The thoughtful execution of recipes to come up with a sumptuous spread of cheese, meats, and snacks is what charcuterie is all about—adding a fun and festive touch to appetizers or snacks! If you’re looking to get started with charcuterie boards, this article is for you. The post will explain everything you need to know about charcuterie boards – what they are and why they are so valuable to any food service business. Plus, we’ll share some essential tips from Graze Craze Franchise on crafting beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards. Let’s get started!
Let’s start by understanding what charcuterie is.
What is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the French term for smoked, cured, or fresh meats. From sausage to pate and ham, the list is endless. The key component of charcuterie is that it is typically served cold.
Charcuterie boards have become popular in the United States over the past few years to serve appetizers or snacks. They are often served at parties or special occasions, but can be enjoyed any time!
The key to crafting a charcuterie board is the arrangement of the meats, cheeses, and other snacks artistically to elicit an “oooh” and “ah” from your guests. The process isn’t as hard as it seems. With a little planning and some simple tips, you’ll be a charcuterie board pro in no time!
Now that we know what charcuterie is let’s talk about how to make a charcuterie board.
Select a board
Charcuterie boards come in different styles, shapes, and sizes. The best board for your needs depends on the number of people you’re serving and the types of foods you plan to include. If you’re not sure what size to get, lean on the side of caution and go with a larger board. You can always use it for other purposes if it’s too big! That said, here are some specifics to help you get started.
Material – The melamine breadboard is a great choice if you are looking for a lightweight option. On the other hand, go with a wooden board for something more sturdy.
Size – A 9″ x 13″ board is a good size for small groups. For larger groups, go with an 18″ x 24″ board.
Shape – The shape of the board is really up to you! You can find boards in all shapes, from rectangles and squares to rounds and ovals. However, go for a rectangular board if you want something easy to work with. These boards allow you to lay out your ingredients in neat rows or create fun designs!
Now that you’ve selected a board, it’s time to start thinking about what to put on it. Let’s have a look.
Charcuterie Cheeses
For a charcuterie board, cheese is always the main attraction! After all, what’s a charcuterie board without cheese? When selecting cheeses for your board, it’s crucial to choose a variety of textures and flavors. This will not only make your board more visually appealing, but it will also give your guests a chance to try something new. And don’t forget, you can always use some of your favorite cheeses!
Here are some great cheese options to include on your charcuterie board:
- Soft cheeses – Brie, Camembert, Chevre
- Hard cheeses – Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan
- Blue cheeses – Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton
- Smoked cheeses – Gouda, Provolone, Swiss
Ensure that you pre-slice or pre-chop your cheese so your guests can quickly grab a piece. You can also put out some knives for them to use.
Charcuterie Meats
No charcuterie board is complete without some delicious meats! Like cheese, it’s essential to choose a variety of meats with different textures and flavors. From whole muscle cuts and forcemeats to encased meats, there are endless possibilities for charcuterie meats.
Here are some great meat options to include on your charcuterie board:
- Whole muscle cuts – Salami, pepperoni, ham
- Forcemeats – Sausage, pate, rillettes
- Encased meats – Prosciutto, chorizo, morcilla
Charcuterie Fruits
To add some sweetness and freshness to your board, don’t forget to include some fruits! Fruits are the perfect complement to salty meats and rich cheeses. And they add a pop of color to impress your guests.
Here are some great fruit options to include on your charcuterie board:
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Berries
- Apples
- Pears
- Stone fruits
Crackers & Bread
In addition to fruits, you can also add some crackers and bread to your charcuterie board. This will give your guests something to nibble on between cheese and meat bites. Plus, it will help to cleanse their palates.
When selecting crackers and loaves of bread, choose a variety so that there is something for everyone. You can even get creative and add some flavored crackers or artisan bread. Some great options to include are:
- Whole Grain Crackers
- Flavored crackers
- Herb Crackers
- Baguettes
- Crostini
You can create an endless number of charcuterie boards. Just remember to choose a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers so that there is something for everyone. With these tips, you’re well on creating the perfect board for your next gathering. Bon appetite!
