Building a charcuterie board can seem intimidating at first, but there is a method to making them.
Just in case you don’t know what it is, a charcuterie board is a layout of various snack-type food options. In the truest sense, it’s preserved meat on a board. In fact, the word “charcuterie” means “pork-butcher’s shop”, “cooked fresh” and “meat”. It originated from charcuterie shops in France, who have been curing and preserving meats since the 15th century. Back then, dried meats would help villagers have food all year long.
Charcuterie boards, also known as grazing tables, or snack boards, have come a long way in the last few centuries, and have become very trendy recently. They have deviated from just a platter of meat, and now involve just about any “finger food” you can think of. The goal of them is to be both functional and beautiful. There should be great food, that people actually want to eat, and a thoughtful layout of that food. More on that later.
How To Build An Amazing Charcuterie Board
If you’re ready to delve into the world of charcuterie boards, this post is for you. I’ll go over the right places for a charcuterie board to be displayed, different ideas for them, and how to assemble it. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do it, and practice makes perfect. Once you start getting into charcuterie boards, chances are that you won’t turn back.
Let’s get into it!
EVENTS WHERE A CHARCUTERIE BOARD WILL BE A HIT
Now, there are lots of appropriate places to serve a charcuterie board. And, many of them involve weddings, and pre-wedding events.
Of course, you can build a board for a birthday party, or non-wedding event, like a baby shower. However, weddings are filled with great opportunities to showcase and serve a board. For example, there are bridal showers. And engagement parties. Charcuterie boards may also be appropriate at welcome parties, or the wedding itself.
Here is the criteria if you’d like to serve a charcuterie board at an event:
- There is space to lay out the food, with enough to serve the number of guests. If the event is big, and there isn’t a lot of space to lay out a board, it might not be the best way to go.
- You can easily assemble the layout of the charcuterie board, and then transport it to where it will be served. Charcuterie boards require some delicate maneuvers. They aren’t typically easy to put together and then drive around, if you know what I mean.
- The guests will be comfortable serving themselves off the same platter. If you have to follow pandemic restrictions, a board may not be the best choice.
- An event where snacking, appetizers, or finger food will be appreciated.
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF A CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Let’s go over what you’ll need if you’re going to build a charcuterie board.
- First off, a board requires something sturdy to build it on. This could be a large cutting board, tray, table, or sheet pan.
- Second, you’ll need the items that you’d like to serve. These items should be prepped accordingly. This means that cheese gets sliced, vegetables get peeled, and cookies get decorated. They should be ready to serve. It’s also okay to partially slice cheese, meats, and other items just to get them started. Bonus points if there are varying colors, shapes, sizes, and textures for the board.
- Third, you’ll need your serving materials. These could be small bowls for dips. It could also be knives, spoons, toothpicks, or other items to help your guests serve themselves and eat the food.
- Fourth, you’ll need to assemble your board. It helps to place larger items first. This is usually bowls, long lines of crackers, or anything that will take up the most amount of space or be a statement. From there, try and place everything else in curvy lines, interesting patterns, or layers.
- Fifth, fill in any “blank” space with small items like dried fruit or nuts.
- Lastly, top with garnishes, small serving tools, and final touches.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHARCUERIE BOARDS
Alright, so now that we know when charcuterie boards are appropriate, lets get into what goes on them. Remember, the sky is the limit with them. I’m breaking them down into different “taste” categories here, but you can mix it up, create your own, or do what you’d like. The point is that the food is tasty and the layout is pretty. Beyond that, there are no rules.
SAVORY CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
A savory board will likely be on the salty side.
Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and capicola would all go well on it. You can also add more mainstream deli meat like turkey and ham, if you’d like. Along with the meat, cheese would pair well. Sliced cheese, blocked cheese, creamy cheeses, and cured cheese – it doesn’t matter. You can pick what you’d like the most.
Crackers and bread also go well on savory charcuterie boards, allowing guests to stack their meats and cheeses on something. Beyond that, olives, tapenades, and mustards would all work.
FRESH CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
The antithesis of a traditional charcuterie board, which is filled with mainly salty and preserved meats, you could totally put together an all-fresh board.
What would go good on this?
Well, think fresh veggies and fruit. Plus, there could be dips like hummus or yogurt. It could be decorated with edible flowers as well. The beautiful thing about a fresh charcuterie board is that it will be naturally filled with bright colors and varying shapes. Plus, if it’s vegan it will be easy for anyone and everyone to eat.
SWEET CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Ahh, a sweet charcuterie board. These are super popular around Valentine’s Day and Halloween.
This is a charcuterie board that is filled with sugar. I’m talking cookies, chocolates, candy. These boards can be really fun to put together because there are a ton of colors and shapes to use. It’s easy to find candy in just about any color, and you can absolutely buy or make cookies to suit your vision. You can even have savory elements on the board with some salty crackers or cheese to offset the sweetness.
This kind of board will be super popular as a dessert platter or at an afternoon event.
MORE TIPS FOR YOUR CHARCUTERIE BOARD
As mentioned above, charcuterie boards are subjective. You can create and make whatever you want. However, there are some general tips you may want to use, to help get the creativity going.
Consider:
- Having something pre-sliced on your board, almost as a demonstration for guests on what to do with a block of cheese or meat. Slicing also allows guests to interact with your board.
- Providing something for guests to spread. This could be mustard, a dip, or chocolate sauce. It all depends on the type of board you have.
- Having something pretty to look at on your board. Herbs, flowers, and colorful elements can all come into play here.
- That some things can go great on just about any board. Dried fruit, nuts, and jams are all versatile options.
- Making everything on the board have a purpose. Don’t use up a ton of space with inedible, or unappealing items.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Charcuterie boards are all the rage right now. Call them what you want, but with lots of options, your guests will be in love. They look beautiful, and they are super functional. Don’t know where to start with one? Just gather up a bunch of food that you love, and start putting it together. Skills come with practice, and you’ll get better and better at it. Bon Appetite!
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
7 Tips For Serving Wine At Your Wedding
How To Host A Post-Wedding Brunch
What To Know Before Your Wedding Tasting
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