Charcuterie

If you’re attending a picnic, pitch-in dinner, or entertaining friends, a charcuterie platter is a great meal option that is, more times than not, a fan favorite. Charcuterie is the form of cooking that pairs prepared meats with various cheeses. Although “charcuterie” is a complicated word, it is actually quite simple to put together.

Here are meats, cheeses, and accompaniments that you can pair together for a palate pleasing charcuterie board:

 

Meats

  • Capicola
  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Pate (a mixture of cooked ground meat with additions like vegetables, truffles, and nuts, minced into a creamy spreadable paste.)

 

Cheeses

  • Aged Cheddar or Gouda
  • Creamy Brie Cheese
  • Soft Blue Castello
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Goat Cheese

Make sure to provide one cheese that everyone is familiar with. It is typical to serve three different cheese options, and 4 if you are serving a larger crowd.


Breads

  • Fresh baked baguette
  • Crackers (variety pack)

 

Accompaniments

Something savory: pickles, olives, pickled red onions, pickled mushrooms, walnuts

Something sweet: fig jam, fresh fruit, honey

 

For the vinos:

White Wines: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco or Champagne

Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec

 

How to serve:

Serve sliced and all on one board at room temperature.