Charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tuh–ree) is the art of preparing cured or smoked meats. Charcuterie boards are essentially meat’s response to a cheese board, and not to mention- they’re fun and delicious! Since I rarely cook, I make it a point to always have a charcuterie board when we entertain and I love to bring one to special occasions or a fun dinner.
While charcuterie boards may seem like a no-brainer- just toss some meats, cheeses, and crackers on a board and voila! You actually need just a little more thought and strategy to pull off the perfect board that will wow your guests, while still being the essence of easy entertaining.
There is no appetizer more impressive than a charcuterie board. Loaded with a variety of cured meats, cheese, nuts, fruit, crackers, and spreads, there is something here for everyone. Switching up a few ingredients yields something new and amazing each and every time. Everyone loves a meat and cheese board piled high with fun bites!
The awesome things about charcuterie boards is that there is no end to the possible variations. Change it up and make it easy on yourself by using in-season fruits and vegetables. You can also add a few special touches around the holidays. For example, in the winter and around the holidays, your charcuterie board could have sprigs of thyme and cranberries scattered about. Around Valentine’s Day, I’ve added a small bowl of conversation hearts or chocolate covered strawberries.
When selecting items for your board, choose colorful items that will “pop.” Strawberries, cherries, tomatoes add the perfect bright red, and grapes and apple slices can be used for greens.
Placement is important as well and will help with your presentation.. Make sure you’re not placing too many like colors directly next to each other.
There are so many brown foods out there, but if you’re not careful, a ton of brown foods will make your board look bland, not brilliant.
Variety is key when it comes to texture. Add dates for smooth, shiny surfaces and some crackers can help create a rough, edgy look.
For even more texture variety try adding jams and spreads next to a variation of nuts, such as pistachios and almonds.
You don’t need to buy a special board. Use a wood cutting board, slate board, serving tray, etc. Any flat surface you have will work.
