Let’s Talk About Charcuterie
Like, what even is it?
By definition, a charcuterie board is an assemblage of cured meats, cheeses, accompaniments and garnishes arranged on a serving board or platter for communal eating. (aka, group snacks!) Traditionally, charcuterie includes cured and smoked meats (like salami, prosciutto, and smoked salmon), paired with complementary items like cheeses, bread or crackers, pickles and preserves, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, olives, mustards, chutneys and sometimes sweet elements such as honey or chocolate. Presentation emphasises variety of flavours, textures and colours, with items arranged for easy sharing. Essentially, snacks with pageantry.
What makes the perfect charcuterie spread?
Picking your cheeses: include 3–5 types with different textures — one soft (e.g. brie), one semi-hard (e.g. cheddar), one hard (e.g. Manchego), and one blue or goat for contrast.
Select your cured meats: offer 2-3 varieties such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, coppa and bresaola.
Add freshness: include seasonal fruit (grapes, figs, apple or pear slices), fresh herbs, and veggies (cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumber)
Pickled and preserved items: add pickles, olives, pickled onions, kimchi or marinated artichokes for needed acidity.
Dips and Spreads: offer at least two — chutney or fruit jam, a mustard, honey and a savoury dip like hummus or olive tapenade.
Crackers and bread: include a mix of thin crackers, seeded crisps and sliced baguette or breadsticks for different textures. Think regionally as well- Italian meats and cheeses should have Italian breads (focaccia), French cheeses with French breads (baguette).
Balance flavour and texture: this is what takes your board to the next level. Mild cheeses paired with bright acidic fruits and chutneys. Strong cheeses and spicy additions paired with palette cleansing and calming flavours. Sharp smoked cheddars pair well with herbaceous crackers and fresh vegetables to soften those edges. Brie and Camembert are so mild and are brought to life with acids and sugars like berries, chutneys, and salty meats. It’s the yin and yang of snacks.
Arrange artfully: laying cheese slices out like playing cards, making salami roses, laying out fresh herbs and making patterns. It might be time consuming but it is all worth it when your guests arrive and are completely shook by how amazing your spread it.
Most importantly… charcuterie is best enjoyed in good company. Laughter, good music, and good banter make it all taste that much better.
I hope to bring you more articles about charcuterie building in the future as well as spread lists, salads and dip recipes and so much more.
I cannot wait to have our products ready for you all to enjoy soon.
TTFN, Taylor