Kamil Perry
Salami and cheese boards are a great way to relax and unwind with a snack. They are also a staple of sophisticated social gatherings. To create a memorable salami and cheese board, selecting the right cheeses to accompany your salami is key. You can match strong salamis with strong cheeses and soft salamis with mild cheeses. You can also experiment with different textures and flavours. In addition to the type of salami and cheese, the presentation of the board is also important. You can create visual interest by arranging your salami and cheeses in a way that creates pockets of interest. For instance, you can roll or fold slices of salami, fan out cheese wedges, and stack items at different heights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Prepare the board 30 minutes before serving to avoid ingredients drying out |
| Storage | Store sliced salami in the fridge until ready to serve |
| Temperature | Cheese and salami should be at room temperature for the best flavor |
| Presentation | Use a large wooden board or a slate platter for a rustic look |
| Create visual interest by arranging salami and cheese at varying heights | |
| Fold salami into "salami roses" or roll slices into tight cylinders | |
| Include pops of color with fruits such as red apples, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries | |
| Include crackers or fresh bread | |
| Add condiments such as jams, mustards, and olive tapenade | |
| Label different types of salami and cheese for guests with dietary preferences or allergies | |
| Pairings | Match strong salamis with strong cheeses and soft salamis with mild cheeses |
| Include a variety of soft, firm, and hard cheeses | |
| Experiment with textures by combining creamy, crumbly, and smooth cheeses | |
| Drinks | Pair with a full-bodied red wine, a crisp white wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options such as sparkling water or kombucha |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a board: a large wooden board or slate platter for a rustic look
- Pick cheeses: select strong or mild cheeses to match the intensity of the salami
- Slice salami: cut salami into thin slices, quarters or rolls to create different textures
- Arrange salami: create rows, pockets of interest, or a 'salami river' down the centre
- Add extras: include crackers, fruits, nuts, pickles, dips, and other meats
Choose a board: a large wooden board or slate platter for a rustic look
When creating a salami and cheese board, the board itself is an important consideration. A large wooden board or slate platter is a great option for a rustic, inviting look. You could also use any clean cutting board or a serving platter. Just make sure it's big enough to fit all your items without overcrowding.
Wooden boards are a classic option for charcuterie and cheese, and they pair well with the rustic aesthetic of salami and cheese. They come in various sizes, so choose one that is large enough to accommodate all your ingredients while still allowing for some negative space, which will enhance the visual appeal of your board.
Slate platters offer a unique and elegant alternative to traditional wooden boards. The dark, sleek surface of a slate platter can provide an attractive contrast to the colours of the salami and cheese, making the food pop. Like wooden boards, slate platters come in various sizes, so choose one that is appropriately sized for the amount of food you plan to serve.
When selecting a board, consider the shape as well. Rectangular or oval boards are traditional, but you could also choose a circular or square board for something different. The shape of the board can help guide the arrangement of the food, so consider how you want to lay out your salami and cheese when making your selection.
Remember, the board is the foundation of your charcuterie masterpiece, so choose wisely!
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Pick cheeses: select strong or mild cheeses to match the intensity of the salami
When creating a salami and cheese board, selecting the right cheeses to accompany your salami is key. The perfect salami should complement the other items on your board. To do this, you must match intensities: match strong salamis with strong cheeses and soft salamis with mild cheeses.
For example, if you have a bold salami, you could pair it with a strong, hard cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano. If you're using a softer salami, you could opt for a milder, softer cheese like Brie or Camembert.
You can also experiment with different textures to add interest to the palate. Combine creamy, crumbly, and smooth cheeses to delight your guests' senses. For example, if you have a soft salami, you could pair it with a creamy Brie and a crumbly, mature Cheddar.
If you want to get creative, you can try making a salami rose. To do this, take four pieces of salami and fold them in half so you have four half-moon shapes. Place three slices of a soft cheese, like goat cheese, in the centre of one salami so the pieces stick together. Then, place this package of three cheese slices on top of a similar packet. Once you have your four salamis folded, lay them out next to each other so they are all aligned in one long row, then roll the row of salami into a tight roll. Secure the salami rose to the tray with toothpicks.
Remember to keep your ingredients as fresh as possible by storing them properly before serving. Cheese and salami should be at room temperature for the best flavour, so take them out of the fridge about an hour before serving.
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Slice salami: cut salami into thin slices, quarters or rolls to create different textures
Salami is a centerpiece that brings depth and character to your cheese board. The texture of salami can vary from soft and supple to firm and chewy. Cutting the salami into different shapes can add texture to your cheese board. Here are some ways to cut salami:
Thin slices
Cutting the salami into thin slices is the first step in making salami roses, which are a traditional and elegant way to present salami. Salami roses can be made by placing slices in a wine glass, folding them, and then flipping the wine glass onto the cheese board.
Quarters
Take a slice of salami and fold it in half, and then in half again to make a triangle. These quarters can be used to create a variety of textures on the cheese board.
