How to Make the Perfect Charcuterie Board
The possibilities of what can go on a charcuterie board are endless. So where do you start when crafting the perfect collection of finger-friendly bites? We can help with some inspiration to get you started.
- Mix and Match Flavors Embrace the hodgepodge nature of charcuterie and use it as an opportunity for you and your guests to go on a taste adventure. There’s room for a Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Butter Spread next to zesty pickles or a fruity Fig Jam with Cranberry Baked Brie, all alongside whatever other flavors you want to try out. And who knows, you might even find a delicious new combination in the process.
- Artful Arrangements Just because the flavors on a charcuterie board can be all over the place doesn’t mean they can’t be presented beautifully. You can make intriguing patterns, arrange snacks by color, cut fruit into fun shapes, and drizzle sauces temptingly. Food can be art and the charcuterie board your canvas.
- Keep Things Fresh It’s not a charcuterie board if you don’t include fresh food like fruit, veggies, and herbs. Having some people over is a great excuse to visit the grocery, or better yet, raid the garden, for just harvested delights. In addition to being delicious, fresh ingredients also add welcome pops of color to your board.
- Use Seasonal Ingredients When serving fresh food for your charcuterie board, you can’t help but stay seasonal. Not only are these the tastiest things you’ll find in the store and in your backyard, but seasonality also gives you a theme to work with. Plus, you and your guests have an opportunity to try something new because it’s in season.
- Play with Textures Creamy cheeses, crisp veggies, chewy dried fruit, melty dips–there’s no end to the textures you can delight guests with. You’ll keep everyone’s taste buds on their toes with a celebration of fresh, lovingly made food. Charcuterie boards are many meals in one, so have fun with the textures.
Charcuterie Recipes That Are Sure to Please
Many charcuterie classics are simple fruits, veggies, pickles, and cheeses you can artfully place on your board. To take things to the next level you can craft spreads, snacks, and other tasty treats to add to the mix.
Fig Jam is a charcuterie favorite full of natural sweetness. Pair it with salty foods or spread it on fresh bread.
Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Butter Spread is practically a mini-charcuterie board on its own. Rich butter and pumpkin, crunchy pecans and pepitas, tart dried cranberries and more will taste amazing on fresh fruit, crackers, or on its own.
Cinnamon Sugar Spiced Nuts add an irresistible flavor profile along with some crunch to your charcuterie board, and the hint of cayenne will give guests just a little bit of heat.
Cranberry Baked Brie with Candied Pecans could very well be the centerpiece of your next charcuterie board. The combination of creamy, buttery brie with tart cranberry sauce and candied pecans not only tastes unbelievable, but it makes for a showstopping visual your guests will adore.
Plan the Perfect Friendsgiving
A charcuterie board can be the perfect prelude to an unforgettable Thanksgiving with friends. But what about the rest of the meal? Our menu planner will help you figure out everything else so you can host with confidence.
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