Charcuterie boards are the newest trend in party and event planning, and for obvious reasons.
They are not only visually appealing, but they are also delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Charcuterie boards offer an array of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and other small bites that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just a casual get-together.
However, building the perfect charcuterie board can seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, anyone can create a stunning and delicious spread.
In this article I will discuss:
Start with a theme
Before you start purchasing your ingredients, choose a theme for your charcuterie board.
Do you want to focus on Italian meats and cheeses?
Or do you want to create a board with a mixture of international flavours?
Having a theme in mind will make it easier to choose which meats and cheeses to include, and it will also give your board a cohesive look.
Choose your meats and cheeses
The key to a great charcuterie board is having a variety of meats and cheeses.
Choose at least 3-4 different types of meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo.
Then, choose at least 3-4 different types of cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and gouda.
Make sure to choose a variety of textures and flavours to appeal to all tastes.
Add fruits, nuts, and crackers
Once you have your meats and cheeses picked out, it’s time to start selecting your accompaniments.
Fresh fruits, like grapes, berries, and figs, are a great addition to any charcuterie board.
Nuts, like almonds or walnuts, add a nice crunch to your board.
And don’t forget the crackers or bread!
Choose a variety of crackers, like water crackers or crostini, to give your guests plenty of options.
Arrange your board
When arranging your board, start by placing your meats and cheeses in separate corners or sections of the board.
Then, fill in the spaces with your fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Don’t be afraid to play with the arrangement until you achieve the perfect look.
Add some flair
Finally, add some flair to your charcuterie board by including some decorative touches.
Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, add a pop of greenery to your board.
Small bowls of olives or pickles can add some colour as well.
And don’t forget the honey or jam to pair with your cheese.
Final thoughts
Creating the perfect charcuterie board may seem daunting at first, but by following the above tips, anyone can create a stunning and delicious spread.
Remember to start with a theme, choose a variety of meats and cheeses, add some fruits, nuts, and crackers, arrange your board beautifully, and add some decorative touches to make it truly Instagram-worthy.
Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll be known as the ultimate charcuterie board maker in no time!