How to Eat a Charcuterie Board: Cheese & Etiquette Dos and Donts posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Charcuterie – it’s a French word that has taken social media by storm, particularly on TikTok, where “how to eat a charcuterie board” videos are garnering millions of views. But what exactly is charcuterie, and more importantly, how do you eat it? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the dos and don’ts of cheese and charcuterie board etiquette. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect, dinner-worthy charcuterie board for your next gathering. The Basics of a Charcuterie Board Charcuterie is the French term for a selection of cured and cooked meats. A charcuterie platter, therefore, is a spread of these meats, often accompanied by a variety of cheeses, fresh fruits, and other accompaniments. It’s a popular choice for an easy appetizer or even a main course, offering a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy different tastes. The best part of a good charcuterie board is its visual appeal and the unique flavor combinations it offers. Choosing the Right Board The size of the board you choose depends on the number of guests you’re serving. For a small board, a cheese plate might be sufficient. But for larger crowd, large platters or even a wooden board can be a great option. Keep in mind that you will need extra space for small bowls, small tongs, and other serving utensils. A wooden board is a common material and for good reason, it adds an extra layer of visual appeal to your delicious spread. Selecting the Meats The best charcuterie boards have a variety of meats, both in terms of types of food and different flavors. Italian dry salami, prosciutto, and other deli meats are some of the most popular items. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add in some wild boar or other unique cold meats. As a rule of thumb, plan for about two to three ounces of meat per person if the board is serving as an appetizer, and more if it’s the main course. Choosing Your Cheeses The variety of cheeses on your charcuterie board is just as important as the meat selection. A good balance between soft cheese, hard cheese, and aged cheeses is key. Try to include a variety from different types of milk – cow, goat, and sheep. Some favorites include Brie (a soft cheese), Gouda (a semi-hard cheese), and Manchego (a hard cheese). Remember, cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge an hour or so before serving. Accompaniments to Enhance the Flavors Accompaniments are a great way to add a variety of tastes and textures to your charcuterie board. Fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and pears add a sweet contrast to the rich meats and cheeses. Dried fruit, whole grains, and nuts also make a great addition, offering a delightful array of different shapes and textures. Don’t forget to include some pickles and olives for a tangy kick! Arranging Your Board Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to arrange them on the board. Start with the larger items like the cheeses and meats. Then fill in the gaps with the smaller items like the fruits, nuts, and small bowls of pickles or olives. Remember, the goal is to create a visually appealing spread with a variety of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses and meats to create unique flavor combinations. Eating Etiquette Now, for the final part – how to eat a charcuterie board. While there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a charcuterie board, good etiquette suggests using a separate knife for each cheese, and to never double-dip. If small tongs or forks are provided, use them for picking up the cold cuts. And of course, don’t forget to cleanse your palate with some red or white wine in between different cheeses and meats! Charcuterie Board Ideas and Inspiration Looking for some charcuterie board ideas? Social media platforms like TikTok make a great source of inspiration. From classic charcuterie boards with artisan cheeses and cured meats, to more creative ones with mini skewers, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices – there are endless ways to arrange your board. The great thing about charcuterie is its versatility – it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! Conclusion Creating and enjoying a charcuterie board is a fun way to explore a variety of tastes and textures – from different types of cheese and meat, to the accompaniments that enhance their flavors. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want a delicious spread for a casual get-together, a well-assembled charcuterie board can add a touch of sophistication to any event. And with these easy tips, you can create the perfect charcuterie board that delights your guests and enhances the overall experience. Bon appétit!
