Recently, charcuterie boards have resurged as a trendy picnic idea with friends. Charcuterie is a fun and simple method of preparing food with various types of cured meat, bread, cheese, fruits, snacks, and wine that balance and complement one another. It can be made for all occasions and events, such as for date nights or picnics. Although charcuterie may be seen as a luxurious dish nowadays, its history stems from being a humble dish of the French working and lower class. Salting and curing of meats were effective ways for the lower class to preserve meats back then, and essential for survival. Nowadays, the ingredients are easily accessible and affordable at local grocery stores.
There are limitless ingredients that can be assembled onto the board. Here are recommendations for some of the most popular ingredients used!
Cheese
- Soft: Mozzarella (fresh and mid), Brie (buttery), Saint Andre (buttery)
- Semi-soft: Gouda (caramel), Jarlsberg (buttery and nutty), Oka (buttery and nutty)
- Semi-hard: Provolone (Smokey), Gruyere (sweet and salty), Comte (earthy and nutty)
- Hard: Aged cheddar (acidic), Pecorino (salty and nutty), Parmesan (salty and nutty)
Meat
- Pepperoni
- Ham
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Spanish Chorizo
- Speck
Crackers
- Rice crackers
- Water crackers
- Gourmet crackers
- Wheat crackers
- Ritz crackers
Dips and Spreads
- Humus
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Chutney
- Jelly
- Jam
Fruits
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Apricots
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Figs
- Raisins
Nuts
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamias
- Pistachios
Bread
- Baguettes
- Ciabatta
- Toast
Wine
- Rose
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Pinot noir
Charcuterie is seen as an art, so don’t be afraid to try something new or add in your own substitutions! Let us know what you love to add to your board! Tag us in your charcuterie pics on Instagram @HerCampusSJSU!