A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are a simple and tasty dish to make– especially in the summertime when you don’t feel like cooking. Expert skills aren’t required, and with so much fresh and colorful produce this time of year, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Here is our step-by-step guide for how to assemble a delicious and beautiful summer charcuterie board.
To get started, you’ll need to pick the foundation of your charcuterie board. You can use any type of board, but make sure it’s hard, flat and big enough to fit all ingredients.
Our summer favorites:
- Wood
- Granite
- White marble
Scatter three to five cheeses in a variety of shapes, milk sources, and colors on your board. Choose a few mild, medium, and strong cheeses and a mixture of soft, semi-soft, crumbly, semi-hard, and hard cheeses.
Our summer favorites:
- Mozzarella
- Chèvre
- Burrata
- Gruyère
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Pecorino
- Camembert
Arrange three to four of your favorite cured meats on your board. Incorporate a variety of textures and pre-slice the meats for easy grabbing.
Our summer favorites:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Salmon
Offer an assortment of grains so there is something for everyone. Mix it up with different shapes, flavors, and sizes.
Our summer favorites:
- Grilled baguette slices
- Mini toasts
- Water crackers
- Pretzel thins
Add some flavor to your board by using both sweet and savory condiments, spreads, and dips. Use a combination of small bowls and jars, and don’t forget spreaders.
Our summer favorites:
- Honey
- Fig spread
- Berry preserves
- Mango chutney
- Grainy mustard
- Pesto
The key to a beautiful charcuterie board is no empty space. Fill in any gaps with seasonal fruits, veggies, and nuts. It’s likely your board has lots of earthy tones, so now is the time to add some color with fresh produce.
Our summer favorites:
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Candied walnuts
- Cherries
- Cantaloupe
- Berries
- Stone fruits
- Figs
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Baby zucchinis
No board is complete without some decoration! If you’re celebrating a holiday, you can add some festive décor, otherwise seasonal herbs and plants work well and add some greenery.
Our summer favorites:
- Thyme sprigs
- Arugula
- Mint
- Edible flowers