Description
A beautifully arranged charcuterie board featuring an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, olives, and crackers. This elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining, offering a balance of creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors with minimal preparation time.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 6 ounces cured meats (such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni)
Cheeses
- 6 ounces assorted cheeses (like brie, cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese)
Fruits
- 1/2 cup fresh fruit (grapes, berries, or apple slices)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (apricots, figs, or cranberries)
Other
- 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)
- 1/4 cup olives or pickles
- 1/4 cup jam or honey
- Assorted crackers and/or sliced baguette
Instructions
- Arrange the cheeses: On a large board or platter, place the cheeses in different corners or sections. Slice firmer cheeses as desired and leave soft cheeses whole with a knife nearby for easy serving.
- Prepare the meats: Fold or roll the cured meats and arrange them in groups next to the cheeses to create visual appeal and easy access.
- Add fruits: Scatter piles of fresh and dried fruit around the board to add color, variety, and a touch of sweetness.
- Fill in gaps: Use nuts, olives, and small bowls of jam or honey to fill in open spaces on the board, enhancing texture and flavor variety.
- Serve with crackers: Place assorted crackers or sliced baguette around the edges or in a separate basket for guests to pair with meats and cheeses.
- Final touch: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Bring cheeses to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor.
Notes
- Bring cheese to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Choose a balance of textures and flavors—creaminess, saltiness, sweetness, and crunchiness.
- Customize your board based on seasonal produce or dietary preferences.
- Opt for gluten-free crackers or bread to keep the board gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European-Inspired