Do you plan on hosting a gathering of family or friends over the holidays? Whether it be a game night with close friends or Christmas Eve with extended family, you can wow your guests with a homemade charcuterie board on the table.
Want to attempt your own work of culinary art but don’t know where to start? Base your board around 2-3 meats (Genoa salami, prosciutto and sopressata are easy-to-find and popular options) and 2-3 cheeses. Brie or camembert are good choices for something creamy and without overwhelming flavor. From here, would you prefer something strong or mild? Perhaps something with herbs, pepper, some spice? What about something with a fruity lemon flavor, or one that has a hint of red wine? Have fun with your cheeses. Explore new tastes and even appearance. Some stores will let you sample a cheese before making a purchase.
After your meats and cheeses are selected, let creativity flow as you fill in the rest of your board with a selection of the ingredients below.
2-3 cured meats
2-3 varieties of cheese
Crackers/ small slices of bread
Olives
Nuts
Dried fruit
Jellies, jams, mustards, etc.
Greenery or fresh flowers for decoration
Arrange meats and cheeses on board. Your cheese can be uncut or precut, but be sure to have a serving knife or spreader for your guests to serve themselves.
Add crackers, ramekins of jams or mustards, olives, nuts, and dried fruit. Try and incorporate a variety of different textures and tastes. Think smooth and shiny, edgy and rough, sweet and savory.
As the expression goes, we eat with our eyes first. Add some pops of color to enhance the allover experience! Brightly colored fruits work well, but don’t be scared to add some small dessert bites or candies. I recommend a fresh flower or two or some greenery for a finishing touch.
Cheers!