What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie board?

The 3333 rule applies to the number of foods to create the perfect board. To follow the 3,3,3,3 rule, stick to three cheeses, three meats, three starches, and three accoutrements .

What goes on a summer charcuterie board?

What to Include: Star-Shaped Martin's Toast Crackers. Sliced Martin's Bread (Butter, Potato, or Whole Wheat) Red Fruits (e.g., Strawberries, Cherries, etc.) Blue Fruits (e.g., Blueberries) White Ingredients (e.g., cheese) Prepared Appetizers – See recipes list below. Jun 26, 2023

How to make a 4th of July charcuterie board?

How to Build a Fourth of July Charcuterie Board Step 1: Plan your pattern. ... Step 2: Place the fruit dip on the board. ... Step 3: Start with the red stripe. ... Step 4: Sandwich the fruit dip with the cheeses and crackers. ... Step 5: Add in the blue (and purple) food. ... Step 6: Finish with another stripe of red at the bottom. More items... Jun 13, 2022

What is the secret to a great charcuterie board?

After all that meat and cheese, you're going to need something to balance those rich flavors. Cairo suggests accenting the board with acidic pickles, crunchy nuts, whole grain mustard (Maille is his favorite brand), tinned fish, and something sweet like quince jam or a drizzle of honey .

What are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board?

There are a few that I would stay away from eggplants, brussels sprouts, turnips, beets, zucchini and mushrooms . Many of these vegetables taste best when cooked, and Charcuterie boards generally don't include steamed or cooked veggies.

What are the best 3 cheeses for a charcuterie board?

Here's some of the best cheese for charcuterie boards: Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago . Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, colby, cheddar. Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster.

What do you put on a charcuterie board for hot days?

Other Ideas! You can add dried fruits, honey, chocolate, grapes, and even baked goods . Spicy: Use spicy cheese, jalapenos, roasted peppers, or spicy mustard or hummus. Bread: For an added crunch consider choosing something like baguettes, bread sticks, sesame sticks, crackers, or pretzels.

What foods compliment a charcuterie board?

Add savory and sweet accompaniments. For example, mustard, briny foods and nuts near salami and sopresseta, and sharp cheeses like parmesan . Pair sweet accompaniments like fresh fruit, jams, and candied nuts, near the brie cheese or goat cheese. Cheddar cheese pairs well with savory and sweet.

What are two main charcuterie items?

Here are the five key elements to a perfect charcuterie board: Cheese. ~ You have limitless options in this category so you can not go wrong. ... Sweet. ~ Cheese can pair well with sweet components like honey, fig jam, and/or a chutney. ... Savory. ~ You need to have one or two savory elements to pair up to the meats. ... Meat ~ ... Bread.

What goes first on a charcuterie board?

Arrange the items on the board – Once you've selected your meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, it's time to start arranging them on the board. Start by placing the larger items, like meats and cheeses , on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments.

What are the three starches for a charcuterie board?

3 Starches: we like Taralli (a traditional Italian cracker almost like a small, circular breadstick), Artisan Crisps by Rustic Bakery, and baguettes from Gilles Baguettes . 3 Accompaniments: Cerignola olives, Marcona almonds, French cornichons.

Are there rules for charcuterie boards?

The flavors can be paired with the cheeses or chosen for their unique qualities, but always aim to have something spicy, something smoky, and something unexpected. Rule of thumb: 1 small salami, 1 large salami, 1 whole-muscle meat.

Summer Charcuterie Board (2024)

It's summer and nothing beats a get together with a simple yet gorgeous summer charcutrerie board. Fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, and all of my favorite things - this summer board is such a fun way to a put a summer twist on the perfect charcuterie board.

If you are entertaining, then you have to check out more delicious options for an appetizer grazing table, like this Breakfast Charcuterie Board, Halloween Charcuterie Board, and this Dessert Charcuterie Board!

These warm summer night have been so perfect. Since we've moved into the house, I've been making it my utmost priority to use the back deck as much as possible.

Every week, I go to our local farmer's market and bask in all of the beautiful summer produce.

I'm talking stone fruit, seasonal fruits, edible flowers, garden-fresh veggies, and just about any great option you can think of for the perfect summer charcuterie board.

The first rule for making a simple summer charcuterie board is that there are no rules! What I enjoy most about assembling charcuterie boards is how fun it can be. It's great way to get creative with colors, textures, and most importantly, taste!

You can use and add whatever you want - slices of bread, different types of cheeses - soft cheeses, sharp cheese, hard cheese - pita chips, your favorite fruits, and any variety of meats you can think of!

Whether it's a pool party, a holiday, a picnic, a girls' night in, or just grown-up snack time, cheese boards are a versatile treat.

What cheeses go on a good charcuterie board?

The appeal of charcuterie boards is the variety so even if you're only making enough for two, make sure you use different kinds of cheese. I would include a minimum of 2-3 with distinct flavors and textures.

