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What The Heck is Charcuterie and Why you Need it at Your Next Party!

Putting together a charcuterie board is a snap which is why it is perfect for holiday parties. Just visit the specialty department in your grocery store and pick and choose what looks amazing and then set it on a board! This isn't exactly a recipe, but more a guide and list of ideas that might inspire you. Remember, you can't go wrong.

Course Appetizer
Keyword charcuterie, charcuterie platter, easy appetizer recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Author Linda Spiker

Ingredients

Meats:

  • prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés etc...

Cheeses:

  • The cheese is my favorite part! I LOVE aged hard cheeses like gouda, cheddar and Manchego, but I also love soft cheeses like chevre and brie. The beauty of the board is you can mix it up to fit everyone's taste! And if you're unsure, ask the people behind the cheese counter at your local store!

Fruits and Veggies:

  • Add dried mango, apricots or dates to your platter as well as fresh fruits like grapes, sliced apples, pears, berries or melon. For the holidays: pomegranate seeds, fresh figs and persimmons add a festive touch! Of course all sliced veggies are welcome aboard and adding an assortment flavorful olives and pickles brings a nice salty element to the board.

Breads and Crackers:

  • If you watch the carbs, you can skip these entirely and still have a fabulous board. But if you choose to include them, go for artisan breads and gourmet crackers with different shapes, textures and flavors to keep things interesting! I love Leslie Stow Crackers...and she makes some gluten free! Of course a toasted baguette is always a winner but bread sticks work too.

Honey, Spreads, Oils and Vinegars:

  • Set honey or honeycomb right on the platter or place in a small dish. Dab a generous amount of Adriatic fig or other fruit spread on top of a log of goat cheese for spreading on bread and crackers. Set out a plate of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping bread!

Nuts and Seeds:

  • Go big or go home, dried salted nuts are great but I also encourage you to try Marcona almonds, spicy nut/seed mixes, caramelized nuts and even chocolate covered nuts or raisins.

Decorating with greens:

  • To complete your board add greens like lettuce leaves, basil, rosemary sprigs or thyme!