How to Create a Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie Boards have been growing in popularity the last few years but no one explains how to make one. We are here to give you all our tips and tricks to make your next charcuterie board a breeze! Stick to these few basics and add different items depending on the season or theme of the event.
Cheese
For every charcuterie board I make I start with 2-3 cheeses. The first one I always pick out is a cheddar. Cheddar is always a crowd pleaser and pairs nicely with many things. One of my personal favorites is Unexpected Cheddar Cheese from Trader Joe’s. It’s a great base to begin your board. The second cheese I typically chose is a stinky cheese. I personally love a cheese with a lot of flavor. I would gravitate towards Munster, Limburger, or Bleu Cheese. The next cheese I pick is usually something unique. Trader Joe’s tends to have great options for unique cheeses. I like to try a new cheese or something I can’t get at every grocery store. I have tried a caramelized onion cheese before that was divine as well as a spicy cheddar jalapeño one. Choosing this may change depending on the palates of your guests. Another option is to use a soft cheese such as a goat cheese. These tend to be more mild and can be paired with many different things.
Meats
I typically chose 2-3 meats to pair with the cheeses. An easy route is to pick up one of the cured meat sampler packs. They typically have 3 meats pre packaged in one package which can make creating the board a breeze.
I always start with Prosciutto. It is one of my favorite meats and always looks elegant on the board. The next one I typically chose is a Hard Salami. These can be paired with many different flavors as it is a mild flavored meat. To add something slightly spicy I would recommend Calabrese.
Pickled Items
I love pickled items in general but especially on a charcuterie board. Some of my favorites include pickled green beans, bleu cheese stuffed olives, and of course pickles. Grillo’s Pickles are my favorite, they can be found at Costco. Adding between 1 and 2 of these items adds a tangy flavor to the board.
Fruit
Adding fruit to the board can be done in various ways. Fresh fruit is always a hit and can be changed depending on what’s in season. Another option is dried fruit. Trader Joe’s always has a wide variety of dried fruit that when placed on the board adds to the aesthetic. A great addition can also be jams to go on crackers or pair with the cheeses. Fruits can be customized to the flavors of your board and what is in season.
Crackers
Crackers aren’t always necessary on a board but add a great crunch. The easiest way to add them to a board is by buying an assorted pack. Aldi has a great one with a variety of crackers. I personally try to pick one softer cracker and one harder cracker.
Boards We Love:
Marble Cheese Board with Glass Top
Cheese Knife Circular Set
Board and Knife Set
Slate Cheese Board
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