Familiar: go with the classics like cheddar, gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack.
Firm: Go for a hard, aged cheese like Gruyère, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Asiago.
Spreadable: You'll want something smooth to spread over bread or crackers. A wheel of brie or goat cheese would be good options. These cheese also pair exceptionally well with fresh bread!
Blue: And finally, something blue! Blue cheese, that is. For those with a more distinguished palate, opt for a bold cheese like gorgonzola.

Don't forget to bring a cheese knife for easy cutting and spreading!

Meats for a Charcuterie Board

After determining what cheeses to include, add a good assortment of meats. Great additions are slices of salami, chorizo, or prosciutto. Think of what meats would pair well with summer fruits and what would be a great addition for the best summer charcuterie board.

Some other great options would be mortadella, sopressata, capicola, and Iberico ham (one of the finest ingredients of all).

Side note: I also like to add smoked salmon too. It's not a charcuterie meat but it goes so nicely on a summer board for brunch or breakfast.

Other Ideas!

Savory: Aside from charcuterie, consider adding other savory foods like nuts, olives, or roasted veggies like asparagus and brussels sprouts.
Sweet: Use fruits that are in season to add some natural sweetness to your fruit platter. But the options are endless! You can add dried fruits, honey, chocolate, grapes, and even baked goods.
Spicy: Use spicy cheese, jalapenos, roasted peppers, or spicy mustard or hummus.
Bread: For an added crunch consider choosing something like baguettes, bread sticks, sesame sticks, crackers, or pretzels. For softer bread, you may like sourdough or pita bread.

TIP: to make your charcuterie board extra stunning, add some garnish (extra points if it's edible). You can use anything including lemon wedges, edible flowers, and fresh herbs.

Types of Boards

Assemble the board on a sturdy flat surface like a wooden tray or marble slate. I like using a larger board for a big party, and a smaller board for petite gatherings. However, if you don't have either of those, a cutting board, a large plate, a baking sheet, a countertop or even an entire table will work. Just remember that the board is your canvas!

How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board

Begin assembling your cheese platter by determining what board or surface you will use. You should assemble wherever you or your guests plan to graze so that you don't have to carry the finished product (it will probably be heavy and you don't want to accidentally drop it or have to fix the arrangement).

First step, add larger items first:

such as baguette slices, ripe fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, any meat products etc. (best tips - add a minimum of 2-3 cheeses around the board in various spaces)

Then add the charcuterie:

add the meats. If we are thinking of the board in fourths, cheese and meat should be in every "zone." The meats should be sliced or folded. (they don't have to be but it's easiest for grabbing)

Add your favorite accoutrements:

this includes crackers, preserves, jams, jellies, spreads, fresh herbs, veggies, etc. You can even place handfuls of fresh summer berries onto the board for a sweet yet fresh vibe.

Lastly, add your garnish:

Finally, place your garnish in any empty spaces or on top of other inclusions.

Wine and Champagne Pairings

You almost always need something to wash it down with. Wine, champagne, a good co*cktail, or a sparkling cider are a perfect to enjoy this summer board.

Tips for a Perfect Board

There's no wrong way to make a beautiful charcuterie board. However you choose to make your board, it'll be perfect for summer entertaining.

Splurge on one "fancy" cheese, cut it into smaller pieces, then fill up the board with cheaper options.
Check out Trader Joes's for inexpensive, high-quality cheeses and meats. They have so many options for a great snack board!
Shop your pantry! Have some munchies you haven't finished yet? Add them to the cheese board platter.
PRO TIP: use different textures and small bowls to make it easier to grab and fun to eat.
Serve your charcuterie plate at room temperature for optimal taste!
Garnish with fresh herbs for a few seasonal touches. I love adding rosemary and sprigs of thyme, especially in the summer months.
To make this a savory board, make this omit the fruits and jellies.

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Holidays are the perfect time to show off your new skills! This gorgeous summer charcuterie board can be turned into a holiday board to be enjoyed throughout the year. It's also an easy way to entertain no matter what time of the year. Make this the main course at any gathering.

The key to seasonal cheese boards is to include what's in season. It's your typical charcuterie board but with a twist. It will also be easier to find at your local grocery store, and more affordable. Also, if it is fresh produce, then it will taste much better! Here are some great additions for any time of the year.

Easter: Strawberries, Meyer lemons, Fudgy Mini Egg Brownies, deviled eggs

Summer: Watermelon, fresh berries, fig jam, and even zucchini

Fall: Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Icing, pumpkin seeds

Christmas: Chutney, figs, Peppermint Bark Brownies, Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

More Tasty Appetizers

Baked Brie with Jam
Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread
Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Dipping Sauce
Asparagus and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles
Pao De Queijo - Brazilian-Inspired Cheese Bread
Smashed Potatoes with Whipped Herb Ricotta
Pear and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry
Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry with Brown sugar Figs

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