What is a Charcuterie Board? Definition + 5 Fun Ideas

Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant, skimming through Pinterest, or just chatting with your friends, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually come across the word “charcuterie.” This popular food trend – pronounced “shaar-koo-tr-ee,” – is all the rage and super healthy! But if you’re not quite sure what it is, don’t worry ’bout a thing.

If you’re ready to become a Charcuterie Queen (or King), here’s everything you need to know to impress your guests.

What does charcuterie mean?

The term charcuterie refers to the French art of preparing and assembling a variety of cured meats and meat products – such as sausage, ham, bacon, confit, and other pork products. In fact, the word itself translates to “pork-butcher shop.” In France, the person who prepares this meat is known as a Charcutier.

It may surprise you to learn that this hot new trend isn’t actually new at all. This tradition comes from a time when there was no refrigeration and meats needed to be preserved in other ways. Today, charcuterie has been revived and is now a part of the “traditional food movement.”

What is a charcuterie board?

Now that you know the basics of charcuterie history, you may wonder how this translates into today’s charcuterie board. Most modern versions are served as appetizers and are not limited to just pork products. They often include a selection of foods – like meats, cheeses, and nuts – that are artfully displayed. In fact, the beautiful layout of the charcuterie board is one of its most attractive features.

What goes on a charcuterie board?  

So, what are some charcuterie board combinations?

Versatility is one of the best things about this appetizer. You can find charcuterie boards with a variety of different ingredients. Some of the best common ingredients include: 

• Meats (prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, ham, sausage)
• Hard cheeses (cheddar, gouda, Manchego)
• Soft cheeses (brie, chevre)
• Fruits (dates, dried apricots, mangos, grapes, pears, sliced apples, berries, pears, pomegranate seeds, fresh figs)
• Veggies  (cucumbers, sweet mini peppers, snap peas, celery, radishes, grape tomatoes, carrots)
• Olives and pickles (dill pickles, sweet gherkins, kalamata olives, black olives, stuffed olive)
• Breads and crackers (sliced French baguettes, asiago ciabatta, water crackers, multigrain crackers, crispy breadsticks)
• Honeys and spreads (fresh honeycombs, natural honey, Adriatic fig spread, other fruit spreads)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)

Charcuterie boards are also often served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping the bread. They may also be garnished with greens like rosemary, basil, or sprigs of thyme.

5 charcuterie board ideas for beginners

Since there are so many different things you can put on a charcuterie board, it’s sometimes helpful to choose a theme. Some are created with a regional flair in mind. For example, they may include all items that come from a particular region of France or Italy. Others are based on specific types of foods. The great thing is, there’s no right or wrong way to put together a charcuterie board.

Whether you’re making your own board or ordering one from a restaurant, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular types of charcuterie boards. Here are five options to consider.

1. Cheese and fruit board

Pairing the right types of cheese with fruit creates a wonderfully flavorful combination of various tastes and textures. Some of the best pairings include:

• Cheddar with grapes
• Gouda with pears
• Smoked gouda with figs
• Brie with cherries or apples
• Mozzarella with cranberries
• Camembert with apples, almonds, and pears
• Cotija with bananas, mangoes, and berries
• Parmigiano-Reggiano with pineapple
• Manchego with pears and apples

When creating a cheese and fruit charcuterie board, it’s also a great idea to add some nuts, like almonds or walnuts, and some simple crackers to help cleanse the palate between bites. These boards also go well with classic wine pairings, making them an excellent appetizer to serve at a wine tasting.  

2. Toasted bread with meat, cheese, and dips board

Most classic meat-centered charcuterie boards that are made with cheese and dips also include some toasted bread. Sliced baguettes are a great option. Another excellent choice is a long, narrow French bread loaf with a crisp crust, sliced into thin pieces.

Small slices of bread are perfect for layering the other items on your charcuterie board. For example, spreading some fig jam on a slice of baguette and topping it with some prosciutto and brie.

3. Pickled vegetables and spreads board

Charcuterie boards made with pickles and spreads offer a tangy contrast to the sweet and smokey flavor of the meats and cheeses. Some of the best-pickled vegetables to add to this type of charcuterie board include:

• Pickled cauliflower
• Sweet gherkins
• Pickled red onions
• Pepperoncini’s
• Pickled jalapenos
• Pickled beans
• Pickled asparagus

4. Fresh veggies and citrus board

The bright, fresh flavors that come from adding fresh produce to a charcuterie board really make it stand out. It will also help balance out the fatter, heavier meats – like salami. Don’t be afraid to get creative here – think about adding items like blood orange slices and crunchy fennel.

5. Dessert boards

If you want to enjoy a fun twist on the classic charcuterie board, you may want to look for a dessert board. These often contain a few of the classic meats and cheeses, but also have a nice portion of sweets. Some of the items you’ll find on these types of boards include:

• High-quality dark chocolate
• Chocolate truffles
• Chocolate-covered fruit
• Whipped chocolate spread

These types of desserts go well with white cheddar cheese, brie, or parmesan. The addition of crackers, nuts, or a toasted baguette also helps balance out the sweetness. Fondue is an excellent addition to any dessert charcuterie board.

More resources related to charcuterie

If you found this guide on charcuterie helpful and you’re looking for more inspiration, make sure to check out our related resources:

• How to Make a Charcuterie Board
• How to Choose the Right Food for a Wine Tasting Party

Become DIY charcuterie royalty

Easy to make with an upscale vibe, charcuterie boards are perfect for all occasions. Serve them for dinner with a beautiful salad or bring a board for the hors d’oeuvres table. Whether you’re hosting a large party or making something gorgeous just for you, Instacart’s got you covered. Just add all of the items you need to your grocery list, and let our professional shoppers take care of the heavy lifting for you! 

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