Randy Chandler
Meat and cheese boards are a fun and beautiful way to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer. They are perfect for any occasion, from game day to holiday parties or even date nights. The best part about putting together a meat and cheese board is that there are no rules—simply use what you love and enjoy! Whether you're using soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese or hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan, the key is to add variety and arrange them in different shapes. For meats, try to include smoked or cured options like salami and prosciutto, and don't be afraid to get creative with folding and rolling them into fun shapes. Fill in the gaps with crackers, pretzels, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, olives, and other accompaniments. So, gather your favourite ingredients, get creative, and impress your guests with a mouth-watering meat and cheese board!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3, 5, or 7 |
| Cheese types | Soft, hard, creamy, firm, tangy |
| Cheese examples | Brie, cheddar, parmesan, goat cheese, gorgonzola, blue cheese, mozzarella |
| Meat types | Cured, smoked |
| Meat examples | Salami, prosciutto, soppressata, deli meat, sausage, chorizo |
| Meat preparation | Folded, stacked, fanned out, rolled into cigars |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, nuts, dried fruit, olives, pesto, pickles, jam, mustard, bread, baguettes, crostini |
| Seasonal produce | Watermelon, cherries, tomatoes (summer); apples, pears, figs (fall); oranges, clementines (winter); artichokes, rhubarb, strawberries (spring) |
| Pairings | Basil pesto with tomatoes; hummus with grapes; jam with goat cheese; mustard with salami; pickles with meat; mozzarella with basil pesto and cherry heirloom tomatoes; prosciutto with watermelon or cantaloupe |
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What You'll Learn
How to fold meats like prosciutto and salami
When putting together a meat and cheese board, you can add meats in a few different ways. You could opt for a simple stack, fan the meat out in a line or semicircle, or fold larger pieces into fun shapes. Folding the meat is a great way to save space and add visual interest. Here are some ways you can fold meats like prosciutto and salami:
Prosciutto Ribbon
Take full slices of prosciutto and cut them in half or quarters, depending on the portion size. Then, fold the prosciutto back and forth and pinch the bottom to create a small fan. After making 6-10 of these fans, lay them out on the board, letting them overlap slightly. This method is perfect for serving as the portions are small enough to fit on a cracker, and they are easy to pick up.
Prosciutto Rosettes
Take a full slice of prosciutto and cut it in half. Roll one corner diagonally across to the other side, holding one finger in the centre to help fold it. Group the rosettes together on the board and prop them up on slices of cheese for added height.
Prosciutto Bouquet
Take a full slice of prosciutto and fold it back and forth like an accordion or fan. This method is great for making the prosciutto stand out, as it creates a pile of meat that is larger than other folding methods.
Salami Roses
To make salami roses, you can use a wine glass, champagne flute, or a regular drinking glass, depending on how big you want the roses to be. First, fold a salami piece over the edge of the glass so that half of it is inside the glass and half is folded over the outside. Then, start layering the salami about 1/4 inch over each seam. Repeat this process until the hole in the centre closes. Once the hole is closed, flip the glass onto your board and remove it. Finally, lightly fan out the rose.
You can also make salami roses without a glass. Simply start with one piece of salami and roll it up. Then, grab another piece of salami and wrap it around the seam of the previous piece. Continue wrapping until it starts to take the shape of a rose. Place it in a small bowl to hold its shape and gently fan out the "petals".
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Choosing complementary ingredients
When it comes to choosing complementary ingredients for a meat and cheese board, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips to help you create a delicious and well-rounded spread:
Variety is Key
Offer a variety of cheeses and meats to cater to different tastes and create a visually appealing board. Include different types of cheese, such as soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and gorgonzola, and hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan. For meats, opt for a mix of cured meats, sliced deli meats, and smoked meats. Salami, prosciutto, and soppressata are popular choices. Don't be afraid to try unique options like sausage or specialty meats.
Accompaniments
In addition to meats and cheeses, include a variety of accompaniments to enhance the flavors and provide texture contrast. Here are some ideas:
- Crackers: Neutral crackers like water crackers or butter crackers pair well with strong-flavored cheeses. Crispbreads or crostini can also be used as a base for toppings.
- Bread: Baguettes, sliced bread, or breadsticks can be used to accompany cheeses and meats.
- Fruits: Fresh or dried fruits add sweetness and color to the board. Choose seasonal fruits like grapes, apples, or berries, or dried fruits like apricots or cherries.
- Nuts: Roasted or raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios add crunch and flavor.
- Condiments: Include small bowls of condiments such as olives, pickles, mustards, jams, or chutneys. These can be paired with cheeses or meats for added flavor.
- Spreads: Pesto, hummus, or soft cheeses like herb and garlic marinated feta can be spread on crackers or bread for extra flavor.
Creating Flavor Profiles
When selecting ingredients, consider creating flavor profiles that will complement each other. Here are some ideas:
- Manchego pairs well with spicy or smoky meats like chorizo.
