How to make a charcuterie board

What is a charcuterie board?

Originally used to describe shops in 15th century France that specialized in selling pork products, charcuterie is now colloquially referred to as an assortment of cured meats and cheeses. The introduction of a board transformed them into a proper appetizer, and today charcuterie boards carry a variety of foods.

What should be included on a charcuterie board?

The two main staples of charcuterie boards are cured meats—such as salami, pepperoni and prosciutto—and cheeses like hard cheddar, pepper jack or brie. To elevate your charcuterie board, consider adding crackers or bread along with fruits, jams and spreads to add a burst of flavor to each bite.

Charcuterie Board Layout

When laying out a charcuterie board, presentation is key. Make sure you spread out each kind of food for easy access and leave space around them all to give each food extra appeal. Serving bowls are not only practical but look aesthetically pleasing and can help pull the board together.

Simple charcuterie board recipe

With the degree of choice available, creating a charcuterie board can be an overwhelming experience. With this simple, yet elegant charcuterie board recipe, you won’t need to wonder whether your guests will love this appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Cured meats: prosciutto, soppressata, salami, or coppa

• Cheeses: manchego, parmesan, havarti, or goat cheese

• Olives or other pickled foods

• Toasted sourdough or multigrain crackers

• Fresh or dried fruit

• Jams or preserves

• Spreads like stone ground mustard or savory chutneys

Tools:

• KitchenAid^® food processor

• KitchenAid^® blender

• KitchenAid^® vegetable strainer

• KitchenAid^® toaster

• A serving board

• Serving utensils

• Small serving bowls

Total time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Start by prepping all of the food you wish to include on your board. Use the KitchenAid^® food processor to slice your meats and cheeses. For a visually appealing fruit presentation, use the KitchenAid^® spiralizer to core, slice and spiralize fruits. For your favorite jams, preserves, sauces and mustards, use the KitchenAid^® blender to create a smooth puree. Another tip: prep sourdough bread with a KitchenAid^® toaster. It will hold better than crackers and give your charcuterie board a unique feel.

Step 2: Assemble your board

Start with the foundation of your charcuterie board: your meats and cheeses. Spread them out evenly around the edges of the board and place your serving dishes of olives or other finger foods and spreads in between them. Take your fruit and set them near the cheeses they pair best with. Finish by placing your toasted bread in the center of your charcuterie board.

Step 3: Serve

Once your board is ready and your drinks have been poured, it’s time to serve your guests. Just remember to take some time to enjoy your charcuterie board, as well.

Tips for making a charcuterie board

There are some considerations to keep in mind when making a charcuterie board. When you’re expecting a large crowd, try splitting your charcuterie across two boards. Remember to utilize small bowls when serving non-solid food. And when in doubt, always add a pop of color.

Unique charcuterie board ideas

Because charcuterie boards are such a great appetizer for intimate gatherings, try adjusting your board for by season. For the summer, liven up your board with light fruits and crisp garden vegetables. For the winter months, try pairing rich dinners with smoked cheeses and meats.

What drinks go well with charcuterie?

Because charcuterie boards often contain high-sodium foods, high-acidity beverages like champagne and sparkling wine are an ideal pairing. Other excellent wine pairings to go with charcuterie are Cabernet Sauvignon, pinot noir and prosecco. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink, try using the KitchenAid^® cold brew coffee maker for a refreshing fruit option. All you need to do is slice an assortment of fresh fruits and herbs and then place them in the filter basket to steep for 12-24 hours.