With the holidays coming around the corner you are sure to be attending, or hosting a party or two.  A charcuterie board is the answer to the age old question: What should I bring? It may look overwhelming, but I promise it is incredibly easy (no cooking!) and everyone will LOVE it!

Here are the five key elements to a perfect charcuterie board:

1. Cheese

   ~ You have limitless options in this category so you can not go wrong.  I usually do two hard cheeses and two soft.   I’m a sucker for Gouda, Goat, and Brie cheese, so those are always a staple on my board.

2. Sweet

   ~ Cheese can pair well with sweet components like honey, fig jam, and/or a chutney.  If you have time and really want to impress, make your own chutney.  I will make an incredible apricot chutney to put over pork tenderloin for Matt, I then save the rest for my future charcuterie boards.  You also want to include some fruit, which can cut the fatty meats.  I will slice up an apple, add a bunch of grapes, and pair melon with prosciutto on skewers.  Melon and prosciutto – amazing.

3. Savory 

   ~ You need to have one or two savory elements to pair up to the meats.  My favorite is an assortment of olives, nuts (almonds or walnuts), and cornichons (gherkins).  You also need a savory spread to balance your sweet spreads – I always use a stone ground mustard – delish!

4. Meat ~

   Yes, meat, the main attraction.  You should include a variety of cured meats, and sausages.  Some high-end super markets will provide packs of three different choices next to the cheese selection, or you can buy each meat individually.  My picks are a peppered salami, sopressata, prosciutto,  and capicola.  But you have multiple options in this department too, don’t be scared to try new things!

5. Bread

   ~ The bread and crackers.  Go with a fresh baked baguette, a variety of crackers, or both!  Again, most high-end markets will sell a package with the different flavors – I usually go with that option.

And Voila! You have yourself a crowd pleaser – if you create a board following these five elements then you will have something for everyone! And the pairings are limitless.  Speaking of pairings make sure you have a couple bottles of good wine to really make this board come alive.

Don’t forget the aesthetic is just as important as the flavors.  I always bring my own charcuterie serving tray, and cute cheese knives ~ if you don’t have a spectacular serving platter then a large wooden cutting board is just as good!  No two boards I make look alike, I play around until it looks “Martha Stewart” appropriate, and then I make sure to give the crowd a quick run down on what they are looking at.

Try making your own charcuterie board and let me know how much the crowd loves it! Happy Holidays!

XO ~ Shannon