Patrick Oconnell
A meat and cheese board, or charcuterie board, is a great way to feed a crowd with minimal cooking. The key to a good charcuterie board is variety, with a mix of flavours, textures and colours. A good rule of thumb is to include three different cheeses: one hard, one soft and a blue cheese, although some sources suggest up to five different cheeses. For meats, cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo and coppa ham are popular choices. To accompany the meats and cheeses, you can add crackers, bread, fruits, vegetables, dips, nuts, honey, jams, chutneys and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3, 4, 5 or 7, depending on the party size |
| Types of cheese | Hard, soft, blue, crumbly, creamy, tangy, salty, unusual, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Types of meat | Cured, cold cooked, smoked, spicy, soft, firm, salami, prosciutto, chorizo, coppa, pepperoni, ham |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bread, crostini, breadsticks, baguette, fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, jam, mustard, dips, chutney |
| Arrangement | Fold meats like a deck of cards or a ribbon, separate colours, place complementary foods next to each other |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choose a variety of meats and cheeses
The key to a good meat and cheese board is variety. Aim for a variety of flavours, textures and shapes to create visual interest and give your guests plenty of choice.
A good rule of thumb is to have three different types of cheese: one hard, one soft, and a blue cheese. You can also include something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk, or something new and interesting. Some examples of hard cheeses include cheddar, parmesan, manchego, gouda, Comte, and Gruyere. Soft cheeses can include brie, goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese, and burrata. For blue cheese, you could choose from gorgonzola, stilton, roquefort, or Danish blue.
For meats, cured meats are a good option. This includes options like salami, prosciutto, coppa ham, pepperoni, Spanish chorizo, soppressata, mortadella, and capicola. You can fold or roll the meats or create fan shapes for visual appeal and easy serving.
Is Overnight Cheese Pizza Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Add dips, spreads, and condiments
Dips, spreads, and condiments are essential components of a good meat and cheese board, adding variety and flavour to the overall presentation. Here are some ideas to elevate your board:
Dips
Dips are an excellent way to add moisture and flavour to the meat and cheese on your board. Hummus, guacamole, and herbed sour cream are classic choices that pair well with both meat and cheese. If you want to add a spicy kick, consider jalapeno jam or hot sauce. For a more refreshing option, include a dip like tzatziki, which goes well with meat and vegetables.
Spreads
Spreads can add a creamy texture and enhance the flavour of your board. Honey, fig jam, and fruit preserves are excellent choices. For a tangy twist, consider onion marmalade or caramelized onions. If you want to get creative, make your own blueberry goat cheese spread by mixing goat cheese with blueberry preserves or jam. Mustard is another classic spread that goes well with both meat and cheese, especially spicy or whole-grain varieties.
Condiments
Condiments can add a burst of flavour to your board. Consider including items like olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. For a more exotic touch, add some truffles or caviar. If you're feeling adventurous, a variety of mustards, chutneys, and jellies can also be offered on the side. These condiments can be paired with specific meats and cheeses to create unique flavour combinations.
Remember, the key is to offer a variety of flavours and textures to suit different tastes. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations to make your meat and cheese board unique and enjoyable for your guests.
Fetta Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Include fruits and vegetables
A charcuterie board is a great way to showcase a variety of flavours, textures and colours. While the star ingredients are meat and cheese, fruits and vegetables are essential components that add a refreshing element to the board.
When selecting fruits, it is important to consider the seasonality of the produce. Fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, are perfect for summer, while figs, apples, pears, plums, clementines and pomegranate are ideal for winter. Grapes are a versatile option that can be enjoyed all year round. Sliced apples, especially green apples, can add a vibrant pop of colour to your board. For a more unusual option, try thinly sliced melon wedges, which pair well with prosciutto.
Dried fruits, such as apricots, can also be included on your board. They add a different texture and are a great way to incorporate fruits that may not be in season.
When it comes to vegetables, pickled and briny options are popular choices for charcuterie boards. Pickled cucumbers, onions, radishes, capers, olives and peppers are all excellent additions that provide a tangy contrast to the rich meats and cheeses. If you're looking for something a little different, try asparagus or cornichons.
Raw vegetables, such as leafy greens, are also a great option as they provide a fresh and crunchy vessel for dips and spreads. They add variety to your board and are especially refreshing during the summer months.
When preparing your fruits and vegetables, consider slicing them thinly to create elegant shapes that are easy to pick up and eat. This will also add visual interest and make your board look even more inviting.
Feta Cheese: Friend or Foe for Acne?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pick crackers and/or bread
When it comes to crackers and bread, you can opt for a variety of textures and types to keep things interesting. Crackers are a must-have for any meat and cheese board, and it's a good idea to offer at least two different types to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some cracker options to consider:
- Light wafers
- Breadsticks with rosemary
- Poppyseed lavosh
- Thin pretzel wafers
- Parmesan crisps
- Crostini
- Breadsticks
- Baguette slices: You can toast these or serve them fresh. Toasting them with a drizzle of olive oil is a great way to add a crunchy texture.
Bread is also a popular choice to accompany meats and cheeses. Here are some bread options that you can consider:
- Toasted baguette pieces
- French/Italian bread
- Breadsticks
- Sliced fresh baguette
When selecting crackers and bread, it's important to consider the overall variety of textures and flavours on your meat and cheese board. Aim for a balance that will complement the other items on the board, such as the cheeses, meats, fruits, and dips.
Cheese's Environmental Impact: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Arrange the board attractively
When it comes to arranging your meat and cheese board, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, variety is key—offer a range of flavours, textures and colours to create visual interest and give your guests plenty of options. Aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, cured meats, crackers or bread, fruits, nuts, and spreads or dips or pickles.
Cheese is the anchor of your board. It's a good idea to include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one blue cheese, and one soft cheese. You can also add something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk, or a flavoured cheese like blueberry goat cheese. Arrange an odd number of cheeses (three, five, or seven) depending on the size of your party.
For the meats, cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo, and pepperoni are popular choices. Fold or roll the meats or create fan shapes for visual appeal and easy serving. Add a variety of crackers or breads, such as crostini, breadsticks, or a sliced baguette. Fill in any gaps with crackers and place them next to the cheeses they pair well with.
Now, add colour and flavour with fruits and nuts. Fresh or dried fruits like grapes, berries, apples, and peaches add sweetness and a pop of colour. Nuts, both salted and toasted, provide texture and crunch. Finally, include some spreads or dips such as honey, jam, mustard, or hummus. Place these in small bowls or jars on the board for easy access.
Cheese Dip: Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Appetizer
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A good meat and cheese board has a variety of flavours, textures and colours. Include a mix of hard and soft cheeses, cured meats, crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, dips and pickles.
Some popular options include brie, goat cheese, blue cheese, cheddar, parmesan, gouda, havarti and cream cheese.
Popular cured meats include prosciutto, salami, chorizo, coppa, pepperoni and ham.
Use an odd number of cheeses (3, 5 or 7) depending on the party size. Fold or drape meats in a fan shape or ribbons. Arrange the sweet and savoury accompaniments around the board, separating colours and placing complementary foods next to each other. Fill in any gaps with crackers, nuts or dried fruit.
