Millennials are the lunchables generation, so it shouldn’t be surprising that we love charcuterie boards. A charcuterie board is the perfect excuse to live your best life of bread and cheese, while simultaneously impressing any guests with your hosting skills.
While charcuterie boards were initially used as a means of survival for the peasant class (maybe not that far off from being in your twenties actually…), they are now a perfect dish for entertaining and to impress all of your friends. So how do you assemble the perfect charcuterie board?
The Cheese
For me, the perfect charcuterie board centers on the cheese. I like every charcuterie board to have at least three different kinds of cheese
Creamy: Think Brie or Humboldt Fog, something that will spread nicely on crackers or bread
Hard: Chedder, Gruyère, Manchego
Funky: While this can be something more obvious like blue cheese, you can also get wilder. Recently we cheese which had been aged in a sage leaf, and cranberry cheese.
For discount items, check your local grocery store. Mine has an under $5 section where I can get multiple kinds of cheese at the perfect price!
The Meat
Add some variety here! Charcuterie is literally named after the process of making cured meat, so you can’t go wrong with salami. You can also make this section vegetarian by using alternatives like soyrizo or shredded jackfruit if you have vegetarian guests.
Prosciutto
Pepperoni
Salimi
Sopressata
Spice: Add some kick with a spicy meat like Chorizo
The Extras
This is where you really get to make the board your own!
Crackers and Bread
Preserves (we recently tried a raspberry pineapple one which was divine!)
Bean or veggie spreads
Dried fruit and nuts
Fresh veggies, hard-boiled eggs, or pickles
Olives
Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, and Apples
The best thing about a charcuterie board is that you get to fill it with all the things you like!.
Step it up at your next gathering by adding a charcuterie board and wine to the menu.
What is on your perfect charcuterie board? Let me know in the comments!