deteriorate more quickly; nuts can get rancid in the fridge; nest to enjoy your board within 1-2 days of making it.
Don’t forget the wine!!!
When making your charcuterie board, the 3 3 3 rule helps you along.