Perfect Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is the ultimate appetizer, offering a variety of flavors and textures to please any palate. This guide will walk you through creating a beautiful, balanced charcuterie board that’s perfect for 4 people. With the right ingredients and thoughtful presentation, your charcuterie board will be a stunning centerpiece.
Print Share on Twitter Share on FacebookServings: 4 people
Calories: 520kcal
Ingredients
- Meats Total: 8 oz / 227 g
- 3 oz 85 g prosciutto
- 3 oz 85 g salami
- 2 oz 57 g pepperoni
- Cheeses Total: 8 oz / 227 g
- 4 oz 113 g sharp cheddar, cubed
- 2 oz 57 g brie, sliced
- 2 oz 57 g gouda, cubed
- Crackers & Bread
- 8 oz 227 g assorted crackers (e.g., whole wheat, water crackers, sesame)
- 4 oz 113 g baguette slices, toasted
- Fruits
- 1 cup 150 g red grapes
- 1/2 cup 75 g sliced green apple
- 1/2 cup 75 g dried apricots
- Nuts & Sweet Treats
- 1/4 cup 30 g almonds
- 1/4 cup 30 g candied pecans
- 2 oz 57 g dark chocolate squares
- Condiments
- 2 tablespoons 30 g honey
- 2 tablespoons 30 g whole grain mustard
- Garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for decoration
Instructions
- Slice Meats and Cheeses: Cut the prosciutto into thin ribbons, salami into folds, and pepperoni into individual slices. Cube the cheddar and gouda, and slice the brie into wedges.
- Prepare Fruits: Wash the grapes and separate them into small clusters. Thinly slice the green apple and toss with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Toast Bread: Lightly toast baguette slices until golden brown.
- Use a wooden cutting board, marble slab, or large serving platter as your base. Ensure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding.
- Place Condiments First: Start by placing small bowls of honey and mustard on opposite sides of the board.
- Add Meats and Cheeses: Arrange meats in sections, folding or rolling them for a decorative touch. Place the cheeses around the board in separate areas.
- Include Crackers and Bread: Fan the crackers and arrange baguette slices near the cheeses for easy pairing.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Scatter grapes, apple slices, and dried apricots throughout the board. Fill gaps with almonds and candied pecans.
- Finish with Sweet Treats and Garnish: Add dark chocolate squares and garnish with rosemary or thyme sprigs for a fresh, inviting look.
- Provide small plates, napkins, and utensils for guests to serve themselves.
- Encourage mixing and matching of ingredients for a personalized tasting experience.
Video
Notes
- Tips for the Perfect Charcuterie Board
- Balance Flavors: Include a mix of salty, sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
- Textural Variety: Combine soft (brie), hard (cheddar), and crunchy (crackers, nuts) textures for interest.
- Seasonal Touches: Incorporate seasonal fruits or garnishes to enhance the theme.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: Provide gluten-free crackers or additional veggies for guests with dietary restrictions.
With this simple yet elegant charcuterie board recipe, you’ll impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 8.8OZ | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 880mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.