How To Make The Ultimate Holiday Charcuterie Board
A great bottle of wine loves an array of crackers, cheese, and snacks!
The word "charcuterie" is French and originates from the name used for the butcher who cured artisanal pork products. Today's charcuterie boards run a broad range and can be perfectly tailored to meet the needs of your group. Let no one be left without a snack!
Here is the ultimate guide to creating a delicious and Insta-worthy charcuterie board for your upcoming holiday get-togethers in just 6 steps!
Choose your platter! Be sure to consider the occasion and the number of people you'll be feeding. We love using large wooden cutting boards, but you don't have to limit yourself!
Bring in the bowls! Next, you'll want to add small bowls and ramekins to your board. These are great for holding things like olives, dips, and nuts. Place a few around the board to add some height and structure.
Time for the cheese! Consider what pairs well with the wine you'll be serving (see our recommendations below). Best practices say choose 3-5 cheeses, including a hard cheese, a soft cheese, and a bleu cheese. Don’t forget the cheese knives!
Let’s add some meat! Layer in some thinly sliced meats, placing them around your board. You can even fold them to create more interest to the eye. We love using prosciutto, soppressata and salami, but choose what your group will enjoy!
No board is complete without crackers! Choose a few varieties of crackers to place on your board. We find that crostini, breadsticks, and thin crackers are great for spreads and dipping.
Time to add some personality! Let’s fill in the gaps. Give your board a nice full look with additions like nuts, olives, chocolate, veggies, fruit, and herbs. The sky's the limit!
Wine & Cheese Pairings We Love:
Sauvignon Blanc + Goat cheeses
Rosé + Feta marinated in herbs and olive oil
Red Bordeaux + Red Leicester
Sparkling wines + Triple-cream cheeses
Pinot Noir or Chardonnay + Alpine cheeses
Tempranillo of Spain or Malbecs of Argentina + Manchego
If you weren’t planning on making a charcuterie board this holiday season, we sure hope you are now! Tag us on social media @bottlesnation or use the hashtag #BottlesNation so we can see your charcuterie creations. Happy Holidays!