Rolls
Take a slice of salami and roll it up into a tight cylinder. This technique is simple and works well for all types of salami.
It is recommended to slice the salami ahead of time, but not too early to avoid the ingredients drying out.
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Arrange salami: create rows, pockets of interest, or a 'salami river' down the centre
When arranging salami on a cheese board, there are several ways to go about it. You can create rows, pockets of interest, or a salami river down the centre. Here are some tips to help you arrange salami like a pro:
Rows
Arrange your salami in rows to create a tidy and organised display. Start by spreading a row of salami along one edge of the board. You can use pre-sliced salami or slice the salami yourself into thin slices, aiming for a thickness that allows for easy folding and rolling. Place the salami in a straight line, ensuring each piece is aligned and touching the next. Then, create a row of cheese next to the salami row. Continue alternating rows of salami and cheese until you've used up your desired amount or filled the board. Finish by arranging any extra items, such as grapes, olives, or prosciutto, around the edges of the rows.
Pockets of Interest
To create a dynamic and visually appealing cheese board, aim for "pockets of interest." This can be achieved by rolling or folding slices of salami into different shapes, such as cylinders, triangles, or roses. Fan out cheese wedges, stack items at varying heights, and play with different textures and colours to create a diverse and intriguing spread. Folding salami into roses is a popular technique that adds elegance to your board. To make a salami rose, fold four slices of salami in half, creating half-moon shapes. Place three slices of goat cheese in the centre of one salami slice, then stack another salami slice on top. Repeat this process until you have four stacked salami slices with cheese in between. Roll the stacked slices tightly into a cylinder, securing them with toothpicks placed at angles that don't poke out.
Salami River
For a unique and eye-catching presentation, arrange your salami in a "salami river" down the centre of the board. Slice the salami into ¼-inch rounds and lay them in a continuous line down the middle, creating a river-like effect. This style is especially striking when paired with layered cheeses and meats on the outer edges of the board. You can also layer the salami rounds on top of each other, creating sections or pockets throughout the board.
Remember, the key to a stunning salami and cheese board is creativity and attention to detail. Don't be afraid to experiment with different folding techniques, textures, colours, and pairings to find what suits your taste and aesthetic. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a charcuterie artist, impressing your guests with your culinary prowess.
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Add extras: include crackers, fruits, nuts, pickles, dips, and other meats
When creating a cheese board, it's important to include a variety of textures and flavours. In addition to salami and cheese, consider adding crackers, fruits, nuts, pickles, dips, and other meats.
Crackers
Crackers are a must-have on any cheese board, providing a base for your cheeses and toppings. It's a good idea to include at least two types of crackers: one that is more robust and flavourful to complement plainer cheeses, and another that is milder to pair well with stronger, more complex cheeses. Get creative with different shapes and flavours, such as breadsticks, crostini, or themed crackers. You can also offer gluten-free options like rice crackers.
Fruits
Add pops of colour and freshness to your cheese board with fruits. Red apples, red and green grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all great options. For a fall-themed board, include seasonal fruits like pears and pumpkins.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and a salty flavour to your cheese board. Popular choices include candied pecans, pistachios, cashews, macadamia nuts, and almonds. For a unique twist, try chocolate-covered hazelnuts or wasabi-flavoured almonds.
Pickles
Homemade pickles can take your cheese board to the next level. Try making your own spiced blackberry pickles or quick zucchini pickles. Salty pickles like Chicago-style giardiniera, Zydeco beans, and pickled wild garlic bulbs will add a nice contrast to the meats and cheeses.
Dips
Dips are a great way to add variety to your cheese board. Offer a range of options like fig butter, artichoke dip, hummus, or whipped caramel apple dip. If you're serving a crowd, consider providing individual dipping cups for each guest.
Other Meats
In addition to salami, include a variety of other meats such as prosciutto, ham, cured chorizo, soppressata, or summer sausage. Fold or roll the meats to create visual interest and make them easy to pick up. Remember to keep the meats refrigerated until ready to serve, and bring them to room temperature about an hour before serving for the best flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Presentation is key. You can create visual interest by arranging your salami and cheeses in a way that adds texture and colour. Try rolling or folding slices of salami, fanning out cheese wedges, and stacking items at varying heights. You could also try making a salami rose by folding slices of salami in half and wrapping them around each other in an accordion style.
Match strong salamis with strong cheeses and soft salamis with mild cheeses. Include a variety of soft, firm, and hard cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
You can add salty elements like olives, pickles, and other fermented foods to contrast with the meat and cheese. Jams, mustards, and crackers or fresh bread are also good additions. If you want to get creative, try wrapping melon in salami for a sweet-and-salty pairing.
Slice your salami and cheese ahead of time and store them properly. Take them out of the fridge about an hour before serving so they can reach room temperature. Assemble your board about 30 minutes before your guests arrive to avoid the ingredients drying out.
