By Erica Hoffman
I love cheese. There, I said it, I meant it, and I’m not taking it back. There are 1,800 different types of cheese by some estimates, and I would like to try every one of them, from hard, semi-hard, soft, to semi-soft. From cow’s milk to goat’s milk to camel milk, cheese is as complex and alluring as it is delicious. And given the rise of popularity of the charcuterie board, I don’t think I’m alone.
Given how little effort making one takes and how impressive the outcome can be, the charcuterie board is a win no matter your reason for making one. They often involve a combination of flavors and diverse ingredients, making you seem maybe a little more kitchen capable than you are (no one needs to know!)
So whether you want to make an epic charcuterie board for your family to share or if you just want to treat yourself, check out my ideas on how to enhance your traditional Charcuterie Fixin’s and also take a look at some ideas you may haven’t thought of yet too.
Just remember, when it comes down to it, it’s only a cheese plate. So don’t forget to have fun with it. I guarantee you will be pleased (and full). The best part of this kind of dish is that there are no rules! But there is a trick. The trick to putting a charcuterie board together, no matter the size, is to fill up all the space.
Traditional Charcuterie
Some of the most popular items on a traditional board are cured meats: pepperoni, salami, prosciutto (my personal favorite), chorizo, pate, ham, the list could go on and on.
Another staple, the star of the show (in my eyes anyway) cheeses: It’s always good to include various cheeses because of their myriad different flavor profiles and textures. My personal favorites are aged sharp cheddars, soft cheese like goat cheese or brie, fresh mozzarella balls, and Manchego (if you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting a Manchego, I highly recommend it. It’s zesty, a little salty, and has a hard crumbly texture.
Charcuterie accouterments
In my opinion, the meats and cheeses are the main events, and while they are great alone, it’s the extras you include that bring the whole thing together. Think slices of bread, crackers, dried fruits, an assortment of nuts, dips, mustards, spreads (my favorite is hot pepper jelly), and honey. Even on a traditional board, the possibilities are endless.
Let’s also explore the unexpected and unique paths you could go. After all, It’s 2021, all rules are pretty much out the window, so why not try something out of the box.
Dessert Boards
If you want to make a sweet splash, the dessert board is the way to go. Grab fruit, mini cakes, candies, mini pastries, dips, drizzles, and sauces. Remember, you want your board to look abundant. The secret to this is to fill up the empty spots. You can do this with nuts, m&m’s peanut butter cups, popcorn, chocolate covered raisins.…..really anything that will fill in any gaps.
Jarcuteri
This is especially good for the global situation we’re all in. It’s what it sounds like… charcuterie in individual mason jars. It’s perfect as a premade snack to have in your refrigerator, or if you’re having a gathering, you can make these in advance and wow your guests with maximum chic with minimal effort.
Your imagination only limits the possibilities, so get creative.
I’ve seen some pretty unique ones—a chicken nugget board with various nuggets and tons of fun sauces. My favorite one was a breakfast board complete with silver dollar pancakes, mini cinnamon buns with a ton of decadent icings and toppings, and even mini bowls of oatmeal with every topping you could want.
Get creative, try something new. Think differently with your presentations and have fun with it!
