Simple Charcuterie Board

Use these 4 steps to create an elegant yet simple charcuterie board for a light meal or appetizer.

5 from 1 vote

Yield: 2 2-12+ servings

Prep Time:20

Total Time:20

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▢ 2-3 different cold cured meats (i.e. prosciutto, salami, summer sausage, chorizo, and pâté)
▢ 3 different cheeses (i.e. brie, goat cheese, manchego, havarti, aged cheddar, smoked gouda)
▢ 2-3 types of crackers/breads (i.e. multigrain, artisan, or water crackers, pita chips, thinly sliced baguette)
▢ 1-2 fresh or dried fruits (i.e. fresh grapes, dried apricots, fresh sliced figs, fresh berries)
▢ 1-2 fresh or pickled veggies (i.e. baby gherkins/cornichons, olives, pickled vegetables, roasted red peppers, raw veggie sticks)
▢ 1-2 spreads or dips (i.e. fig compote, apricot jam, orange marmalade, hot pepper jelly, mustards, hummus)
▢ 2+ nuts and candy (i.e. pistachios, smoked almonds, dark chocolate, chocolate-covered raisins)
▢ Optional: fresh arugula leaves for garnish

Choose a nice wooden cutting board for the size of your group. Utilize small ramekins or bowls to contain smaller items and spreads. Watch the video for inspiration.
Start by fanning out slices or rolled pieces of various meats on the board.
Add in the cheeses. Cut a few first slices and include a cheese knife.
Fill in the rest of the board with your fruits, veggies, nuts, candies, and spreads. Include little serving spoons for the spreads. Think in terms of including a variety of colors, textures, and heights throughout the board. This is an art, not science, so don't be too precise and have fun!
Optional: Fill in negative space with arugula leaves to bring in more color.

If trying to avoid gluten, use gluten-free crackers instead.
Plan for about 2-4 ounces of meat and cheese per person. You can adjust this based on whether the charcuterie board is the main attraction or just one part of a larger spread.
Don't forget to offer interesting and well-paired beverages, especially wine.

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