I’m going to be completely open and honest with you all, I am beyond addicted to cheese and meat. Truthfully, I don’t know if addicted really encompasses how much I love a good cheese and salami moment which is why I thought to put together a post on putting together the perfect cheeseboard for your holiday get together! Because what party is complete without a good charcuterie board? If you’re into not only the contents but the look of a good cheese board then let’s get into my 5 tips!
1 – Tip one is pretty basic but something that many people don’t often think of. You need to mix your flavors. You need to ensure your board is diverse by including salts, sweets, tanginess and different textures. You can create these different flavor profiles and textures by adding things like honeys, jams, fruits and nuts and peppers of course.
2 – Get yourself some good cheeses! Your mind might automatically go to an American Cheese, a Pepper Jack Cheese, etc but you want more than just the typically cut up cubed cheese. You want to go for different, flavors, textures and looks. My personal favorite cheese is Espresso Cheese (which I’ve only ever found at Publix), I love a good Brie Cheese and of course there’s always got to be Gouda and Gruyere. Remember this little tip; if there’s going to be fruit on this board definitely add in some crumbling Bleu Cheese.
3 – Don’t forget your meats! I love a good Salami but there’s so many different meats you can place on your cheeseboard that I promise your friends and family will love. I suggest having some prosciutto and different sausages ranging in spice. You will always have some guests that prefer something with a little more of a kick.
4 – I think every good charcuterie board should have an element of sweet to balance out any salt from the cheese and spice from the meet. There are so many ways you can add sweetness to your charcuterie board. My go to add ons are the following: Fig, Dates, Grapes, Honey (feel free to try different types), Jam, Dried Apricot, Blueberries and Raspberries. I like the addition of fruit as well as the honey and jams because it gives the eater an option. I’m personally all about a piece of Espresso cheese with a raspberry but I also love smeared Brie cheese on a cracker with some spicy sausage and a drizzle of honey.
5 – Don’t forget your element of crunch! I can not go without any crunch on my charcuterie board. I like to add crunch in both breads/crackers and nuts. Some of my favorite bread/crackers are: sliced sourdough bread, Matzos, Triscuits, and of course Water Crackers. As for nuts I like to add almonds, pistachios, and cashews. The element of the extra crunch that can had with just a piece of fruit is always a nice option to have.
What are some items you love seeing on a Charcuterie Board?
Danielle Mone Knight 