Impress your guests by making your own charcuterie board

Making Your Own

Written by LISA MCCOY

f you are hosting a large holiday gathering or a simple family get-together, go with a latest trend and create a charcuterie board to impress your guests. So what is a charcuterie board? Charcuterie is a French word that describes a shop that sells cured meats (pork, salami, ham). Traditional charcuterie boards often include deli meats, a variety of cheeses, olives, nuts, dried fruits and other condiments. There are no rules to follow so you can create your own that fits your style. Some helpful tips as you create are to use an odd number of items and make it colorful by spacing out foods with the same color so you do not have all the red-colored foods in one place on the board (unless it is part of your design).

Here are step-by-step directions to create a traditional charcuterie board.

Select a board

Select a board that will be the base for your spread. There is no limit to what you can use such as serving trays, cutting boards, large piece of wood or marble. Keep in mind that most of the board is covered with food. Collect some small bowls and plates that will hold smaller items with spoons or scoops. You can create a color theme or mix and match your favorite pieces.

Make a shopping list of items to include:

Decide what you want to include on your board, keeping your budget and your guests preferences in mind. Some items to consider include cheeses, deli meats, olives, nuts, fruit, dried fruit, crackers, small slices of bread, condiments such as mustard, jelly, jam or sweet and savory dips.

Anchor the board with bigger objects first.

This may include a round of cheese or small bowls containing condiments. Place your largest piece near the center, but not directly in the center and place other items evenly around the board. Now you are ready to fill in with the other items.

Cheeses

Start with the cheeses, maybe two or three different types including hard and soft cheeses. Serve cheeses in different shapes, like cubes and triangles, so they are easy to pick up. Consider topping a soft cheese like Brie or cream cheese with a spicy or sweet jelly.

Meats

Next you can add the meats. Choose a variety of meats from the local deli as well as cured meats like salami, sausages and pepperoni. You can pair certain meats and cheeses together that go well together. Be creative in your display like fanning the meat slices or rolling them into tubes.

Fruits and Vegetables

Now it is time to add fruits and vegetables to your board. Select easy-toeat fruits like raspberries, blueberries and grapes, or cut other fruits like pineapple chunks and apple slices. Use dried fruits as well to add different textures and flavors. Add some sweet pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, cucumber slices and marinated artichoke hearts.

Fresh herbs

Some fresh herb sprigs on your board adds some color and texture and also fragrance.

Olives, pickles and nuts

It is time to fill in spaces on your charcuterie board with olives, nuts and pickles. Many local supermarkets have olive bars that gives you a variety of choices. Select a variety of nuts to include as well as sweet and sour pickles. It may be best to avoid peanuts since peanut allergies are common.

Bread and Crackers

The final touch are bread and crackers. Offer a variety of crackers in different flavors, shapes and

colors to add interest to your display. Remember to be creative in how you display them by fanning them out or stacking different varieties and shapes together. Perhaps buy long thin bread sticks and serve in a small vase. Look for unusual crackers in the deli sections as well as the cracker aisle. Thinly slice some baguettes or other fresh bread from a local bakery. Crackers and breads can be arranged on the board or place in a basket or other container on either side of the board to make it easier for guests.

Do not forget the serving tools

Place forks, spoons and toothpicks around the board so guests can easily serve themselves without touching the food. If you have a lazy Susan, use it to hold your charcuterie board so it is easy to turn and serve. Place a trash can nearby for napkins and other disposables.

You may want to make a drawing of your charcuterie board before you begin placing items. Once it is finished, look it over and move things so you have different heights, textures and colors. You want your guests coming back for more, so offer a variety of flavors including sweet, savory and spicy. If arranging a large charcuterie board is overwhelming, try with a more simplified one shown in the boxes like meat and cheese, breakfast or others.

Other Charcuterie inspirations Dips and Spreads

Here are some ideas to include on this simple board

Dips / Spreads

•chip dip • hummus • guacamole • queso • brie • veggie dip

Breads / Crackers

•potato chips • pita chips • tortilla chips • crackers • broccoli, cauliflower, celery

Fruit and Cheese

Make a fruit and cheese tray with a touch of sweetness. Here are some ideas but customize it to your own tastes and budget. • cheddar cheese • swiss cheese • munster cheese • pepper jack cheese • brie • grapes • strawberries • blueberries • chocolate truffles • crackers

Breakfast Board

Your family will enjoy a variety of choices for breakfast with the following items: • waffles • pancakes • toast • sausage links or patties • bacon strips • mini quiches • granola • fruit • yogurt Use small cups or bowls for syrup, whipped topping, fruit, granola and yogurt.

Christmas charcuterie

Assemble your meats, cheese and crackers into the shape of a Christmas tree. Include some sweets like chocolate truffles or green cornflake wreaths. Spring some cranberries around for a holiday touch.

Fondue charcuteries

Cheese fondue served with • bread cubes • pretzel sticks • apples • assorted crackers Chocolate fondue served with • strawberries • bananas • pretzels • marshmallows • graham cracker sticks • animal crackers.

Children’s party charcuterie

Lay a large piece of butcher paper on your table or counter. Fill it with kidfriendly foods including • fruit • veggies & dip • mini donuts • mini sandwiches cut into shapes • popcorn • cheese cubes • crackers • juice boxes It is easy to serve and the kids will love it.

Lisa McCoy is a registered dietitian at the University of Maryland Extension