What is a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie, a term rooted in French culinary tradition, essentially refers to prepared meat products, especially pork-based ones like salami, prosciutto, and terrines. A charcuterie board, then, is a presentation of these delicious cured meats, typically accompanied by other complementary items, making it an appealing focal point for gatherings or a lavish personal treat. 

This is distinct from a cheese board, which, as the name suggests, focuses predominantly on cheeses. However, many boards today merge the two concepts for an expansive spread of flavors. Interested in merging cheeses and meats? Check out our other posts for more inspiration.

What Should Go on Your Charcuterie Board?

Starting a charcuterie board can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Cured Meats: Begin with classics like prosciutto, salami, and capicola, each offering distinct textures and flavors.
• Cheeses: Incorporate a mix of hard, soft, aged, and fresh cheeses. Think cheddar, brie, gouda, and fresh mozzarella.
• Preserves: Here at Girl Meets Dirt, we love preserves with our charcuterie boards! We think it brings everything together and makes it taste genuinely gourmet and indulgent. A dry cracker with meat or cheese on it can be tasty- but as a touch of our Pink Bartlett Cutting Preserves, and it becomes sublime.
• Breads & Crackers: These are your charcuterie carriers. From crusty baguettes to subtle water crackers, variety is key. We are also partial to crackers that actually have a bit of flavor and texture, like these delicious Maine Crisps.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes and apple slices contrast with the rich meats, while dried fruits like apricots and figs add a sweet touch.
• Pickled Items: Offer tangy options like olives or cornichons.
• Nuts: We love to recommend cashews and Marcona almonds.

How to Plate a Charcuterie Board

Presentation is paramount. Here's a step-by-step guide for an enticing display:

• Start with Bowls: You might have elements that would get too messy if just placed on the board- say, a little bit of honey or perhaps some marinated artichoke hearts. Put these in cute little bowls (if you have any, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for!), placed strategically around the board.
• Place any other larger objects: Now is when you put in your whole jars of jam!
• Layer the Meats: Arrange slices of meats, allowing for a natural look. Don’t get too precise here- it looks much more natural and effortless if the meat is a bit messy. You can fold, roll, or just layer it.
• Cheeses: Mix sliced and whole cheeses, ensuring easy access.
• Fill in the Gaps: Integrate crackers, bread, and fruits to make your board look abundant.
• Garnish: For a touch of finesse, add rosemary sprigs or edible flowers.

What Drinks to Pair with Charcuterie Board

Enhance your charcuterie board with the right beverages:

• Wines: A fruit-forward, fuller bodied sparkling wine like our Queen's Cuvée complements cured meats incredibly well. Any refreshing, tannic-forward wine will clear the palate and stand up to the flavors of the charcuterie board.
• Shrubs and Bitters: For those leaning towards cocktails, our Rhubarb Shrub G & T or Shrub Hot Toddy can refresh your palate between cheeses. Our shrubs and bitters are also perfect for making mocktails, or even just refreshing shrub & sparkling water concoctions. Both complex and non-alcoholic, our shrubs are the perfect option whether you want to add a splash of booze or not.

Crafting the perfect charcuterie board is about textures, colors, and flavors. With these guidelines, you're set to curate a stunning spread. Embrace the art, and savor every flavor. As you experiment, you’ll start to get more of a sense for your favorite combinations, and also start to get more experimental and try new things!