Want to impress your friends and family the next time they come over? Want to get rid of the extra stuff in your fridge without looking lazy? Preparing a charcuterie board is the best way to spice up everyday snacks for more formal get-togethers without going out of your way to spend all your money. Filled with versatility, color, and aesthetic presentation, charcuterie boards are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event or get-together. These appetizers are easy to share and inviting to even the pickiest of eaters! You don’t want to forget the best food pairings before your next dinner party.
-Essentials-
Every amazing charcuterie board starts with a unique platter to put the snacks on. Using a big plate makes for easier organization and convenient access for guests. The traditional board is usually prepared on a wooden slab, but a plate or tray works just as well. If you’re looking for a cute platter and don’t know where to look, the dollar store has a plethora of seasonal options to choose from, perfect for any holiday party you’re throwing.
While charcuterie boards vary in content, there are some go-to staples that trademark most plates. For instance, you’ll frequently find assortments of cheese including a variety of textures and colors. You can use whatever cheese you like, as long as you have good variety and presentation. Cured meats are a popular pairing as well. Meats like prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, or pancetta are versatile choices. Cheese and meat are known as the foundation for traditional charcuterie boards because they are complementary and provide colorful presentation.
Charcuterie boards look fancy but can still consist of things you find at home. Dig to the back of your fridge and pull out your favorite dip, this is the perfect time to use it. Adding spreads and sauces creates dimension to the board, creating the perfect outline to organize the other foods. It also offers options for everyone to try and gives people more to discuss as they investigate the best combinations. To diversify the flavors present on the board, you can add something pickled or canned like peppers or black olives. This offers more sour and bitter tastes, which stick out from the other pairings.
If you still need an extra pop of color, adding some fresh fruit to the board can always bring it together. Traditionally, people tend to avoid most sweet fruit because it doesn’t pair well with meats and cheeses. That being said, green grapes, plums, and dried pears go exceptionally well with savory foods. You can also use raspberries, blackberries, and apricots to add a jam, preservative feel to the board. Finishing off, it’s good to add nuts in the empty spaces and place crackers on the sides to balance everything out with the perfect crunch.
Although charcuterie directly translates to “cured meat”, you can avoid using meats on your board by doubling down on fruits and vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, cauliflower, and strawberries are incredibly yummy and colorful alternatives that are great foods for dipping. Your charcuterie board should be a reflection of your preferences, so feel free to add or remove whatever you need!
3333 rule
The 3333 rule suggests using three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three preservatives to add versatility to the board. This is the perfect formula to keep your board balanced with an ample range of different tastes and enough pairings for your guests. If you have no idea where to start, but know you want to make a charcuterie board, Trader Joes’ has a whole section devoted to charcuterie foods just to help you out! Everything you need to make the ideal board at a reduced price can be found there.
Making a charcuterie board doesn’t need to be a complicated and expensive process, it can be something you do for fun with your friends. Knowing how to prepare this crowd pleasing appetizer will come in handy for all types of special occasions. Next family gathering, surprise everyone with a dish they can’t help but love.
