What does 'charcuterie' actually mean?
What Does The Word Charcuterie Mean? The term Charcuterie is French in origin and literally translates as flesh / chair and cooked / cuit. The word has connotations with cooking pork and whilst a lot of charcuterie involves preserving pork it is not just limited to preserving pork and encompasses all kinds of preserved meats.
What to serve for dinner with a charcuterie board?
- A charcuterie board is made up of meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, fruits, and vegetables.
- C harcuterie can be served as a simple snack, an appetizer, or as a happy hour accompaniment.
- C reating a charcuterie board doesn't require a specific formula, and you can mix what you like.
- Visit Insider's Home & Kitchen Reference library for more stories.
How to assemble a dessert charcuterie platter?
- Pick a theme for your board. This should revolve around the time of year or event you are celebrating.
- Choose the items for your board. The items listed above are merely a suggestion. ...
- Have ready a large serving board. Place the larger items on the board first and fill in the spaces with the smaller items to follow after that. ...
How to put together the perfect charcuterie board?
Instructions
- To start, select your board size. This will give you a better idea of how much to purchase for your charcuterie board. ...
- Garnish edges with fresh rosemary and thyme if desired. Place some little plates and bowls around the board that you'll use as a guide to help arrange your board. ...
- Add some of your fresh berries to the bowls/plates on your board. ...
What should be on a charcuterie platter?
What is typically on a charcuterie plate?Cured meats.Various cheeses – Nice cheeses and meats are generally on the pricier side. With that said, it feeds A LOT of people.Olives and Nuts.Fruit.Dried Fruits.Crackers or small slices of bread.Jelly or Jam.
What makes a charcuterie a charcuterie?
What Is Charcuterie? Charcuterie is a French word referring to a type of shop specializing in prepared meats, and also refers to the cured, preserved and dried meats sold in the shop, like salami, prosciutto and pancetta.
What is a traditional charcuterie plate?
A typical charcuterie board consists of mainly meats and cheeses. But at many restaurants or house parties, it's common that these boards include bread, fruits, nuts, condiments such as honey or mustard, pickles, and olives.
What is the purpose of a charcuterie?
Charcuterie is a culinary art developed from necessity—it's the way meats were preserved before refrigeration in order to extend shelf life. The practice of salting and smoking meats to preserve them dates way, way back.
What are the rules for a charcuterie board?
Rules to follow for the perfect Charcuterie BoardEverything should be easily accessible. Hard cheeses should always be on the outside of the board. ... Something Hard, Something Soft & Something BLUE. ... Meats should stand out! ... Something Sweet & Something Spicy. ... Garnish!
What is the most popular meat on a charcuterie board?
Starting off with by far the most popular cured meat to include on a board: prosciutto. This salty, silky meat is made from curing the whole hind leg of a pig. Prosciutto is a whole muscle salumi served sliced paper-thin. There are many different types of prosciutto.
What are the 3 kinds of charcuterie?
What a Traditional Charcuterie Platter Includes: French – French Dry Cured Meats, Offal Charcuterie, Salami. Italian – Dry Cured Meat, Cheese, Preserved Vegetables, Grapes. Modern – Open to any variations and interpretation, still cured meat and cheese often present.
Do you eat a charcuterie board with your fingers?
How do you eat charcuterie? The great thing about charcuterie is that there is not really one right way to eat it. The most common way is to pick up individual slices/pieces with any utensils provided, or your hands (specifically, your fingertips) if none are provided and put it on your plate.
Is charcuterie a meal or appetizer?
appetizerA charcuterie board is a platter that contains meat, cheese, breads, and a variety of nuts and fruit. It can be an appetizer, a meal, or a snack. Charcuterie boards are typically paired with drinking wine, but they are delicious at any time.
Why do people put jam on charcuterie boards?
What is this? Jams or preserves: Include 1 or 2 jams or preserves for some added flavor and sweetness to balance out the dry and salty meat and cheese. Fig spread goes marvelously with many cheeses and meats, so I always like to include it.
Do you eat raw meat in charcuterie?
No Charcuterie is raw meat, most dry-cured charcuterie is salt-cured and dried. Whilst other types of charcuterie are cooked. Since dry-cured charcuterie is not cooked but dried, it is often confused with being raw.
Why do charcuterie boards have a hole?
Most of us might think of it as the handle to hold our chopping board or even hang it up but apparently, it's for putting the cut-up items through. So instead of getting your onions or pepper everywhere except the pot, the gap in the board is meant to pass it all through neatly.
What is the difference between a cheese board and a charcuterie board?
While charcuterie boards and cheese boards are very similar (sometimes the same!) it's just what they are referencing. What is this? Charcuterie references the types of meats served together and a cheese board references the types of cheeses served together.
What is a charcuterie board without meat called?
Vegan Charcuterie Board (Vegan Snack Board) No matter if you're throwing a holiday party or just having a lazy night in, a Vegan Charcuterie Board (aka Vegan Snack Board) is an easy and fun appetizer or main course. Gather round and sample a variety of vegan goodies like veggies, dips, hummus, nuts, fruit, and more.
Is Brie a healthy cheese?
Brie cheese is an excellent source of casein protein, vitamin B12 for energy production, calcium for strong bones, and vitamin A for enhanced immune system response. Brie cheese can also aid in weight maintenance and be part of a nutritious diet.
What's the difference between a charcuterie board and a?
The main difference between charcuterie and cheese board is their ingredients; charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together.
The perfect charcuterie platter
A charcuterie platter adds pizzazz to parties, cachet to soirées, and gusto to game-day-get-togethers. With a luscious spread of meat, cheese, bread, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dips, a charcuterie platter is a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds.
What to place on a charcuterie platter
When planning a charcuterie platter, we always start with the cheese, naturally. Select 4 to 6 cheeses that offer a nice variety of taste and texture. Our favorites include:
What is a charcuterie platter?
A charcuterie platter is an assortment of meats that typically includes cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spreads as well.
How do you pronounce charcuterie?
Charcuterie is a French word. In English, it's typically pronounced "shahr-KOO-tuh-ree" or "shahr-koo-tuh-REE."
What should a charcuterie platter be served on?
A large wooden cutting board, a slate or chalk board, or a marble slab all make a great surface for a charcuterie platter.
You say charcuterie. We say cheese platter
Call it whatever you like: a charcuterie platter, a charcuterie and cheese spread, a wine and cheese board. In Wisconsin, we call it one more way to enjoy the best cheese in the world.
Charcuterie Definition
Charcuterie is a branch of cooking involving prepared meats, such as ham, sausage, bacon, confit, or other pork products.
4 Types of Charcuterie
There are many types of charcuterie meats you can serve to your guests like pate, cured ham, or mortadella. Below we list four unique meat options that would be a great addition to any charcuterie tray:
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
An ideal charcuterie board has a good balance of flavors and textures with items that both contrast and complement each other. Here are some tips for making pairings and choosing ideal options for your charcuterie tray:
4 Styles of Charcuterie Boards
There are a few different approaches you can take while developing a concept for your charcuterie board. You can go with a regional approach and include items that all hail from the same country or town (i.e. you could make an entire board based on the flavors of Alsace, France or Bologna, Italy).
Charcuterie What Is It?
Charcuterie is the classical French branch of cooking that deals exclusively with the preparation, preservation, and presentation of various meats.
Building Your Own Charcuterie Board
While building a fancy charcuterie platter may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have never attempted it before, it is actually quite easy if you follow this little guide. I've put together suggestions, and tricks used by professionals to create delicious looking platters anyone would be proud to serve.
What else should go on a meat and cheese tray?
Besides offering a variety of meats and cheeses, you can easily bulk up and add even more flavor and interest to your platters by adding, crackers and breads, varying condiments, pickled vegetables, marinated vegetables, and fresh fruit.
How To Arrange Your Charcuterie Platter
Now that you've chosen all your charcuterie meats, cheeses, condiments, and garnishes, it's time to assemble the platter itself.
What To Expect When You Order Charcuterie at a Restaurant
Generally when served in a restaurant charcuterie is presented as an appetizer on a board alongside artisan cheese and nuts.
How To Make It Your Own For A Party
The fabulous thing about serving charcuterie at your own party is that there are no rules! You can keep it as simple as you like (just the cured meats maybe?) or dress it up with fresh or dried fruits, a variety of artisan breads and crackers, olives, spreads like honey, preserves or jams! You can also keep it budget friendly by setting out a small plate or go all out with a huge platter!.
Charcuterie is Perfect for The Holidays
Putting together a charcuterie board is a snap which is why it is perfect for holiday parties.
Make it A Meal!
Charcuterie doesn’t have to be relegated to the appetizer category. Every time I order charcuterie at a restaurant I would say to my husband “If this just came with a salad it would be the perfect easy meal. So voila! I came up with my own Salad and Charcuterie Board (<— click!) for an easy, delicious, filling meal when I don’t want to cook!
MAY I PLEASE ASK A LITTLE FAVOR?
We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated!
Why are charcuterie platters so popular?
Charcuterie boards or platters are really popular for many reasons. They’re usually packed with so many amazing tastes and flavors in one spot that they become a complete feast for the eyes! And although they look like a lot of work to put together, it’s actually really easy.
How to make a charcuterie platter
Begin making your platter by placing the cheeses and sliced meats randomly on the board. You can roll or fold the sliced meats to create interesting shapes, this also helps make the board look full. Being creative is almost just as much fun as eating your charcuterie platter
How to make an easy charcuterie platter
Whether you're having a full-on party or just catching up with some friends, an easy charcuterie platter is the way to go!
1. Select a variety of meat textures
Charcuterie should vary by texture, spice profile and slicing thickness to create myriad flavor combinations for food and wine pairing. Our chef likes to serve salami ( not to be confused with salumi ), alongside terrines, pates and rillettes to create a textural spectrum of meats.
2. Choose meats that pair well with wine
When following tip #1, a charcuterie board with an array of different cuts and textures lends itself to more versatility with wine pairing. But, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. First, red wines with a lot of alcohol and tannin pose a challenge to meats that are salty and/or spicy.
3. Pair with higher acid, lower alcohol wines
Many experts would argue that fuller-bodied red and white wines are too bold for light charcuterie meats and cheeses, but there are always exceptions to the rules. Champagne and sparkling wine are so often considered the best wine pairing with charcuterie due to high acidity, lower alcohol and their affinity for salty dishes.
4. Choose different cheeses that complement specific wines
What is a charcuterie board if not featuring a variety of cheeses with different mouthfeel, fat content and milk types? A boring one, for sure. When pairing cabernet and chardonnay with cheese, there are some general guidelines to help, but trust your own tastes.
5. Purchase the right quantity
We recommend purchasing around 2-3 ounces per person per meat for an appetizer portion or 5-6 ounces per person for a cocktail reception. The Jordan charcuterie board pictured above would serve four people as an appetizer. It’s better to have leftovers than not enough, and you don’t have to worry too much about food spoiling.
6. Slice meats cold and not too far in advance
Charcuterie oxidizes quickly and loses its appealing vibrant color and freshness. For prosciutto and salami, slice meats 1-2 hours in advance. Cover with saran wrap and place in refrigerator; remove the charcuterie platter 15 minutes before serving to let the cheeses get closer to room temperature, accentuating their flavors.
7. Remember accoutrements
The details make a charcuterie board unique. Serve a simple crusty bread heated in the oven just prior to serving. In addition, the sweetness and textural contrast of a fruit crostini (see our recipe) serves as a foil to the salt and richness of charcuterie and cheese. It also acts as a bridging element to the wine being served.
A perfectly arranged spread of meat, cheese, crackers and condiments is irresistible at any gathering. Here's everything you need to know about how to make a charcuterie board
You name it, there’s a charcuterie board for it. Hosts everywhere have taken the trend that typically includes cheeses, meats, crackers and other bites and made it their own, whether it’s keeping things cozy with a sweet hot chocolate board or assembling fruits and veggies in the shape of a turkey for an adorable Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
What Is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie is a French word referring to a type of shop specializing in prepared meats, and also refers to the cured, preserved and dried meats sold in the shop, like salami, prosciutto and pancetta.
What to Put on a Charcuterie Board
Picking out ingredients and recipes to feature on a charcuterie board might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these guidelines for how to make a charcuterie board your guests will eat up.
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Pull the cheeses out of the refrigerator about an hour ahead of time, because room temperature cheese (as opposed to cold cheese) allows the full flavors to shine through.
Tips for Making a Charcuterie Board
Josh says “a little drizzle of honey over blue cheese is nothing short of magical,” so make sure to sample that combination! He also suggests spreading stone ground mustard on a cracker and eating it with meat and cheese for a bite that tastes like a mini sandwich.
Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread
A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin
Popular Videos
Lauren is an associate editor at Taste of Home, focusing on search engine optimization. When she’s not making sure readers can find TOH’s recipes on Google, she’s practicing her food photography, consistently finding new recipes to try and hunting down the most indulgent treats in the Twin Cities.
Everything in This Slideshow
Create a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter without ever turning on the stove. Each of these ingredient ideas can be purchased at your local supermarket, and you can sub in dried or pickled produce for fresh depending on seasonal availability. Serve with:
Sign in
Opt out of sharing your name, email address, and other personal information with third parties.
