Spice Up Your Charcuterie Board

Stuffy dinner parties aren’t really our style. When it comes to entertaining, we like the preparation to be simple and the food to be memorable, and charcuterie boards are always a crowd-pleaser. We’ve got some tips to ensure your next charcuterie board is exciting and unique.

Don’t just think “cheese and salami.” Charcuterie boards can range from sweet to spicy to salty to savory, and you don’t have to just stick to cheese and salami. Include a wide range of items, such as crackers, cheese options, pickled vegetables, and even fruit.

Think outside the platter. Charcuterie boards don’t always have to be on a cutting board. Use a great large dish, use tiered serving trays, or even put parchment paper down the center of your table and load it up.

Pick a theme. Create a Tex-Mex board, recreate the flavors and feel of the Italian summer, or stay traditional. Picking a theme can help you get creative with flavors and items for your next charcuterie board.

Use unconventional meats. Salami isn’t the only type of meat that belongs on a charcuterie board. Try smoked fish, homemade pâté, or our personal favorite, beef jerky all belong on your charcuterie board. Use a tall bowl or even a glass to serve one of our flavors that compliments your board.

In a pickle… well, you should make some pickles! Homemade quick pickles are actually crazy easy to make, and crazy delicious. A simple way to pickle cucumbers or almost any vegetable you can think of is to sit the sliced vegetables in a bowl for about 10 minutes with 1 teaspoon each sugar and kosher salt, and a splash of vinegar.

Stay sweet! Charcuterie boards are all about balancing flavors, so try including something sweet along with savory. Sliced or dried fruit pairs really well with cheese, and can help tone down any spicy options.

Fill it in. Make your charcuterie board look impressive by filling all the gaps. Pick herbs that compliment the flavors and look beautiful without wilting, such as rosemary, and tuck the herbs under dishes or in gaps. Use small bowls to hold messier items such as jams or pickles. Sprinkle spiced nuts into any open spaces.

Everyone at your next party will rave about your charcuterie boards when you dress them up and get creative!