Classic Charcuterie Boards
I can’t believe it’s actually happening…
Not sure if I should jump for joy or feel totally overwhelmed. On one hand, it means I get to show off my hosting skills, but on the other, it means I have to actually put together something that looks halfway decent.
Today’s the day we’re hosting our very first “grown-up” gathering – yep, a real-deal dinner party. Gone are the days of quick snacks and paper plates. Now it’s all about sophistication… or at least that’s what I’m telling myself as I try not to panic.
Cue internal freak-out mode in 3-2-1…
Pulling myself together because, guess what? I’ve got a secret weapon: charcuterie boards! They’re elegant, they’re easy, and they make it look like I know exactly what I’m doing. Plus, who doesn’t love a board piled high with cheeses, meats, and all the fancy extras?
Crafting a Costco-Inspired Charcuterie Board on a Budget
Creating a beautiful Costco charcuterie board is not only convenient but also cost-effective, especially when hosting larger gatherings.
Start by picking up a variety of pre-sliced meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni, which Costco offers in bulk packs at a great value. Next, select an assortment of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, and brie, for a range of flavors that appeal to different tastes. For added variety, grab a selection of crackers and a few fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and berries.
Finish off the look with a few small bowls of spreads like honey or fig jam. With these affordable ingredients, a Costco charcuterie board provides a balanced and visually pleasing array of flavors, making it a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients Used to Make Charcuterie Boards
- Cured Meats: Think prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. These are the heart of any good charcuterie board, offering a variety of flavors and textures.
- Cheeses: A mix of hard and soft cheeses like aged cheddar, brie, and blue cheese. Variety is key to keeping things interesting.
- Crackers & Bread: Offer a selection of crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks for a variety of crunch and texture.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, and apple slices add sweetness and freshness. Dried fruits like apricots or figs are also a great addition.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or cashews add a crunchy element and pair well with both meats and cheeses.
- Pickles & Olives: For a tangy, briny contrast to the rich meats and cheeses.
- Spreads & Jams: Fig jam, honey, or a good mustard can elevate the flavors of the meats and cheeses.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of nuts for that extra touch of flair.
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
- Choose Your Board: Start with a large wooden cutting board, a marble slab, or even a serving tray. The size of your board will depend on how many people you’re serving, but make sure there’s enough space to arrange everything without it looking too crowded.
- Arrange the Cheeses: Begin by placing the cheeses on the board. Position them in different areas, leaving some space between each type. If the cheeses are large, you can pre-slice them or provide cheese knives for guests to use.
- Add the Meats: Next, fold or roll your cured meats and place them around the cheeses. You can create small clusters or spread them out for visual interest. If you’re feeling creative, try making meat “roses” by folding slices of salami or prosciutto in a circular pattern.
- Fill in with Crackers and Bread: Arrange crackers and bread slices around the board, making sure they’re easily accessible. You can stack them neatly or scatter them for a more rustic look.
- Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Add fresh and dried fruits in the gaps between the cheeses and meats. Scatter nuts around the board or place them in small bowls. The pops of color from the fruit will make the board look vibrant and appetizing.
- Add Pickles, Olives, and Spreads: Place small bowls of pickles, olives, and spreads on the board. You can also drizzle honey directly onto the cheese or offer it in a small dish with a honey dipper.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish off your board with some fresh herbs or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Serve immediately, and watch your guests dive into this irresistible spread!
Creating a charcuterie board is an art form that’s both fun and delicious. It’s all about balance—mixing sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements to create the perfect bite. So grab your favorite ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the perfect charcuterie experience. Bon appétit! 🍇🥂
uick Assembly Guide
- Preparation Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cooking Time: None
- Inactive Time: None
- Total Time: 15-30 minutes
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Yield: Varies depending on the size of the board
Master the art of Charcuterie Boards! Learn to create stunning spreads with cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Impress guests with this elegant appetizer platter.
Ingredients:
- A selection of cured meats (prosciutto, salami, chorizo)
- A variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, blue cheese)
- Crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks
- Fresh fruits (grapes, berries, apple slices)
- Dried fruits (apricots, figs)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Pickles and olives
- Spreads and jams (fig jam, honey, mustard)
- Fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
- Choose a large board or tray.
- Arrange cheeses on the board.
- Add cured meats around the cheeses.
- Fill in with crackers, bread, fruits, and nuts.
- Place pickles, olives, and spreads in small bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or flowers. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different flavors and textures—variety is key to a great charcuterie board.
- Consider adding chocolate or sweet treats for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Tips for Assembling a Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards come in different styles, most common are dessert charcuterie board and breakfast charcuterie board, let's take a look into how to make a breakfast charcuterie board.
A breakfast charcuterie board is an exciting way to start the day, offering a variety of breakfast favorites in one visually appealing spread. Begin with an assortment of proteins like smoked salmon, prosciutto, or mini sausage links. Add a mix of bagels, croissants, and muffins for a selection of bread options.
Incorporate fruits like berries, orange slices, and grapes, and add some honey, cream cheese, and jams for spreads. To bring it all together, include small items like hard-boiled eggs or mini quiches for a heartier option. This breakfast charcuterie board is ideal for brunch gatherings, providing a little something for everyone with minimal prep required.
So Damn Delish is your go-to source for culinary inspiration and foolproof recipes. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey that will transform your kitchen adventures, starting with charcuterie boards.
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Ultimate Guide to Charcuterie Boards: Dessert, Breakfast & More!
- Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15-30 minutes
- Yield: Varies depending on the size of the board
- Category: Comfort Food
Description
Master the art of Charcuterie Boards! Learn to create stunning spreads with the So Damn Delish recipe. Impress guests with this elegant appetizer platter.
Ingredients
- A selection of cured meats (prosciutto, salami, chorizo)
- A variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, blue cheese)
- Crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks
- Fresh fruits (grapes, berries, apple slices)
- Dried fruits (apricots, figs)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Pickles and olives
- Spreads and jams (fig jam, honey, mustard)
- Fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Choose a large board or tray.
- Arrange cheeses on the board.
- Add cured meats around the cheeses.
- Fill in with crackers, bread, fruits, and nuts.
- Place pickles, olives, and spreads in small bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or flowers. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different flavors and textures—variety is key to a great charcuterie board.
- Consider adding chocolate or sweet treats for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
