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host your first charcuterie!
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items EVERYBODY, and I mean EVERYBODY, loves a charcuterie set up! There is something for everyone, and the whole concept really invites socializing and connecting as people talk and graze their way through. I'm a massive fan and I've been making these boa...
Sections
8
display materials
meats
cheeses
fruits
nuts
condiments/toppings
display materials
people go way over the top for this but I've literally done TABLES of charcuterie with parchment or brown paper and it's organic and feels super natural and relaxing. If you'd like to be able to do this on the go, grab a board or a simple set. You'll...
don't worry about all the fancy boards - you want one with clear space and sturdy design.. having a handle is great and these utensils are more than enough!
Charcuterie Board Set - Acacia Cheese Tray
for a table spread! this is my favorite way to present... you have lots of options! I love filling the table so you can't see the paper. You could section it and write directly onto the paper and label your cheeses and meats. Double it up so anything...
Brown Butcher Paper 17.5in x 50ft Unwaxed
meats
rule for meats is: grazing table (so there will be other food options): 2-3 oz of meat per person. If charcuterie is the main course, you'll need 3-4 oz per person, so make sure to calculate this and offer a variety of meats depending on how much you...
one of the most accessible and necessary ingredients on any board: salami! you can find uncured, smoked, peppered, etc. but try to have 2 kinds
Applegate, Organic Uncured Genoa Salami, 4 oz
so delicious! maybe my personal favorite meat for charcuterie for flavor and texture
Applegate, Natural Uncured Soppressata, 4oz
buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and salty. This meat is delicate and great for presenting in fun ways (like a rose!) to up your aesthetics on your board.
COLUMBUS Sliced Prosciutto, Premium 3-Oz Pack
I love this to give a pepper flavor! Great for accents when you make chains or waves!
COLUMBUS Sliced Peppered Salame, 10 Oz
cheeses
rule of thumb for cheese is 1-2 oz per person if it's more of an appetizer to the actual menu… 2-3 oz if its the main course! try to offer variety: mild/sharp, buttery/nutty/salty, firm/soft, etc.
always always always have brie!! it's soft, creamy, easy to spread on crackers or baguette, and pairs so beautifully with so many meats, fruits, and toppings!
President Brie Cheese Round, 8 oz
cheddar is a staple because almost everyone loves it and knows what it is immediately. This brings a little bit of sharpness flavor profile, and gives you a firm cheese for variety.
Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block, 1lb
this is my favorite!! I love to grab a couple of logs, and keep one plain, but roll the other in crushed pecans or top it with a chutney or preserves...so so yummy
La Bonne Vie, Original Goat Log, 10.5 Ounce
smaller logs with toppings make it easy for guests to mix and match and try new flavors and textures!!
La Bonne Vie Blueberry Vanilla Goat Log 4oz
I prefer slices of cheese/meat but if you wanted to supplement that, or just make more "grab and go" options - you can skewer these with cherry tomatoes and some basil for a little caprese stick.
Crave Brothers, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, 8 oz
solid choice for a mild firm cheese
Fontinella Cheese, approx. 8oz
a great option to bridge the gap in varieties of cheese! depending on how asiago is made, it can be softer or harder, mild or sharp. Choose one based on the other varieties of flavors and textures you already have.
Belgioioso, Cheese Wedge, Asiago, 5 Oz
fruits
fruits add so much freshness to your board/table! I love to add at least one fresh berry and one dried fruit! Also, they can bring so much color in, so consider that when you're thinking of the presentation. Aesthetic is not everything but it can def...
you'll want to have fresh fruits as well but I always like including a dried fruit for variety of textures and flavors
Nature's Eat Organic Sun Dried Turkish Apricots - 10oz
strawberries are a favorite for most people! They bring freshness, color, and variety!!
Strawberries, 1 Lb
so yummy and delicate! blackberries help bring a different texture and sweetness to the table.
Organic Blackberries, 6 oz
nuts
nuts are a GREAT filler and offer lots of opportunity for variety in taste, texture, hardness/softness, and more.
you want to have at least one kind of nut! Almonds are a safe bet and pair well with many cheeses and fruits
Food to Live Organic California Almonds, 8oz
Adding in some variety with nuts is so good! Bring in some herb roasted or honey roasted for a sweet flavor!
365 by Whole Foods Market, Glazed Pecans, 8 Ounce
condiments/toppings
In my opinion, these can really make or break the spread!! My rule of thumb is to have ⅓ the amount of toppings as I have items on the table. For example: if I have 9 ingredients (meats/cheeses/fruits etc.) then I will have 3 toppings. Honey and must...
honey is a must have! the charcuterie set I pinned has a honeycomb wand but if you buy a different set - make sure you have one for guests to use!
Nate's Organic Raw Unfiltered Honey 16oz
I LOVE kits like this that have little containers so you get variety without wasting money. It's always so fun to try all the flavors!
PENINSOLA Balsamic Compote 4-Pack - Fig, Strawberry, Pear, Blueberry
the best mustard and to me, a must have for every charcuterie spread! The sour will balance against sweet, spicy, salty, buttery.. and bring out all the flavor notes on your board.
Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard (16 oz Jar)
I’m a sucker for olives and I usually try to have a couple of kinds - even in the tiniest spread. Go to staple is Kalamata and then I’ll add another kind of stuffed or medley or spicy.
Mezzetta Kalamata Olives, Sliced, 9.5 Ounce
crackers/breads
these are great for crunch, spreads, and soft cheese pairings!
La Panzanella Olive Oil & Sea Salt Bruschetta Crackers
thin slices of fresh baguette bring a nice crunchy / soft mixed texture and are great with Brie and honey!
LA BREA BAKERY French Baguette 10.50 oz,
there’s bound to be some gluten-sensitive guests in the bunch, but it’s also nice to consider options just health wise… simple mills is a great brand with super clean ingredients and a wide variety of options!
Simple Mills Organic Seed Crackers, Everything
veggies & greens
Putting your spread together will already be aesthetically pleasing, but there’s just something about adding some greens to the table. I actually start my spread by making curved lines of arugula (think a sine wave) and that sets my structure for mea...
EARTHBOUND FARM Organic Wild Red Arugula, 4 OZ
I slice these julienne (so think thin 2 in long slices) and it adds some crunchiness and light sweetness to the table. I always consider healthwise what would be balanced… so meat and cheese but also - fibrous mineral/vitamin-rich fresh whole foods t...
Fresh Whole Carrots, 1 lb Bag