Bushra Griffith
Meat and cheese boards, also known as charcuterie boards, are a delicious and visually appealing way to serve a variety of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments at a party or as a snack. The key to a successful charcuterie board is to include a range of flavours and textures, and to arrange the items in an attractive way.
When it comes to meat, cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and sopressata are popular choices. For cheese, a mix of soft, hard, and firm options should be offered, such as brie, camembert, cheddar, and gouda. To add flavour and texture, consider accompaniments like olives, pickles, nuts, fruit, crackers, and bread. When arranging the items on the board, start with the larger items like meats and cheeses, then fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheeses | Hard: Manchego, Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, Parmesan, etc. |
| Soft: Brie, Triple Cream, Goat Cheese, Havarti, Burrata, Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese, Gorgonzola | |
| Meats | Prosciutto, Salami, Ham, Cured Chorizo, Capricola, Soppressata, Summer Sausage, etc. |
| Savory Accompaniments | Nuts: Almonds, Candied Pecans, Pistachio Nuts, Cashews, Macadamia Nuts, etc. |
| Briny, Pickled or Marinated: Olives, Cocktail Onions, Cornichons, Dill Pickles, Pepperoncini, Olive Tapenade, Bruschetta | |
| Savory Dips and Spreads: Whole Ground Mustard, Hummus, Ranch, Balsamic Dip | |
| Sweet Accompaniments | Fresh Fruit and Berries: Grapes, Apples, Pears, Oranges, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries |
| Dried Fruit: Apricots, Cherries, Figs, Pineapple, Mango | |
| Sweet Spreads: Fig Butter, Orange Marmalade, Blackberry Jam | |
| Chocolate: Dark Chocolate or Chocolate-Covered Nuts | |
| Crackers | Pita Crackers, Croccantini, Raisin Rosemary Crisps, Baguette, Mini Toasts |
What You'll Learn
Meats: Prosciutto, Salami, Chorizo, Ham, Sausages
Meats are an essential component of a meat and cheese board, and there are several varieties to choose from. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing and presenting prosciutto, salami, chorizo, ham, and sausages on your meat and cheese board:
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a delicate meat that pairs well with fruits and mild cheeses. It can be folded and presented in various ways to make your board look beautiful and elegant. Here are some ideas:
- Prosciutto Bouquet: Cut full slices of prosciutto in half, fold one piece in half again, and roll one corner diagonally to the other side. Group the rosettes together and prop them up on slices of cheese for added height.
- Prosciutto Ribbon: Fold a full slice of prosciutto back and forth like an accordion or fan, then pinch the middle and stand it up on the board. Create several of these piles and prop them against each other for support.
- Prosciutto Fans: Cut full slices of prosciutto in half or quarters, depending on the desired portion size. Fold the prosciutto back and forth and pinch the bottom to create a small fan. Make 6-10 fans and overlap them slightly on the board.
- Rolled with Cheese: Lay a slice of prosciutto on a flat surface, add a piece of mild cheese like provolone or aged cheddar, and roll them up together.
- Loose Prosciutto Pile: Bunch up the prosciutto slices or cut them in half, then fold and lay them in a pile, allowing them to overlap.
Salami
Salami is a popular choice for meat and cheese boards and can be presented in attractive ways. Here are some tips:
- Salami Roses: Salami slices can be rolled into "roses" by wrapping a skinny slice of salami around itself in an accordion-style fashion. You can also fold salami slices in half, place cheese slices in the center, and roll them up. Secure the roses with toothpicks and arrange them creatively on the board.
- Salami Fans: Cut the salami into 1/4 slices and fold one edge so it sticks out. This creates a fan shape that can be served with crackers or bread.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of sausage that originated in Spain and Portugal, with Mexican chorizo being a raw, ground sausage that must be cooked before eating. Here are some ways to include chorizo on your board:
- If using Mexican chorizo, cook it in a skillet and break it up with a spatula as you go to create a loose texture. Drain off the excess fat and serve it with other board items such as crackers or bread.
- For cured chorizo, slice it thinly and fold or roll the slices to create an attractive presentation.
Ham
Ham goes well with soft cheeses and condiments like mustard. Here's how you can prepare it:
Slice the ham into thick pieces and arrange them on the board with soft cheeses, crackers, and condiments.
Sausages
Sausages are a great choice for a meat and cheese board, especially during the summer. Grill the sausages to add a charred flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for your board:
- Include a variety of precooked sausages, such as Italian sausages or kielbasa.
- Add grilled bell peppers, cornichons, radishes, mustards, and marinated onions to complement the sausages.
- If you want to create a more comprehensive board, add cheeses and nuts to pair with the sausages.
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Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Mozzarella
A meat and cheese board, also known as a charcuterie board, is a great way to serve a variety of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments at a party or as a snack. Here are some tips for creating a delicious and visually appealing meat and cheese board with a focus on the cheeses Brie, Camembert, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, and Mozzarella:
Types of Cheese:
- Brie: A soft and creamy cheese that pairs well with apples, French bread, cherries, dates, figs, pistachios, and strawberries. It can be cut into a wedge and topped with fresh blackberries and a rosemary stem for a beautiful presentation. Brie can also be warmed and melted to bring out its flavour.
- Camembert: A soft cheese that is similar to Brie and often used as a centerpiece on a cheese board.
- Blue Cheese: A polarizing cheese that people tend to either love or despise. It is a creamy Italian cheese that pairs well with apples, honey, pears, almonds, figs, and candied walnuts.
- Cheddar: Cheddar comes in a variety of types, including mild, sharp, and white. It pairs well with apples, walnuts, pecans, pears, nuts, honey, grapes, and dates.
