How to Create the Perfect Holiday Charcuterie Board
Party season is here! One of our favorite things is creating an impressive spread for friends and family when we entertain. And one of the easiest ways to create an impressive spread is by having a delicious charcuterie board for your party. So what exactly is a charcuterie board? It's a collection of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and veggies paired with different dipping sauces. It’s simple and delicious! Here are our tips for creating the perfect holiday charcuterie board:
What is charcuterie?
Charcuterie is a French word meaning “cooked meat,” but often it refers to the selection of meats and sausages served with accompaniments, like pickles and mustard. The term also can refer to the preparation or cooking of these meats.
The ritual of charcuterie has been around since at least Roman times when boars were hunted and cooked in pits over an open flame (thereby preserving their meat). Through time and practice, this method evolved into what we know today as traditional European cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and soppressata—and these are all great components of your holiday charcuterie board!
Find a board.
Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to think about your board. The perfect piece of wood should be at least 16" in length and have a large surface area to hold all your charcuterie items. If you're using more than one type of smoked meat, make sure that each type has its own section on the board so that it doesn't get too crowded.
Avoid glass or ceramic boards, as they will dull your knives and ruin any plating aesthetic you may want to go for. A cutting board is also not recommended — we like boards with handles to add a little character and make it easy to transport.
Choose the perfect cheese.
When you're choosing cheese for your charcuterie board, think about the texture and flavor of each selection. Some cheese varieties are soft, some are semi-soft, and others are hard. The softer the cheese, the milder its flavor. When it comes to texture, look at how easily the rind can be removed from the cheese (if there is one). A creamy surface means that it may have been distilled or whipped before maturing; this could add an interesting twist to your board!
Soft/Semi-Soft Cheeses: Brie (France), Camembert (France), Muenster (Germany) Hard Cheeses: Cheddar (England), Swiss (Switzerland), Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy)
Pick your fruit.
Choose seasonal fruit. The best fruits for your charcuterie board are those that are in season. Seasonal produce will be at its freshest, and you are more likely to find organic or locally-grown produce.
Look for fruit that will complement the cheese and other ingredients already on your board. For example, if you're serving soft goat cheese like burrata or ricotta with your charcuterie selection, choose pitted olives or grapes as complementary pieces of fruit.
Cut your chosen fruit into bite-sized pieces so they'll be easy for guests to eat without having to use a knife. It's also recommended to include several different colors and textures of cut fruit on display—this makes for a beautiful presentation!
Go nuts!
Nuts are a classic addition to charcuterie boards. They go great with cheese and fruit, as well as the meats you’re likely serving at your party. If you’re looking for some ideas on which nuts to add to your board, try these:
Walnuts—They go well with any cheese, especially blue cheeses, and also pair nicely with dried fruits like apricots and figs.
Almonds—These are a great add-in for meatier charcuterie items like salami or prosciutto because their nuttiness goes so well with these salty meats.
Pistachios—These are especially good if you have guests who aren't fans of bitter flavors (like olives).
Fill out with dips and dressings.
The next step is to add dips and dressings. These can be a great way to add flavor, texture, and color to your charcuterie board. You can make your own or buy them from a store (many grocery stores now stock their own dipping sauces).
Dips and dressings provide a great means of introducing new flavors into the mix. Aioli, chimichurri sauce, harissa paste, or honey mustard are all perfect examples of this. Add whatever flavors you like!
We hope you’re inspired to create your own customized charcuterie board for your next party. The best part—it’s easy to do! All you need is some good quality cheese, a selection of dips (including one for dessert), a variety of fruits, nuts, or other snacks—and maybe some wine or beer for the perfect finishing touch. You can put together an impressive spread without spending too much money on ingredients, and there’s no reason not to try making something like this at home if your budget allows.
Happiest Holidays from The Leaf!
The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster, offers a vast menu making breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our team takes pride in creating delicious dishes for our guests. Whether you're celebrating or simply want a relaxing evening out, we hope you'll join us soon.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest specials and new menu items. Reservations may be made at OpenTable or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.