How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board like a Pro
Learn how to assemble a charcuterie board like a pro by using these simple step by step instructions. Pick out your favorite meats and cheeses and then follow this easy beginner's guide for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
- ¼ pound hard sheep's milk cheese manchego or pecorino romano
- ½ pound soft creamy cow's milk cheese brie or camembert
- ⅓ pound semi-soft cow's milk cheese aged cheddar or gouda
- ⅓ pound soft semi-soft goat cheese chevre or drunken goat
- ¼ pound hot cappicola or pepperoni thinly sliced
- ¼ pound genoa salami or prosciutto thinly sliced
- dried apricots, figs or cranberries
- fresh pears, apples or grapes
- salted mixed nuts, almonds or pistachios
- roasted grapes and olives tomato bacon jam or fruit chutney/jam
- parmesan rosemary crackers store bought crackers or sliced crusty bread
- fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Layout a large platter or cutting board for the base of the charcuterie board. If the surface or platter is not food safe, parchment paper can be placed on top.
- Place two smaller trays or containers in opposite corners on the board. Fill one of them with crackers or bread and the other with the roasted grapes and olives, jam, or chutney.
- Arrange the cheeses around the empty spaces on the board so they are spread out and not all in one place.
- Thinly slice the fresh fruit and arrange them next to the pieces of cheese.
- Fold the slices of meat into quarters or into small bunches and tuck them between the fruit, cheese and trays.
- Fill in any remaining spaces left on the tray with dried fruit and nuts.
- Make adjustments so there are no empty spaces and that all of the items are easily accessible.
- Garnish finished tray with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Meats - Use 1-3 different types of meat, making sure that one is milder and one is more strongly flavored or spicy.
- Cheeses - Use a mix of 2-4 different types of cheeses with a variety of both hard and soft, strong and mild, and different types.
- Fruit - Use a mix of dried, preserved, and fresh fruit. Jams or fruit chutneys can also be used to spread on crackers or bread.
- Crackers - Make homemade crackers, slice up a baguette of crusty bread, or buy assorted crackers at the store.
- Extras - Add olive tapenade, honey, salted nuts, roasted peppers, pomegranate seeds, or small pickles.
- Serving - A cutting board, a collection of smaller platters, or parchment paper on a countertop can be used instead of a large platter. Place bread and crackers on a tray or in a bowl so they don't get soggy. Provide cheese knives or servers and pre-slice a couple of portions. Don't let the board sit out for longer than 2 hours to avoid spoilage. If it's a warm day, no more than 60-90 minutes.
- Quantity - Plan on 3-4 ounces of combined meat and cheese per person for an appetizer and 6-8 ounces for a main course.
- Vegetarian - Omit the sliced meat and provide 3-5 selections of cheese along with crackers or bread, fruit, and extras such as nuts, olives, or spreads.
- Themed - Choose seasonal items that are available during the time of year. Serve your board in the shape of different seasonal items such as Christmas trees, Easter eggs, or Thanksgiving turkeys.
- For Kids - Cube the cheeses and serve milder-tasting meats.
- Make Ahead - Prepare the board with everything except the sliced fruit. Wrap the board in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time. When it's time to serve it, remove the plastic wrap and add the sliced fresh fruit.
- Leftovers - Leftover meats and cheeses can be wrapped up individually and stored in the refrigerator for eating later. If the board has been sitting out for 2 hours or longer, it's best to discard the items.
Nutrition
Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 20gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 761mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 585IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 310mgIron: 1mg
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