How to Build a Picture Perfect Charcuterie & Cheese Board
When you hear ‘Charcuterie Board’ or ‘Cheese Plate,’ perhaps you think of complex spreads with food that is too hard to pronounce— something that may be difficult to pull off at home. However, creating a photogenic, tasty and affordable charcuterie & cheese board isn’t as hard as you may think.
It may take time - dependent upon how much of a perfectionist you are, but building a charcuterie & cheese board can be a fun holiday activity. We’ve taken most of the work out of the equation by outlining exactly what you need, from cheeses to accompaniments andeverything in between.
Charge your phone and ready your camera, because you’ll be snapping allof the photos after assembling the picture-perfect charcuterie & cheese board of your dreams!
Step 1
A great charcuterie & cheese board starts with a great serving vessel! It doesn’t have to be fancy nor do you have to go out of your way to find one. Cutting boards, ceramic platters, wood blocks, slate boards and marble slabs are all great options!
Step 2
Begin to build your board with a variety of soft and hard cheeses varying in color as well as size. This will create a photo opp that no one would pass up but also give your guests a diverse range of flavors and textures.
Hard Cheeses
Options for Cheddar: Carr Valley Cheese Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar,Wood River Alpha Morning Sun Original Cheddar, Somerdale Smoked Cheddar or Coombe Castle Mull of Kintyre (extra mature cheddar)
Other Hard Cheeses:Emmi Emmentaler, La Bottega American Grana
Soft Cheeses
Options for Brie:Reny Picot Double Cream Brie or Triple Cream Brie
Options for Havarti:Roth Havarti Dill or Jalapeno
Options for Goat Cheese:Montchevre Honey, Blueberry Vanilla or Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Log
Other Soft Cheeses:Alps Gruyere, Roth Grand Cru, Satori Reserve Asiago with Basil & Olive Oil EW Wedge
Step 3
Select a variety of pre-sliced and whole meats,both cured as well as cooked, to compliment your cheese.
Options for Pre-Sliced Charcuterie: Busseto Salami - Black Pepper, Herb & Spice, Italian Dry Plain varieties
Options for Whole Charcuterie:Busseto Salami Chubs - Black Pepper Coated, Herb Coated, Green Peppercorn Coated
Price Chopper also carries a Busseto Antipasto Tray with four meats: Italian Dry Salami, Dry Coppa, Prosciutto and Black Pepper Coated Dry Salami
Step 4
Add in a few spreads, crackers and jams to accompany the charcuterie & cheese. These can be placed directly on your charcuterie & cheese board or in separate serving vessels.
Options for Crackers: Cervasi Bruschetta Crackers with Rosemary, La Panzanella Mini Croccantini, Three Little Pigs Petits Mini Toasts
Options for Accompaniments:3 Pigs Mustards, Terrapin Ridge Blueberry Bourbon Pecan Jam or Strawberry & Fig Jam
Step 5
For final touches, mix in nuts, fresh fruit, cured olives, peppers and herb sprigs. Place throughout the board to make it full, fresh and photo-ready!
Make sure to tag @my_pricechopperin your photos on instagram and Price Chopper on Facebook.
FYI
Serving charcuterie & cheese as an appetizer? Make sure to allot at least 3 ounces of meat and cheese per person. If you plan to serve it as a heavier option or main dish for your gathering, allot at least 7 ounces of meat and cheese per person.