- Prosciutto goes well with sweet fruits like melon or cantaloupe.
- Goat cheese pairs beautifully with blackberry jam and butter crackers.
- Blue cheese or gorgonzola can be paired with sweet accompaniments like honey or fruit.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create a meat and cheese board. Use your favorite ingredients, be creative, and enjoy the process of crafting a delicious and visually appealing spread.
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How to cut and arrange cheeses
When it comes to cutting and arranging the cheeses on your meat and cheese board, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, aim for variety and randomness. Include different types of cheeses, such as creamy cheese (brie), firm cheese (Cheddar or Parmesan), soft cheese (goat cheese), and tangy cheese (Gorgonzola or blue cheese). You can cut the soft cheeses into slices or cubes, making it easier for your guests to take a portion without having to cut through a hard cheese. Stack these slices or cubes on the board to create visual appeal and make the cheese board more interesting.
For the arrangement, you can get creative and cut the cheeses into different shapes. Arrange the cheeses in neat rows, piles, or fan them out around dishes. You can also roll the cheese into little cigar shapes, as suggested by one source. Another tip is to use an odd number of cheeses (3, 5, or 7) depending on the party size. This will make your cheese board look abundant and varied.
If you're using a combination of hard and soft cheeses, place the soft cheeses, such as brie, closer to the centre of the board, as they are easier to spread from a central location. You can also use small bamboo skewers to create bite-sized combinations of cheese and other ingredients, such as a piece of mozzarella and a cherry tomato dipped in basil pesto.
Don't stress too much about making your cheese board look perfect. As long as you use delicious, high-quality ingredients, it will be a success. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and appetising!
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Seasonal produce to include
When creating a meat and cheese board, it's a great idea to incorporate seasonal produce to add a fun and festive touch. Here are some suggestions for seasonal produce to include:
Spring
For a springtime meat and cheese board, look for ingredients like artichokes, rhubarb, strawberries, and carrots. You can pair these with various cheeses and meats. For example, try wrapping a piece of strawberry around a chunk of goat cheese, or dipping carrot sticks into a creamy soft cheese.
Summer
In the summer, take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include items such as watermelon, cherries, tomatoes, and basil pesto on your meat and cheese board. Create a sweet and salty combination by wrapping a slice of prosciutto around a chunk of watermelon.
Fall/Autumn
In the fall, decorate your board with seasonal items such as small pumpkins, rosemary sprigs, and fall fruits like apples, pears, figs, and grapes. For cheeses, aged gouda pairs wonderfully with these fruits, and brie complements the richness of fall spreads like fig jam or spiced honey. If you're looking for a bold flavor, blue cheese is an excellent choice for fall.
Winter
During the winter months, opt for citrus fruits like oranges, clementines, and grapefruits, as well as seasonal vegetables like kale and beets. Include some chocolate-covered oranges or candied orange slices for a festive touch.
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How to add crackers, pretzels, and baguettes
When it comes to crackers, pretzels, and baguettes, there are a few things to consider when putting together a meat and cheese board. Firstly, variety is key. Offer a selection of different shapes, sizes, and flavours to cater to different preferences. For crackers, this could include thin croccantini crackers, pita crackers, raisin rosemary crisps, or water crackers. If you're on a budget, cheaper options like Ritz or Wheat Thins can also do the trick.
For pretzels, consider soft pretzels, pretzel sticks, or pretzel chips. These can be paired with various dips such as mustard, blue cheese dip, or hummus. If you want to create a German pretzel charcuterie board, arrange small fruits like raspberries, blackberries, olives, or kumquats in the crevices of the pretzel.
For baguettes, look for a cheap baguette at your local grocery store and slice it into thin pieces. If you want to get creative, you can make cheesy, salty-sweet baguette bites by hollowing out a baguette and filling it with cheese and other toppings.
When adding crackers, pretzels, and baguettes to your board, fan them out along the edges or fill in any gaps between the meats and cheeses. This makes them easily accessible to your guests and helps to create a visually appealing display. You can also set out a bowl of extra crackers on the side for those who want more.
Remember, the key to a successful meat and cheese board is balance and variety. Offer a range of options and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
A meat and cheese board, also known as a charcuterie board, is a snack board filled with various meats and cheeses. It can be served as an appetizer or the main course and is a great way to elevate a basic dish.
There is no right or wrong way to make a meat and cheese board. You can include cured meats, sliced deli meats, salami, prosciutto, sausage, crackers, nuts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, spreads, and more.
Start by arranging an odd number of cheeses (3, 5, or 7) on the board. Then, add the meats by folding or rolling them into different shapes. Fill in the gaps with crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other snacks.
Some classic combinations include mozzarella and basil pesto, prosciutto and cantaloupe, goat cheese and blackberry jam, and red grapes with roasted red pepper hummus. You can also pair Manchego with spicy or smoky meats like chorizo.
As a general guideline, provide 1-2 ounces of cheese and 1-2 ounces of meat per person. You can adjust the amount based on the size of your group and the other foods you are serving.
