If you consider yourself to be a regular host, but have been wanting to elevate your hosting game and status by incorporating satisfying but easy food options for you and your guests that are appeasing and easy to prepare, a charcuterie board is the perfect way to start.
Not everyone is into assorted meats and cheeses, however, a great thing about making a charcuterie board is that it can be customized with an assortment of foods you and your guests will actually be able to enjoy.
So, what tools will you need to Craft the Perfect Charcuterie Board?
Serving Board | When thinking of a base for your serving board, its material is not as important as its functionality. A traditional charcuterie serving board is typically wooden, however, I’ve seen some really beautiful stone boards, that would make a great impression on your guests and depending on your board theme, elevate the display. Be careful if choosing a marble material since these tend to be stained by the more acidic foods. You’ll want to make sure your choice of board can properly hold all ingredients and will be east to transport to its holding place.
Serving Boards for Your Next Charcuterie Presentation
Cheese Slicer | For getting those thin consistent cuts of cheese to really make things look professional, invest in a cheese slicer. This isn’t of course completely necessary for all cheese types, but a cheese slicer could reduce your prep time by a lot and also reduce the risk of you cutting yourself using a knife on oddly shaped and efforts of thin slicing.
Cheese Slicers For The Wannabe Professional
Cutlery Set |I just think he accessories you use along with your crafting, like cheese and butter knives make everything look so official. These will also allow your guests to spread soft cheeses onto crackers without making a mess. Add mini spoons & cocktail forks for spreading jams and picking up foods instead of requiring the free use of hands.
Cutlery Cheese & Knife Sets
Serving Ramekins & Accessories | Serving Ramekins add definition to your board amongst whats being displayed and also provide a place for your spreadable jams and honey. If you’re adding accompaniments like olives, pickles, nuts or dried fruit, ramekins can be a place for holding for these. Having a few of these spread throughout considering the board size, is the perfect way to add some additional color and height. If you’re an experimenter like me but not sure that your guests will be keen on identifying the elements of your board themselves, add some cheese markers and small signs so your guest can read whats on your board and choose from there.
Ramekins & Accessories To Make Your Board Next Level
Edibles | I love how customizable and non restrictive charcuterie boards are. Whether you are wanting an assortment of cured meat and cheeses only, want to mix in a few fruits or veggies, the option is really up to you. For a starters, here are a few categories and associated items that typically make up the best charcuterie masterpieces.
Assorted Cheese
Soft: Brie, Goat, Blue Cheese, Mozzerella Balls
Semi Soft: Gorgonzola, Cheddar, Swiss
Hard: Asiago, Parmesan, Gouda
Cured Meats
Prosciutto
Summer Sausage
Finocchiona
Salami
Fresh Veggies & Fruit
Mini Sliced Cucumbers
Roasted Red Peppers
Mini Pickles
Olives
Raw Peppers
Fresh Fruit
Strawberries
Grapes
Blueberries
Raspberries
Pear Slices
Cherries
Spreadables, Dried Fruit & Nuts
Jams & ETC – Fig Jam, Honey, Strawberry Jam , Bacon Jam
Dried Fruit – Apricots, Mango or Kiwi
Nuts – Cashews, Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds