Need inspiration for your next appetizer? Try a charcuterie board! Discover three different types of boards you can customize to make your own.
More and more hosts are hopping on the trend of buying or making their own appetizer boards. There are so many options for constructing one of your own that it can almost feel like an intimidating task. Here are a few different types of charcuterie boards to help you get started and inspire you to create your own!
The Classic Charcuterie Board
“Charcuterie” quite simply means a collection of cold meats. In this sense of the word, the most classic board is also the simplest: an arrangement of cold meats and cheeses with toasted bread. You can make this board as simple or as fancy as you want it. Meat choices for the classic board range from sliced salami to prosciutto if you’re going for a bit of a fancier spread. Choose any cheeses that pair well with sliced meats, such as aged cheddar, brie, and especially gouda. Some small slices of toasted baguette or crackers will do for the side, and you can add any nuts or fruits you like—but remember to keep it simple.
Charcuterie Spreads
As an alternative to sliced meats, you can also feature charcuterie spreads on your board. Add any of several types of spreads, including mousses and rillettes. Both are good cold and taste best on bread, fruit, or cheese. As for cheeses, you can either go with soft, spreadable cheeses to complement the other spreads or stick with sliced cheese for a nice texture contrast. More ingredients that pair well with sweet spreads are pickled foods. Pickled vegetables offer a salty, tangy contrast for a unique type of board.
The Dessert Board
A dessert board makes for a fun twist on the classic charcuterie board. These spreads often contain many of the same traditional ingredients with a few sweet inclusions. Many dessert boards feature cheeses that pair well with sweets, such as parmesan, white cheddar, or brie. Good-quality chocolates are a must-have for any dessert board as well, and you can even add chocolate truffles and chocolate-dipped fruits if you want a richer taste. As with the previous boards, balance out the sweetness with a few slices of toasted baguette or add crackers or nuts for a crunchy texture.
This is only scratching the surface when it comes to different types of charcuterie boards. There isn’t really a wrong way to create one of these boards, so simply use the above types as guidelines for putting together your own charcuterie board. Try making one for your next party, get-together, or as a treat for yourself or your family.
