Charcuterie Boards, also known as Cheese Boards, is one of my most made appetizer recipes ! In this post I will show you how to make an easy Charcuterie Board within minutes.
There is no set recipe for a Charcuterie Board (or platter if you prefer). The possibilities of combining ingredients on a board is absolutely endless.
If you really want to follow the basic requirements to make one, you will most probably find a mixture of hard cheese, soft cheese, mature cheeses and just about always blue cheese.
I never stick to even suggested ingredients, but rather use cheeses, meats and fruits which I know my family and/or guests would like.
The recipe below is only for four people and the perfect guideline to follow when making a Charcuterie Board for special days. Think Valentine’s Day !
I think when we are having a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, I have just about always made one of these. Usually for four people, because both my hubby as well as myself are nibblers.
We’ll start with the Charcuterie Board, then the main meal and dessert. But will always go back to the oh so delicious cheeses, meats and fruit to nibble on some more.
Feel free to only half the recipe when you know you will only have it before dinner and you are two people.
Obviously if making for a crowd, double or triple the ingredients !
What is a Charcuterie Board ?
A lot of people simply call it a Cheese Board, which is totally okay ! But, the board does not only consist of cheeses.
The list above is not complete, but will definitely give you an indication of ingredients to add to your Charcuterie Board.
When do you start to assemble your Charcuterie Board ?
Me personally, as soon as the first guest arrive ! However, I do prep all the ingredients in advance. I like to serve the board when all the ingredients are still fresh and have not been standing a while.
In fact, back in December, I made a board, started in the kitchen using a large platter with wax paper extending way over both sides of the platter.
To finish the Charcuterie Board, I placed all the remaining ingredients on a plate and finished assembling the board outside. Remember I had the extended wax paper which created more space on both sides of the board.
A few minutes later (no more than 3 minutes!) and I had arranged the Crackers and remaining Fruits on the additional wax paper and was ready to serve to the guests.
Simply put : Make a Charcuterie Board with ingredients you like, pile them all on the board and serve !
ps: Don’t forget the cheese knives and tiny spoons (or something similar) for the jams etc.