Top 10 Tips for the BEST Charcuterie board!

Charcuterie fever is everywhere, but what does it mean, and can anyone do it? Charcuterie is a French term that refers to “cooked meats”, but has more broadly been accepted as the term for a platter of meats, cheeses, and starches. Anyone can create a beautiful and tasty Charcuterie board by following these 10 tips!

#1- Begin with your Board 

The shapes, styles, and materials for charcuterie boards are endless! Choose the best board for the space, style, and options you want to include. If you are sharing a board at an event, a round or square board is a great choice. If you have long narrow tables or counter space, consider a longer-shaped board. The type of materials your board is made out of depends on the type of event and the feel you are going for. Typical boards are made from wood. They can be polished or rustic. You can also choose a ceramic, plastic, glass, or metal dish if it matches your event.  

#2 Size Matters

Choose the size of your board based on how many people you want to serve. 

• Small boards (6-10 inches): Ideal for intimate gatherings or a personal snack, this size is suitable for serving 2-4 persons. These boards can comfortably hold a few different types of cheese and a small selection of meats.

• Medium boards (10-15 inches): This size is ideal for serving around 6-10 persons, and is great for small parties. They offer more space for a wider variety of items without taking up too much table space.

• Large charcuterie board dimensions (16-24 inches): Perfect for large gatherings or events. This size of charcuterie board can serve 10 to 20 people. These boards can hold a generous amount of food and make a stunning centerpiece.

#3- The 3-3-3-3 Rule

A simple place to start building your board is to follow the 3-3-3-3 Rule. Pick 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starches, and 3 accoutrements for best results. This rule brings variety and balance to your board. 

#4 Choose the Perfect Cheese

Here's some of the best cheese for charcuterie boards:

• Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago

• Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, Colby, cheddar

• Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster

• Soft cheese: burrata, mascarpone, stracchino

• Blue cheese: gorgonzola, Dunbarton blue, marbled bluejack

• Crumbly cheese: feta, goat cheese

For quantities, you'll want to buy about 2 ounces of cheese per person, or 5 ounces per person if the charcuterie cheese board is meant to be the entire meal. Be sure to use knives for each cheese that must be cut to avoid mingling the flavors. And because the flavors of cheese are best appreciated at room temperature, take the cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

#5 Marvelous Meats

Choose a variety of textures and flavors to provide balance and interest. Prosciutto, genoa salami, chorizo, soppressata, ham, and cured sausages are all classic choices for a charcuterie board.

#6 Sturdy Starches

Sourdough, herb bread, baguettes, pita, or naan are all great choices for breads. When adding crackers choose different shapes, styles, flavors, and textures for variety and fun!

#7 Fancy Fruits

Fruit adds a sweet crisp compliment to your other charcuterie items. Grapes, pears, and apples are complimentary to many types of cheese, and color to your board. Choose fruits that will hold up to exposure and won't discolor. Dried fruits like cranberries, orange slices, and dates can also elevate your presentation.

#8 Delicious Dips

Dip choices for a charcuterie board include hummus, guacamole, salsa, spinach and artichoke dip, baba ganoush, and tzatziki. Other options include various types of cheese dips, such as queso and pimento cheese, as well as fruit-based dips like strawberry cream cheese and honey cinnamon yogurt. You can also choose honey, jam,

marmalade or preserves. 

#9 Sweet and Salty

Now that you know the basics, add a little extra flair to your board with sweet and salty favorites like chocolates, berries, candies, pickles, olives, and nuts! The possibilities are endless!

#10 Get Creative

While Charcuterie specifically refers to cured meats, you can get creative with your board presentations! Try a cookie or candy board, a holiday or event theme, or a specific color pallet! 

Now you are ready to wow your friends and family with your Charcuterie skills! Follow these tips and use your creativity to build beautiful boards that will delight anyone.  

3.7 Student Choice, Post 4