The Easiest Guide to Making a Charcuterie Board
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Yesterday, I had a little fun in the kitchen creating a charcuterie board for our lunch when I was asked, how do you know the best pairing for each cheese and meat? And while it may have taken me years of experience, I wanted to create The Easiest Guide to Making a Charcuterie Board so that you'll know within minutes!
With this being one of the most frequently asked question on Google, I thought I would touch on it to begin. 'Charcuterie' is a French term for a branch of cooking that is devoted to primarily pork meat that is preserved prior to refrigeration. Nowadays, it's become widely known for all kinds of preserved meats paired with fresh fruits, nuts, crackers, and a variety of cheeses.
There are two components to consider when picking your cheeses. Think about (1) the taste and (2) the textures you are wanting to plate.
Depending on the size of guests your trying to feed, I would recommend 2-3 varieties with at least one being soft and one being a firm cheese.
Here are a few examples:
Soft & Creamy: Camembert, Burrata, Brie, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella
Crumbly: Feta Cheese, and Goat Cheese
Aged & Firm: Manchego, Gouda, Parmigiano Reggiano, Smoked Gouda, Cheddar
This is where the French term, Charcuterie, comes into play.
Again, depending on how many you're trying to feed, I would typically recommend matching the # of varieties of cheese you chose for an even ration. For example, 2 cheeses and 2 preserved meats.
Check out some examples of my favorites below:
Prosciutto (Italian Dry Cured Ham)
Mortadella (Italian Sausage)
Sopressata (Italian Dry Salami)
Dry Cured Salami (Air Dried Beef or Pork)
Whether you opt for a crostini-like charcuterie board, breadsticks, simple crackers, or a mixture of all, you won't go wrong with whatever you choose! However, in terms of actual bread, I would recommend thinly slicing a loaf of a crusty French baguette.
This is where you can bring your charcuterie board to life, creating not only the Pinterest-Perfect board but something you'll truly enjoy eating!
A few layer examples include:
Crunchy: nuts, celery, carrots, pretzels
Sweet: fig jam (or other seasonal jam), honey, fresh berries, dried apricots, sliced melons and apples, grapes
Salty: pickles, olives, additional dips, hummus
Again, it will completely vary for each person, but my typical rule of thumb for an appetizer is 2 ounces of meat and 2 ounces of cheese per person. If it's for a picnic lunch or date night dinner, then I would range 4-8 ounces.
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Now that you are a master at the charcuterie board, I can't wait to see your recreations! Be sure to tag me @brightmomentco, and ’till next time… xxL
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“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
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