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The Art of the Board: A Curated Guide to Charcuterie Essentials

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The definitive guide to building a curated board.
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

Boards

It all starts with a firm foundation!

 
Jenn Cantrell profile picture
I love the look of a nice wood cutting block for a meat and cheese spread. Also, easy clean-up!
Wooden Boards
 
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These dark stone cheese boards are elegant and classy, and you can even write on them!
Stone Cheese Board
 
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Granite can be chilled before adding your charcuterie, so it can help keep your meats cooler. Cheese really should be served at room temperature, so this one is best for those items you'd like a little coolder, like meats, olives and pickles!
Granite Cheese Board
 
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A little bit clever, a little bit elegant.
Snazzy Cheese Boards

The Meats

 
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A high-end, intensely flavorful cured ham from Spain that can be more complex than prosciutto.
Jamon Iberico
 
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A dry-cured ham from Italy that is savory, sweet, and delicate. It's best served in very thin slices. Try it with cantaloupe for sweet, savory deliciousness.
Prosciutto
 
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A classic Italian salami with a milder, more garlicky flavor.
Genoa Salami
 
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A spicier Italian salami with notes of paprika and chili.
Calabrese Salami
 
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Another type of Italian salami that can be either mild or hot.
Soppressata Salami
 
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A flavorful Spanish cured sausage seasoned with smoked paprika.
Spanish Chorizo
 
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A spicy, dry-cured pork shoulder that has a beautiful marbled texture and rich flavor.
Capicola
 
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Adds a touch of sweet and salty to your board.
Candied Bacon
 
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Not just for pizza, pepperoni can jazz up a charcuterie board with some extra tanginess.
Pepperoni

Cheese, please!

 
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Sharp and crumbly, it pairs well with most cured meats, including smoked ham. So many varieties, so lots of choices!
Aged Cheddar
 
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A Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a firm texture and subtle, fruity undertones. It complements the smoky flavor of ham without overpowering it.
Murray's Young Manchego – a nutty, crowd-pleasing sheep's milk cheese
 
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Nutty and savory, parm is more than just a pasta topping.
Parmigiano Reggiano
 
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Simlar to Parmesan, asiago  is intense, salty, and crystalline, it pairs well with fatty, rich meats.
Asiago
 
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A nutty, semi-hard Swiss cheese that pairs well with ham and salami.
Gruyère
 
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Buttery, creamy, and mild, these are crowd-pleasers that pair excellently with salty prosciutto or a light ham.
Brie and Camembert
 
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Goat cheese has a tangy, fresh flavor that provides a cooling balance for spicier meats or a sharp contrast to rich ham.
Chevre
 
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A creamy, semi-soft cheese with a buttery taste that allows the flavors of the meat to shine through.
Havarti
 
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Gorgonzola or Stilton - These bold and salty options are great with honey, walnuts, and some milder meats.
The Bleues

Spreads

 
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The sweetness of fig jam or preserves is a classic pairing with salty meats and cheeses like prosciutto and creamy brie.
Fig Jam
 
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The subtle floral notes of honey and the unique texture of honeycomb are a perfect match for strong, aged cheeses.
Honey
 
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Whole grain mustard adds a spicy, tangy flavor and grainy texture that cuts through the richness of heavy meats like pâté.
MOM's Organic Market
 
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Quince paste (membrillo)is a thick, sweet paste made from quince fruit, and is a traditional Spanish accompaniment for Manchego cheese.
Membrillo
 
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Caramelized onion jam offers a sweet and savory element with a deep, rich flavor that pairs well with smoked meats and pungent cheeses.
Three Little Figs French Onion Confit