How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Boards are so easy to prepare, and to be honest, they’re quicker than takeout! Plus, let’s be honest, a charcuterie board is super pretty, too! Here are my top tips for How to Make a Charcuterie Board:

This post is sponsored by Stella® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I have the kind of husband that will reply “whatever you want” when asked what he’d like for dinner. Literally, every time. It’s a blessing and a curse to have someone who could care less what you serve up at suppertime. The good part about it is, when I don’t feel like cooking full-fledged meals, I can prepare a tapas style meal and he’s happy as a clam. Meat and cheese boards are kind of our jam!

Charcuterie Boards are so easy to prepare, and to be honest, they’re quicker than takeout! Plus, let’s be honest, a charcuterie board is super pretty, too!

WHAT IS CHARCUTERIE?

Pronounced “shar-koo-tuh-ree,” charcuterie, a French word, describes a wide range of cured meats. A charcuterie board basically contains a variety of meats and cheeses and often fruit or nuts; essentially it’s a meat and cheese board! 

You can find charcuterie boards on menus at many of your favorite restaurant menus these days.

This fun feast is the perfect party food to serve at your next gathering, or a fun way to have dinner on those nights you don’t feel like cooking.

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

First up, start with a nice wooden board. You can use a cool tree slice, or simple flip over a cutting board and prepare your meat and cheese board on there.

The key to an interesting charcuterie board is VARIETY. Different flavors, colors, and textures will are something to think about. Your board should be abundant with different foods.

Look to fruit such as blackberries, strawberries, and grapes to add vibrant color. Try adding in nuts and olives for even more flavor and texture. Stack the foods high to make the board look full.

The staple ingredients on your charcuterie board will be:

MEATS – estimate that each person you’re serving will eat about 3-4 slices of meat. For a variety of meats, consider including salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, capicola, and more.

CHEESE – For me, the must-have cheese on my meat and cheese boards is mozzarella. Specifically, I choose fresh Stella® Fresh Mozzarella Cheese because it offers a fresh, milky flavor and soft, delicate texture. It is so good! I will also incorporate other cheeses for added flavors and textures, but Stella mozzarella is the go-to!

SIDE ITEMS – I love to add little bowls of foods such as olives, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and gourmet pickles. This totally ups the deliciousness of my charcuterie board!

SWEET AND SAVORY – Items such as berries, grapes, honey, and nuts will add even more interesting elements to your board.