- Mozzarella: A soft, creamy, and mild-flavoured cheese. It pairs well with olive oil, prosciutto, tomatoes, Italian cured meats, and olives. Fresh mozzarella can be drizzled with a thick, aged balsamic vinegar for added flavour.
Tips for Creating a Meat and Cheese Board:
- Variety: Offer a variety of flavours, textures, and shapes to create visual interest and give your guests plenty of choices. Include a mix of hard and soft cheeses, as well as different types of meat.
- Accompaniments: In addition to meat and cheese, add some accompaniments like olives, pickles, nuts, fruit, crackers, or bread. Fresh or dried fruits, jams, honey, and dark chocolate can also add sweetness and contrast to the savoury flavours.
- Arrangement: Start by placing the larger items, like meats and cheeses, on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments. Consider the visual appeal of the board by using different heights, colours, and textures to create an attractive display.
- Serving: Provide knives for slicing the meats and cheeses, as well as small dishes or bowls for the accompaniments. You can also add some spoons and small knives for spreading softer cheeses.
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Accompaniments: Olives, Pickles, Nuts, Crackers, Bread
Accompaniments are an essential part of a meat and cheese board, adding flavour and texture to the overall presentation. Here are some ideas for accompaniments to elevate your charcuterie board:
Olives
Green or black, marinated or plain, olives are a great addition to your meat and cheese board. Castelvetrano and kalamata olives are popular choices, and you can usually buy them by weight at the deli counter. Olives provide a savoury, briny contrast to the other elements on the board.
Pickles
Pickles, such as cornichons, dill pickles, cocktail onions, or pepperoncini, add a tangy, briny element to the board. Look for interesting varieties like green olives stuffed with garlic or feta to surprise your guests.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and can be a great palate cleanser between bites of meat and cheese. Marcona almonds, candied pecans, pistachios, cashews, macadamia nuts, and walnuts are all excellent choices. If you want to get creative, try making your own spiced candied nuts.
Crackers
Crackers are a must-have for any meat and cheese board, providing a neutral base to enjoy the flavours of the meats and cheeses. Choose a variety of crackers in different shapes, sizes, and flavours to add interest. Plain crackers are best, as strongly flavoured ones can overwhelm the other elements.
Bread
A crusty French baguette is a classic choice to accompany meats and cheeses. Slice it thinly to make it easy for your guests to create their own bite-sized combinations. Breadsticks and crostini are also great options to add variety to your board.
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Fruits: Apples, Grapes, Figs, Berries, Oranges
A meat and cheese board, also known as a charcuterie board, is a great way to serve a variety of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments at a party or as a snack. When preparing a meat and cheese board, it's important to include a mix of sweet, salty, sour, tangy, and spicy components to create a well-rounded and nutritious offering. Here are some ideas for incorporating fruits like apples, grapes, figs, berries, and oranges into your meat and cheese board:
Apples
Apples are a great addition to a meat and cheese board, providing a crisp and sweet contrast to the other ingredients. Green apples, such as Granny Smith, pair well with white cheddar cheese and a drizzle of honey. Other types of apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji, can also be included. To prevent apples from turning brown, sprinkle them with Fruit Fresh or lemon juice.
Grapes
Grapes offer a natural sweetness and crunch that pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese. They can be dipped in hummus or roasted red pepper hummus for an unexpected flavour combination. Red grapes specifically pair well with cheddar cheese.
Figs
Figs not only taste amazing but also make a stunning presentation on a meat and cheese board. They pair well with cheeses like Manchego, crusty bread, fig spread, almonds, and green olives. Look for fresh figs at your local grocery store.
Berries
Berries, including raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, always pair well with cheese. They can be used to top a wedge of brie or camembert, adding a touch of sweetness to the creamy cheese.
Oranges
Oranges, such as navel oranges or blood oranges, add a bright pop of colour to the meat and cheese board. They pair well with meats and cheeses, especially white sharp cheddar.
When creating your meat and cheese board, remember to include a variety of textures and flavours to keep things interesting. Play around with different combinations of fruits, cheeses, and meats to find your favourite pairings!
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Extras: Honey, Chocolate, Jams, Dips, Spreads
Extras are an important part of a meat and cheese board, adding variety, texture, and colour. Here are some ideas for extras to include on your meat and cheese board:
Honey
Honey is a great addition to a meat and cheese board, providing a sweet contrast to the savoury meats and cheeses. Honey pairs especially well with strong cheeses such as blue cheese or gorgonzola, and with cured meats like prosciutto.
Chocolate
A few pieces of quality dark chocolate or chocolate-covered nuts can be a delicious extra on a meat and cheese board. Chocolate goes well with a variety of cheeses, including brie, blue cheese, and goat cheese.
Jams
Jams, jellies, and preserves can add a touch of sweetness to your meat and cheese board. Some popular choices include fig jam, apricot jam, and wild blueberry jam. Jams pair well with a variety of cheeses, especially soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and cream cheese.
Dips
Dips can add flavour and variety to your meat and cheese board. Some popular choices include hummus, guacamole, and herbed sour cream. Dips can be served with crackers, bread, or raw vegetables for dipping.
Spreads
Cheese spreads, pâté, and mustard are popular spreads to include on a meat and cheese board. Stone-ground mustard goes well with cured meats, while honey mustard can be a nice sweet addition. Cheese spreads can be served with crackers or bread.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a good idea to include a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. You could include hard cheeses like manchego, cheddar, swiss, gouda, gruyere, parmesan and gouda, and soft cheeses like brie, triple cream, goat's cheese, havarti, burrata and cream cheese.
Cured meats are the star of a meat and cheese board. You could include prosciutto, salami, ham, chorizo, capricola, soppressata, summer sausage, coppa, mortadella or pepperoni.
You can add crackers, bread, nuts, olives, pickles, dips, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, jams, chutney and honey.
