Venture into the world of charcuterie and elevate your gatherings with a beautifully crafted board that delights both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for pleasing diverse tastes, a charcuterie board is not only a feast for the senses but also a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with friends and family.
Introduction to Charcuterie Boards
If you are new to charcuterie boards, you should definitely give them a try. They’re fun to assemble and have become increasingly popular for showcasing a variety of foods that cater to different tastes. While a traditional charcuterie board includes cold cuts, feel free to creatively assemble a fruit board, veggie board, or a full charcuterie board featuring a mix of meats, fruits, nuts, cheeses, and vegetables. Don’t forget to add dips for the veggies and include crackers or bread alongside the cold cuts!
Choosing Your Cheeses for Your Charcuterie Board
When selecting cheese, aim for variety! Include several types and slice them into smaller pieces to fit on crackers. It’s wise to offer both mild and strong-flavored cheeses, along with some spicy options for those who enjoy a kick.
Adding Fresh Veggies
A colorful array of vegetables will appeal to your guests. Popular choices include carrots, celery, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes. Tiny gherkin pickles are always a hit, so keep extra on hand to refill the container when needed.
Selecting Cold Cuts for Your Charcuterie Board
Arrange cold cut meats in a way that prevents them from sticking together, making them easy to pick up. Honey turkey and ham are favorites, but you can explore various options available at your grocery deli to find the best fit for your board.
Including Dips and Extras
To complement the veggies, consider adding dips. A pimento cheese dip can be a delightful choice. For very hungry guests, individual 2-ounce containers are perfect for serving dips.
Crackers and Bread Essentials
Make sure your board is stocked with plenty of crackers and bread for those who wish to create sandwiches. Don’t forget to provide condiment containers for sandwich-making. Including nuts will also enhance your charcuterie board; they’re perfect for nibbling, and you’ll want to keep extra on hand for refills.
Sweet Fruit Finish to Add to Your Charcuterie Board
Fruits can serve as a delightful dessert option on your board. Watermelon is a popular choice, and if it’s out of season, look for mini-sized watermelons that are just the right amount for a food board. Grapes, strawberries, and other berries are also excellent additions. Boards can even feature unusual fruits that your guests may not have tried before.
Choosing Your Charcuterie Board
Once you’ve chosen the food or theme for your charcuterie board, it’s time to select the board itself. A large rectangular board provides ample space for various items. However, if you are short on room, consider using a round board or several boards of varying sizes. Flat and raised platters can also work well, or you might even use a cutting board to showcase your delicious spread. Whatever you decide, don’t fret too much about the board’s appearance; it will be beautifully filled with food, which is the actual star of the show.
Other Dips You Might Enjoy
Click on each name to link to the recipe.
Pimento Cheese Dip
Equipment
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces Colby cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- â…” cup mayonnaise (start with 2/3 cup and add up to 1 cup if needed)
- 4 ounces chopped pimentos, liquid reserved
Instructions
- Grate the blocks of cheese in a medium bowl.
- Add the sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Add a tablespoon of the pimento juice. Stir until well combined. The pimento cheese should be easy to stir and not too stiff. Add additional pimento juice and mayonnaise as needed. Refrigerate.