Everything You Need For The Perfect Charcuterie Board

If you’re a lover of gourmet food and fine dining, why not try something a little different for your next dinner party? There is nothing quite like a beautifully presented charcuterie board overflowing with a delightful variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruit, crackers and freshly baked bread - not to mention a few bottles of expertly-selected wine. If you want to create a wonderfully rustic yet exquisite dining experience for your guests, consider this guide to creating the perfect charcuterie board. 

Cured Meat

Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products; hence the main focus of a charcuterie board should be a selection of high-quality cured meats. Classic options include Pork Rillettes, Saucisson Sec and Jamón Ibérico; however, you can tailor your selection to your guests’ preferences, being as conservative or as adventurous as you like. For example, if your guests are seasoned gastronauts who enjoy trying new things, consider adding something a little different, such as cured wild game, duck prosciutto and beef salami. Aim for roughly three ounces of meat per person. 

Cheese

A charcuterie board's second most important component is a selection of exquisite cheeses, ranging from hard to soft. Again, you can be as adventurous as you like with your cheese options, so long as you provide enough choices so everyone’s preferences are accommodated. For instance, pungent bleu cheeses, including Roquefort and Gorgonzola, are often considered to be acquired tastes; some of your guests may favour milder varieties, such as buttery brie, salty feta and fresh mozzarella. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least one cheese from each category - hard, semi-hard, soft, and bleu. 

Fruit And Nuts

Once you've selected your cured meats and cheeses, you can start bulking your charcuterie board out with extra nibbles and accompanying treats. The rich, savoury, and salty flavours of cured meats and cheeses can be wonderfully balanced by the natural, zesty sweetness of both fresh and dried fruit, including grapes, peaches, mango and pineapple. Additionally, fruit and nuts can enrich your board with diverse textures. For instance, the earthy flavour and appealing crunch of an almond or pistachio can be a wonderful accompaniment to sharp cheddar cheese. 

Bread And Crackers

Crackers are essential to any well-crafted charcuterie board. The combination of salty cured meat, sharp, savoury cheese and a crunchy, ever-so-slightly sweet cracker is a delight for the palate. Of course, a luxury charcuterie board calls for truly exceptional crackers, so consider sourcing hand-baked, artisan crackers flavoured with herbs, honey, smoked salt or extra virgin olive oil. Furthermore, there is nothing quite like the wonderful taste and aroma of freshly baked bread, so why not push the boat out and make some from scratch? 

Wine

You can’t have a charcuterie board without a few bottles of fine wine to complement the magnificent range of flavours and textures. Pairing your wine with the various meats and cheeses is the key to an excellent dining experience. As a rule of thumb, the intensity of the wine should match the intensity of the charcuterie flavours. For example, if you have a lot of rich, earthy, savoury flavours, consider a medium-bodied wine like saint emilion, which is generally composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Additionally, ensure you include a variety of red, rosé and white wines so your guests have plenty of choice. 

Pickles And Preserves

Sweet, tangy pickles and preserves are excellent additions to any charcuterie board. Pickles, whether they are dill pickles, cornichons or gherkins, provide a briny contrast to the rich and savoury meats and cheeses, while their bright acidity can act as a palette cleanser between bites. Homemade preserves, such as fruit jams or chutneys, offer a touch of sweetness, adding to the complexity of flavours.

Dips, Sauces and Spreads

A fantastic way to finish off your charcuterie board is to add a few dips and sauces, such as extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, olive tapenade, hummus, guacamole and baba ganoush. You’d also be missing a trick by forgetting to add some deliciously smooth softened butter for your fresh bread. Including a variety of dips, sauces, and spreads will allow your guests to experiment with different textures and flavour combinations, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience.