- By Charlotte Brown
- June 20, 2024
Charcuterie boards have seen a remarkable surge in popularity. In recent years, they’ve become a staple in all kinds of restaurants, ranging from casual bistros to high-end dining establishments. This trend reflects a broader movement toward communal dining experiences where presentation and variety take center stage. Charcuterie boards offer unmatched versatility and aesthetic appeal. They can also showcase your restaurant's creativity and commitment to quality—as long as you know how to select the best charcuterie board ingredients. In this blog, we’ll uncover the types of boards, what to include, and more.
WHAT IS A CHARCUTERIE BOARD?
A charcuterie board is a carefully curated selection of cured meats, cheeses, and complementary accompaniments that are designed to be shared and savored. They originate from the French tradition of charcuterie, the art of preparing and assembling cured meats. The boards feature an array of flavors, textures, and colors, creating a visually appealing and diverse dining experience. In classic form, they typically include an assortment of cured meats like prosciutto and salami, a variety of cheeses, and additional items like fruits, nuts, spreads, and artisanal bread, depending on your preferences. That’s the fun of charcuterie—you can mix and match ingredients in any way you’d like. There’s not one recipe for the perfect board.
TYPES OF CHARCUTERIE BOARDS TO CHANNEL YOUR CREATIVITY
By thoughtfully selecting and presenting ingredients, your restaurant can offer guests an exceptional dining experience that keeps them coming back for more. Whether you are drawing inspiration from classic traditions or creating unique seasonal offerings, the right ingredients are the foundation of a memorable charcuterie board. Let’s dive into the types of charcuterie boards.
CLASSIC CHARCUTERIE BOARD
A classic charcuterie board focuses on a balanced mix of traditional cured meats and cheeses. Among the types of charcuterie boards, this remains the most common option. This type of board typically includes items like:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Mortadella
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Blue cheese
- Accompaniments such as olives, cornichons, and mustard
Fruit and Cheese Board
For a lighter, more refreshing option, a fruit and cheese board pairs a selection of cheeses with fresh and dried fruits. Popular choices include:
- Grapes
- Figs
- Apples
- Pears
- Dried apricots
- Gouda
- Manchego
- Goat cheese
- Honey and nuts for added texture and sweetness
Dessert Charcuterie Board
A dessert charcuterie board offers a sweet twist, perfect for the end of a meal. Components may include:
- Dark and milk chocolate pieces
- Biscotti
- Macarons
- Berries
- Candied nuts
- Soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta with honey
- Sweet dips such as caramel or chocolate sauce
Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards aren’t only a dinnertime indulgence. For a unique breakfast or brunch offering, these charcuterie boards can include:
- Smoked salmon
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Fresh berries
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sliced avocado
- Breakfast pastries
- Jams and spreads
Seasonal or Holiday-Based Charcuterie Boards
Tailoring charcuterie boards to seasonal or holiday themes can make them even more appealing. Try these ideas:
- Winter boards: Curate a combination of cranberry-studded cheeses, spiced nuts, cured meats, a hint of clove, and peppermint bark for the holidays.
- Spring boards: Bring together fresh herbs, edible flowers, and light, tangy cheeses.
- Fall boards: Combine festive elements like pumpkin seeds, pumpkin bread, apple butter, smoked turkey slices, and mini pumpkins as a decorative touch.
- Summer boards: Consider including refreshing ingredients like juicy watermelon, citrus slices, hummus, tzatziki, sunflower seeds, mango, and feta cheese.
- Valentine’s Day boards: Play up the romance. Think about adding red fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds. Add delectable desserts, including heart-shaped cookies, chocolates, candied nuts, and macarons. Garnish with rose petals and candles. Serve with champagne, rosé, or another complementary wine.
How to Create Your Restaurant’s Charcuterie Board
Creating a standout charcuterie board involves balancing flavors, textures, and visual appeal. Here are some tips for designing your restaurant's unique offerings:
- Highlight Local Ingredients: Incorporate locally sourced meats, cheeses, and accompaniments to give a regional twist and support local producers.
- Embrace Variety: Ensure a mix of textures (soft, hard, and creamy) and flavors (salty, sweet, and tangy) to keep your guests’ palate engaged throughout the experience.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Use colorful ingredients and arrange them artistically. For example, fresh herbs and edible flowers can add a vibrant touch.
- Beverage Pairings: Consider offering suggested wine or beer pairings to enhance the tasting experience for your guests.
How to Source the Best Charcuterie Board Ingredients
The allure of your charcuterie board hinges on the quality of its ingredients. To source the best products, you should partner with specialty suppliers who focus on artisanal products, including the finest cheeses and meats for charcuterie boards. Paris Gourmet offers a variety of premium and exotic ingredients to elevate charcuterie boards. For example, try these items:
- Smoked beef salami from Gourmand
- An assortment of cheeses from Beurremont
- Cornichons from Maison de Choix or Jean Noel
- Dark, milk, and white chocolate from Cacao Noel
- Macarons from Bon Patissier
If you’d like to showcase regional or local goods, establish relationships with local farmers, producers, and cheese makers to feature their products on your charcuterie board. It is often helpful to regularly visit farmers’ markets and specialty food stores in your area to discover items and build partnerships. It can also be worthwhile to order imported items from renowned regions, such as Italian prosciutto and French Brie.
How to Choose Your Charcuterie Board Ingredients
It can seem like there are endless products to choose from. After all, charcuterie boards give you the ultimate freedom to create. When putting together your charcuterie boards, consider including the best charcuterie cheeses, meats, and other premium ingredients like these:
- Cheeses: Aged manchego, truffle gouda, triple cream brie, pecorino romano
- Cured Meats: Iberico ham, truffle salami, bresaola, chorizo, mortadella, pâté
- Accompaniments: Marcona almonds, truffle honey, artisanal crackers, cornichons
- Gourmet Spreads: Fig jam, red onion marmalade, mustard with herbs, honey
SERVE GUESTS THE BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD INGREDIENTS FROM PARIS GOURMET
For restaurant owners and chefs looking to enhance their charcuterie board offerings with the finest ingredients, partnering with a trusted supplier is crucial. Paris Gourmet offers an exceptional selection of the best charcuterie cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments that can help you create unforgettable charcuterie boards. Our commitment to quality and sourcing the best charcuterie board ingredients ensures that your creations will stand out in flavor and presentation. Contact Paris Gourmet with questions or to order products.