What is a charcuterie board?

A charcuterie board is a combination of appetizer foods, typically displayed on a board such as a cutting board or cheese board, that offers contrasts in tastes, textures, and colors. The appetizers are meant to be eaten primarily as finger food, although for some appetizers, serving utensils are used.

How do you pronounce charcuterie?

Charcuterie is pronounced “char-KOO-tuh-ree.” Feel free to roll your Rs like Inspector Clouseau , but it’s not required.

Where can I buy a charcuterie board?

You can charcuterie boards, cheese boards and utensils locally in almost any store that has a kitchen goods section. HomeGoods is a great place to check, and there is a myriad of selections online, including Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , Target , Wal-mart , and more. A Google search will provide you with many options!

How much does it cost to make a charcuterie board?

It really depends on the ingredients you choose! On average, a charcuterie board will run you somewhere between $50 - $150, though it’s quite possible to assemble a decent one for under $30 or get very elaborate and spend over $200. The estimate of $50 - $150 is a common range for most boards.

How do I clean and season my charcuterie board?

This depends on what the board is made of - is it a wood charcuterie board? Is it a stone or marble board? The care will be different. Wood charcuterie board care: Gently wash the board with mild dish soap and water. Dry it as well as possible with a towel, then let it air dry completely. Using a food-safe mineral oil, pour on a good portion of the oil and work it in with a clean cloth (don’t use a paper towel or you’ll leave paper fibers behind). You can also use coconut oil, but that is the only cooking oil that’s okay - never use vegetable oil, as it can go rancid. It’s okay if it seems like too much oil at first, as you’ll notice that it absorbs well after 10 minutes or so, especially the first time you oil the board. Let one side dry overnight and make sure it’s completely dry before working on the other side. The time to re-season is if you notice the oil layer becoming thin, if you see patches that look drier than others, or if the board begins to absorb liquid. You can pour a few drops of water on the board to see if it beads - if it doesn’t, it’s probably time to oil the board again. Stone or marble charcuterie board care: Never put a stone or marble board in the dishwasher because the high heat is likely to cause it to crack. The board should always be hand-washed with a mild dish soap and water mixture, using a soft sponge or cloth. You can sanitize with vinegar diluted in water. Make sure not to use more than half vinegar, as too much acid can damage a stone or marble board.

What’s the difference between a cheese board and a charcuterie board?

A cheese board is typically made from a wide selection of cheeses, while a charcuterie board tends to first focus on a selection of meats. Charcuterie is a term generally used for the appetizer meats and accompanying ingredients served at cocktail parties. In the United States, a charcuterie plate may contain cured meats such as salami, bacon, sausage, prosciutto, and pepperoni.

Do charcuterie boards stain? And how do I clean mine?

It is possible for charcuterie boards to stain, especially if not seasoned properly. Please see the answer to “How do I clean and season my charcuterie board?” above.

Can you help me with charcuterie board ideas?

Of course! We’ve included a charcuterie board recipe here, and you can also check out our popular charcuterie board ideas post.

Charcuterie Board 101: The Guide to a Perfect Board

Name: Easy Charcuterie Board Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 package of prosciutto; 1 wedge of blue cheese; 1 jar of honey mustard; 1 package of toasts or crackers; 1 jar of roasted red peppers <- available for 10% off; 1 jar of large pitted Greek olives <- available for 10% off; 1 jar of marinated garlic

Description

Here is an easy recipe to dip your toe into the waters of charcuterie boards. Remember every board is unique and created based on your tastes, so add something you like and remove something you don’t. You got this!

Ingredients

Scale

1 package of prosciutto
1 wedge of blue cheese
1 jar of honey mustard
1 package of toasts or crackers
1 jar of roasted red peppers <- available for 10% off
1 jar of large pitted Greek olives <- available for 10% off
1 jar of marinated garlic

Optional: Dried apricots, pickled mixed vegetables, pickled onions, nuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark when cooking

Instructions

Unwrap the wedge of blue cheese, and place on a platter.
Open the package of prosciutto, separate the pieces, roll or fold them, and place next to the cheese.
Place toasts or crackers in a bread basket or bowl.
Pour the honey mustard in a small container and place on platter with a spoon
Using a spoon, remove the roasted red peppers, marinated garlic, mixed vegetables, pickled onions, and olives into separate small bowls with minimal water/brine from the jars. Place bowls on the platter or on the table next to the platter.
Garnish/fill remaining empty spots with nuts, apricots.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: appetizer
Method: charcuterie
Cuisine: International