Forget the stale cheese or sausage platters of yesterday! Now we are talking about a really hip and super delicious party food trend: the charcuterie board. This excellent cold plate is super easy to put together and is also an absolute must on the festive table at Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Take a look below at how you can prepare such a culinary gem and be inspired by the delicious charcuterie ideas in our article.
A charcuterie board is guaranteed to delight your guests
What does Charcuterie Board mean?
The word charcuterie comes from French. It derives from two words that literally mean “cooked” and “meat”. But it also stands for a butcher’s shop, as well as a style of cooking dedicated to prepared meat products, traditionally pork.
On the platter, charcuterie refers to the cured meats on offer. Incidentally, many people believe that the charcuterie board is Italian because the name sounds like “carne cruda” — or raw meat. However, this type of cold plate clearly originated in France and only later emigrated to Italy. The sausage platter is also popular in many other countries across Europe these days, including Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal.
This is a selection of meats, cheeses and other side dishes served together to create an appetizing treat. But you will also see that it can go far beyond these simple ingredients.
A charcuterie board with a Christmassy touch
What goes on a charcuterie board?
The traditional ingredients for this platter consist of bread, charcuterie, cheese and various other side dishes, all served together as an appetizer platter. On the modern charcuterie board, you’re likely to see pickles, dips, fruit, crackers and breads, olives, and other vegetables.
Ultimately it depends on the host’s preferences and who the charcuterie board is for, but it’s not uncommon to see the following on a charcuterie board:
bread and crackers
It is common to see bread or savory crackers on the board, or sometimes served alongside the board. They go particularly well with meat, cheese and dips.
dips and sauces
You’ll often find an olive oil to complement the board, as well as dips like hummus and tzatziki. Mustard is another popular addition.
fruit
Apples, blackberries, strawberries and grapes are the most commonly found fruits. Dried fruits such as apricots and dates can also be seen.
Seafood can also be combined well with fruits, vegetables and dips
nuts
Almonds, cashews and pistachios are always very welcome on a charcuterie board. Depending on the cheese, walnuts may also be included.
vegetables
Cucumbers, carrots, olives, celery, and pickles are typical vegetables you might see on a charcuterie board. They should be cut thick enough so they don’t fall apart when dipping in dips, for example.
Despite these additions, the heart of a good charcuterie platter is the meat, closely followed by a variety of good cheeses, usually chosen to complement the meat. Some of the more common meats you’ll find on your board are capicola, salami, prosciutto, dry-cured chorizo, mortadella, or ham.
You should choose the highest quality meat possible and prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to a good charcuterie board
How do you create your ultimate charcuterie board?
With so many sausage board options available, it’s often difficult to know where to start. So let’s look at some good ideas. It’s important to start with the main ingredients that make up a charcuterie platter: cheese and meat.
Just because preparing a charcuterie platter requires little cooking doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan it like any meal. So start by listing the meats and cheeses you want on your board. Usually you have about three of each and then start thinking about the other elements. Choose from a variety of breads, fruits, vegetables, dips, etc. and add variety without overloading the board with too much.
When assembling your charcuterie board, start by layering the cheeses and meats, keeping them apart on the board with gaps to put any other food in place. Fold and shape them into different shapes to give the board an attractive look.
Such salami roses immediately become delicious eye-catchers
Slice your grapes, dice the apples, maybe display the veggies in a nice jar, or put the olives in a small bowl. If you have the space, group the bread and crackers together, but since they’ll take up a lot of space, don’t be afraid to set them aside on a separate bowl or board. Next, add the various dips and maybe add a pinch of nuts to the served board. Don’t be afraid to add fresh herbs like sage, parsley, and basil. These skilfully round off the whole thing and provide fresh and appetizing accents.
And how about an original Christmas tree to enjoy?
Stay inspired and create your unique charcuterie board for Christmas or, of course, for any other festive occasion! Don’t just let your eyes shine, but also eat along! Celebrate beautifully and let yourself and your guests have a great time!
And Christmas can taste just as original and delicious
Make a delicious charcuterie Christmas wreath with eucalyptus leaves
Cocoa and dark chocolate also go perfectly with it
Such a charcuterie board is sure to make the hearts of all those with a sweet tooth beat faster
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