I am not a great cook, so I always volunteer to bring a charcuterie board when the holidays come around. I love that it is simple to make, and there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Charcuterie is a French word that refers to prepared and cured cold meats and is paired with other complementary food, including cheese, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Here is what I include on my simple charcuterie board:
Meat: My favorite go-to meats to include are salami and ham.
Fruit & Vegetables: You can either have fresh fruit or dried fruit. Grapes and strawberries are always on my charcuterie board, and I also like to include preserved apricots. I want to include kid-friendly options like cucumbers, carrots, and apples.
Cheese: Yes, please! While many may think that the meat is the star of the charcuterie board, I beg to differ and love cheese! I like to include soft and hard cheeses, including cheddar, peppered Monterey Jack cheese, Brie, and blueberry goat cheese. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per person.
Crackers & Breads: You can’t forget the base to stack all cheese, meat, and spreads on. I like to use a variety of crackers with different flavors, shapes, and sizes. This will also make for a more pretty board. You can also cut up a baguette. I try to select bread and crackers with mild flavors not to overpower the taste of the cheese.
Other favorites: While these extras are not a deal-breaker, I like to include some olives, preserves, and mixed nuts on the board.
It’s all about presentation.
Lastly, it is all about getting creative with the placement of all the cheese, crackers, fruits, and other fixings and then placing them on a wood board, tray, or different serving platters.
The most important part, pair your charcuterie board with your favorite wines and enjoy!