How To Make A Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are popular appetizers containing cured meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, spreads and more. An excellent choice when entertaining, the vast combinations of ingredients can satisfy a wide variety of guests. Read more to learn how to make your own 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
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.
Shop KitchenAid® Products For Building the Perfect Charcuterie
While even the simplest charcuterie boards will delight your guests, building the perfect charcuterie board can help bring the entire party together. KitchenAid brand has the right countertop appliances, like KitchenAid® food processors and blenders, to elevate your charcuterie and discover your favorite combination of ingredients.
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.
Explore KitchenAid® Food Processors, Blenders, Fruit and Vegetable Strainers, Toasters and more
A crowd pleaser unlike any other, charcuterie boards are the perfect place to express your culinary vision. That’s why KitchenAid® countertop appliances are built with the maker in mind. Whether chopping with a KitchenAid® food processor, pureeing in a KitchenAid® blender, peeling with a KitchenAid® spiralizer or just plain toasting in a KitchenAid® toaster, KitchenAid brand is the perfect choice to help bring your charcuterie board to life.
