Hearty Charcuterie Board

Elevate your entertaining with a stunning gourmet charcuterie board! This step-by-step guide reveals the secrets to crafting the perfect spread that combines assorted cured meats, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, and delightful accompaniments. Discover tips on selecting high-quality ingredients, creating visual appeal, and achieving flavor balance. Whether for casual get-togethers or special celebrations, your charcuterie board will impress and engage guests, making every occasion memorable.

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Ingredients

200g assorted cured meats (prosciutto, salami, chorizo)

150g artisan cheeses (brie, sharp cheddar, blue cheese)

1 cup assorted olives (green olives, kalamata olives)

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

1 cup fresh fruit (grapes, figs, sliced apples)

1 cup assorted crackers (breadsticks, water crackers, oatcakes)

1 small jar honey or fig jam

2 tbsp whole grain mustard

Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme)

Instructions

Prepare the Board: Choose a large wooden or slate board as your base. If you don’t have a charcuterie board, a large plate or platter will work too.

Arrange the Meats: Begin by folding or rolling your cured meats. Place them in small piles or a fan shape on one side of the board to create visual interest.

Add the Cheeses: Cut the cheeses into wedges or cubes and place them near the meats. You can mix soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses for variety.

Incorporate the Accents: Fill in the gaps with olives and mixed nuts. Scatter them in small sections across the board, ensuring even distribution for a balanced look.

Layer in Freshness: Add clusters of fresh fruit around the board. Grapes can be left whole, while figs can be halved, and apple slices should be arranged attractively.

Offer Something Crunchy: Place the assorted crackers in a small bowl or arrange them in a standing position along the edges of the board. This gives easy access while adding height.

Condiment Time: Include small bowls of honey or fig jam and whole grain mustard. Pour the honey or jam into a decorative jar, and place the mustard in a small bowl, ensuring they’re easy to reach.

Finishing Touches: Garnish the board with fresh herbs, tucking them around the meats, cheeses, and fruits for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy: Once your charcuterie board is assembled, serve it with a selection of wine or craft beers for an elevated experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8