Simple Charcuterie Board
This simple salty, savory, and sweet Charcuterie Board is an impressive appetizer for any small gathering or romantic evening. The salami, cheeses, mixed nuts, fruit, and dip will leave you wanting more.
My Inspiration for This Recipe
After singing in Munich two summers ago, I traveled to Italy with my family. In Florence we stopped for lunch at La Prosciutteria. The restaurant created vibrant Charcuterie Boards with a variety of cheeses, meats, and spreads. We were overwhelmed with all of the mouthwatering options. The gentleman behind the deli counter said he would put together an assortment so we could try a little of everything. We were not disappointed!
We took a day trip to Greve, a small town in Chianti and visited a farmers market with enticing produce, scrumptious treats, and handmade goods. I found a stunning Charcuterie board made of wood from an olive tree and bought it as a memento. I’ve had this beautiful keepsake for over a year and finally decided to use it, hence my inspiration for this recipe.
What is Charcuterie?
The word “Charcuterie” originated in France and is a branch of cuisine involving prepared meats such as salami, ham, bacon, and sausage. Modern Charcuterie Boards include spreads, dips, cheeses, fruits both fresh and dried, vegetables, and crackers.
Charcuterie Board from the winery I visited in Tuscany, Italy.
As you can see each Charcuterie Board is unique. You can easily craft your board in a thoughtful way that will certainly satisfy your taste buds.
How to Craft your own Simple Charcuterie Board
An irresistible Charcuterie Board has a diverse menagerie of textures, tastes, and colors. It should look as good as it tastes. Choosing two foods from each element will ensure you have a visually stunning and delicious board.
*ingredients I used are in bold, the others are suggestions
Spreads
- sun-dried tomato and roasted red pepper dip
- fig jam
- hummus
- grainy mustard
- olive tapenade
- pesto
- olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Cheeses and Meats
- genoa salami
- smoked gouda
- sliced havarti
- sliced cheddar
- prosciutto
- ham
- pate
- mousse
- brie
- parmesan
- fresh mozzarella
- blue cheese
- goat cheese
Fruits and Nuts
- green olives
- red grapes
- strawberries
- blackberries
- salty mixed nut assortment
- fresh or dried figs
- raspberries
- apricots
- apple slices
- pistachios
Vegetables and Crackers
- baby carrots
- ritz crackers
- roasted red peppers
- pickled onions
- pita
- triscuits
Enjoy building your one of a kind Charcuterie Board. Don’t be afraid to play with various textures, tastes, and colors. There will be something for everyone on your board!
Find my creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe through the link below!
Sun-dried Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Spotify Playlist
This playlist will take you to the Italian Riviera! Enjoy as you listen to these Italian classics.
Simple Charcuterie Board
This salty, savory, and sweet Charcuterie Board is an impressive appetizer for any small gathering or romantic evening. The salami, cheeses, mixed nuts, fruit, and dip will leave you wanting more.
Spreads
- 12 ounces sun-dried tomato and roasted red pepper dip ((recipe is found under appetizers and side dishes))
Cheeses and Meats
- 1/4 lb. genoa salami (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 lb. smoked gouda (thinly sliced)
- 8 slices cheddar and havarti cheese
Fruits and Nuts
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts
- 3/4 cup green olives
- 14 ounces fruit (grapes, strawberries, blackberries)
Vegetables and Crackers
- 12 ounces ritz crackers
- 8 ounces baby carrots
-
Put all spreads, nuts, and olives in bowls of various depths. Place the bowls on the board or next to it depending on the board's shape.
-
Next, roll up the salami and the gouda. Layer them and place them on the board along with the cheddar and havarti cheeses.
-
Fill in the gaps with the crackers, fruit, and vegetables.
