How to Build a Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are showing up everywhere. Traditionally made of cured, dried meats, now, almost anything goes. This post will show you How to Build a Charcuterie Board with meats, cheeses and other items using a variety of different textures and flavors!

Mom was a Charcuterie Pioneer

Back in the day, mom always had what she and my dad called “summer sausage” and /or salami and cheese in  the fridge. Mom was always prepared to make a little spread of meat, cheese, fruit and crackers for any guest. She was a woman before her time!

Her spreads were almost always served on plate or two, along with a glass of juice, or a cup of japanese tea. To this day, if someone stops by to see her, she slices up a variety of meats, cheese and cups up fresh fruit to place on a plate and share with guests.

History lesson

In France, where charcuterie shops originated, the practice of curing and preserving meats dates back to the 15th century. The charcuteriers sold their cured meats to villagers to supplement the supply of fresh food available throughout the year. Pronounced  “Shar-cute-er-ree”, by definition, the word charcuterie means “pork-butcher’s shop,” also, “cooked flesh,”  and “meat”.

Many definitions also include the word delicatessen and cooked, cold meat. So there you have it. Confused? Today, most people think of a charcuterie board as variety of meats, served cold with cheese, fruit, spreads and cracker or breads.

How to build a Charcuterie Board and simplify entertaining

Charcuterie boards are the way to entertain if you’re looking for quick and easy. Charcuterie boards involve purchasing  meats, cheeses, and a few other items and arranging on a flat surface.

I love how simple and impressive a charcuterie board is to put together. It literally involves no cooking and can be served year round.

I was looking for an easy way to feed about a dozen family members in our home on Christmas day,  between Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner. I didn’t want to make another meal, or load everyone up so much that they wouldn’t be hungry for dinner. I decided creating a charcuterie  board was the answer.  Charcuterie boards are semi-healthy, and don’t require more than slicing up a few items and placing on a platter. In about 15 minutes this was the result…

A Firm Foundation

Does building a charcuterie board require an expensive wood cutting board? You can use anything as a base or foundation for your board. You’ll want to consider a few factors. First make sure whatever you use, it is safe for food.

Don’t pick up a cool looking board you find behind a warehouse that is covered in peeling paint. Not safe. I used  my large Boos Block cutting board under this charcuterie board. But, as you can see, the board is covered completely, and sitting on top of a large sheet pan.  

I initially placed the board on top of the sheet pan to catch any excess spill over. In the end, I got a little carried away so the board is not visible. I’ve also seen “boards” that are set up directly on a clean surface such as a marble countertop. I suggest laying a piece of parchment paper down on the counter before arranging food.

Frugal option-Potluck Charcuterie Board

If you’re looking at this board and thinking LOVE IT. But can’t handle the cost, gather some friends and family and ask guests to bring an item, or two to contribute.

Putting together a board is the perfect way to get a party started and let everyone’s creative flare shine. I went to Trader Joe’s (* items)  to purchase the majority of the items on my Charcuterie board, but you can purchase the items from any grocery store.

I used meats from Creminelli, a local Utah company. My daughter Brookie, at Female Foodie recently worked with Creminelli,  they sent her a few meats and cheeses to enjoy over the holidays, which she shared with me. Creminelli meats make an appearance on this charcuterie board!

Own It

I’ve seen Charcuterie board’s display anything from traditional meats, cheese, olives, crackers, fruit and spreads, to chocolates, and even mini cookies! This is your board, make it your own. The only real rule, in my opinion, is to mix a variety of different flavors and textures. If you add something creamy, make sure to contrast it with something crunchy. Same with sweet and savory.

A few fun suggestions: a variety of chocolates, mixed with fruits and cheese. Tuna in a small bowl, accompanied by mini pickles, dill and sweet, a mustard mayo spread and a pile of sprouts, with toasted wheat bread, cut in to triangles. Flavored nuts (sweet and savory), along with fruit, fresh and dried. the possibilities are endless. Let us know how you build your board!