Creating The Perfect Blue Cheese Charcuterie Board

Blue cheese is a popular choice for charcuterie boards, but it can be a very polarising ingredient, with some people loving it and others hating it. If you're creating a charcuterie board with blue cheese, you might want to include some other cheeses, such as brie or camembert, as well as cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo. To add flavour and texture, consider accompaniments such as olives, pickles, nuts, fruits like apples, pears, or grapes, and crackers or bread. Arrange the items on a large board or platter, considering the visual appeal of the display by using different heights, colours, and textures.

Fruits: apples, pears, pomegranates, grapes, and berries

Fruits are a great addition to a charcuterie board and can complement the strong flavour of blue cheese. Here are some ideas for fruits that go well with blue cheese on a charcuterie board:

Apples

Apples are a great choice for a charcuterie board as they pair well with cheese and can be sliced thinly to be added to a cracker. They are also a good option for adding some crunch to your board. To prevent browning, slice apples just before serving.

Pears

Pears are another fruit that pairs well with blue cheese. They have a sweet and juicy flavour that can help balance the sharpness of blue cheese. Like apples, pears should be sliced just before serving to prevent browning.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates add a burst of colour and a unique flavour to a charcuterie board. They can be served in large pieces broken from the whole fruit, allowing guests to take a cluster from the board to their plate. Pomegranate seeds should not be served in a bowl, as guests may reach in and touch all the seeds.

Grapes

Grapes are a classic choice for a charcuterie board and go well with blue cheese. They can be red, purple, or green, adding colour to your board. Large bunches of grapes can be cut into smaller clusters that are easier for guests to grab and eat.

Berries

Berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, add a touch of sweetness to a charcuterie board. They also provide a beautiful pop of colour, especially when paired with white cheese.

Nuts: Marcona almonds, pecans, pistachios, and cashews

Nuts are a great addition to a charcuterie board, providing texture and flavour to complement the cheeses and meats. Here are some ideas for nuts that pair well with blue cheese:

Marcona Almonds

Marcona almonds are a type of almond that is native to Spain and has a sweet and delicate flavour. They are usually blanched and then roasted, which gives them a crunchy texture and a rich, buttery taste. Marcona almonds are visually the most "white" of the nuts, making them a perfect choice for a charcuterie board centred around blue cheese. Their mild flavour won't overpower the strong taste of blue cheese, but will instead provide a nice contrast.

Pecans

Pecans have a sweet, nutty flavour and a crunchy texture. They are a great addition to a charcuterie board, especially when paired with blue cheese. The sweetness of the pecans can help to balance out the sharpness of the blue cheese, creating a delicious flavour combination.

Pistachios

Pistachios, with their unique flavour and vibrant green colour, can add a nice touch to a charcuterie board. Their savoury, slightly salty taste can complement the creaminess of blue cheese, and their distinctive hue will make your board look even more appealing.

Cashews

Cashews are a popular choice for charcuterie boards as they have a mild, creamy flavour that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including blue cheese. They are also visually appealing, with their light colour and unique shape, and their soft texture makes them easy to eat.

When adding nuts to your charcuterie board, consider toasting them lightly to enhance their flavour and texture. You can also include a mix of whole, halved, and chopped nuts to add variety and texture to your board.

Crackers and bread: baguette slices, breadsticks, and crackers

Crackers and bread are an essential part of any charcuterie board, providing a vehicle for the blue cheese and other toppings to be enjoyed. When selecting crackers, opt for a simple variety that won't overpower the other flavours on the board. Water crackers are a good choice, as are gluten-free options for guests with dietary restrictions.

Baguette slices are another classic choice, and can be served plain or with a coating of olive oil. For an extra touch of flavour, try grilling or broiling the baguette slices before serving. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own garlic bread to accompany the blue cheese.

Breadsticks are another great option, adding a unique element to the board. They can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, such as olive oil or truffle honey. If you want to get really creative, try making your own grilled French bread by tossing sliced baguette in a grill pan for a few minutes to add a smoky flavour.

When assembling your charcuterie board, start by placing the larger items, such as the baguette slices and breadsticks, on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the crackers and other smaller accompaniments. Consider the visual appeal of the board as you arrange the items, using different heights, colours, and textures to create an attractive display.

Meats: prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and chorizo

Meats are an essential component of any charcuterie board, and prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and chorizo are all excellent choices that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including blue cheese.

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that pairs well with Italian cheeses, fresh or grilled peaches, and balsamic glaze. It is best served with tongs or toothpicks for easy grabbing. When arranging prosciutto on your board, consider folding or styling the slices to create a visually appealing display. For example, you can try the half-fold or ribbon technique, where you fold the prosciutto in half lengthwise and then gently layer it back and forth on the board with the fat side facing up.

Salami, a garlicky and rich cured sausage, is another popular choice for charcuterie boards. Genoa salami is particularly well-liked due to its robust flavor. Salami pairs well with hard cheeses, such as Havarti, and you can create a "salami river" by folding and stacking the slices in a curved line down the center of your board.

Pepperoni, similar to chorizo, is fatty and spicy. It goes well with acidic, fresh fruits and spreads, briny olives, and mild, creamy cheeses. Try pairing pepperoni with a buttery, mild cheese that complements the spiced, marbled meat.

Chorizo, a cured pork sausage, is often spiced with smoked paprika and garlic. It is a stellar pairing for blue cheese, smoked or aged cheddar, or Manchego cheese. Mediterranean-inspired chorizo pairings could include Manchego cheese, roasted garlic hummus, and sun-dried tomatoes.

When constructing your charcuterie board, remember to include a variety of textures, flavors, and colors. Fold or roll your meats in creative ways, and don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combinations.

Condiments: honey, jam, and mustard

Honey, jam, and mustard are all excellent additions to a charcuterie board, and they pair beautifully with blue cheese. These condiments offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the salty, sharp flavour of blue cheese.

Honey is a classic pairing with blue cheese, and its sweetness can help to temper the strong flavour of the cheese. A good-quality honey, such as truffle honey, can add an extra layer of flavour to the board. Honey also pairs well with other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, and can be drizzled over fruits like apples or pears.

Jam is another condiment that can add a burst of sweetness to your charcuterie board. Fig jam is a popular choice, as it pairs well with creamy cheeses like Brie. For a red, white, and blue-themed board, a red berry or sour cherry jam can add a pop of colour and a tangy flavour.

Mustard, especially whole grain mustard, is a great condiment to include on your charcuterie board. It can be paired with blue cheese and salami, or used as a spread on crackers or bread. Mustard also goes well with pork rillettes, a spreadable, rustic pâté made from pulled pork.

When creating your charcuterie board, consider placing these condiments in small bowls or jars, adding visual appeal and allowing your guests to easily access them. You can also use these condiments to fill any gaps on your board, creating a cohesive and attractive display.

Frequently asked questions