Trying to be the hostess with the most this holiday season? Charcuterie boards are a sure way to impress your guests and keep them snacking! The best part about them is the creative freedom you have when making them!
Charcuterie boards are high up there on my list of favorite appetizers to make. I love to design them with a theme in mind whether it be harvest-themed or Christmas inspired. Plus anything that incorporates cheese…sign me up! This gal loves her cheese!
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The Foundation of a Charcuterie Board
With every beautiful charcuterie board, comes the items you need to achieve this work of art. I’m talking boards, bowls, cheese slicers, small spoons, and cheese knives. Not every board is created equal. You can have a small board, a rectangular board, a circular board, an entire kitchen island…the sky is the limit. I have found I make the prettiest charcuterie boards with a round board that has edges so that the contents aren’t falling off. Here are a few beautiful boards that will make sure to make a statement. These also make perfect holiday gifts (hint hint!)
I also like to incorporate little bowls on the board for things such as pickles, jams, pub cheese, honey, etc. Cheese knives and small spoons are also crucial so your guests have a way of spreading the various types of cheese on their crackers.
The Essentials
There is a beautiful balance that comes with a cheeseboard. I’m referring to the types of cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, nuts, and sweets that you select for your board. When I design my charcuterie boards, depending on the size, I like to incorporate at least 1-2 hard cheese’s, 1-2 soft cheese’s, various meat options, a few different cracker options, some fruit, and an assortment of nuts. I put together a list of some options you can think about when designing your next cheese board.
Arranging your Charcuterie Board
Now, this is the fun, sometimes frustrating step…arranging your charcuterie board. This is the part where you can let your creative side run wild because there is no wrong or right way to assemble a cheese board. I like to start my design by placing the bowls (if I incorporate them) onto the board. I then add the biggest elements like brie or gouda cheese, for example. From there, it’s kinda a free for all. I add various meats, fruits, and crackers. Each item is arranged by color…I want my colors evenly spread out across the board. For smaller spaces or gaps in the board, I usually fill those with various nuts or something sweet like chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered blueberries, or dried fruit. For a finishing touch, I like to add some kind of garnish whether it be some kind of greenery or sprigs of rosemary.
Whalaaa! You have yourself an edible work of art!
For more inspiration, check out some of these charcuteries boards I have put together in the past! Also, check out this platters and boards book! This book makes a great house warming or holiday gift for those party planners in your life. I’m definitely adding it to my Christmas list this year!
I hope this tutorial inspires your next charcuterie board! Tag @theproperseal on Instagram the next time you make one!
