Charcuterie boards are a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in one meal. From cured meats, cheeses, pickles, olives, and more – the possibilities for creating an amazing charcuterie board are endless! But what about condiments?
In this article, we’ll explore why grainy mustard is perfect for any charcuterie board as well as some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Are The Best Mustards For Charcuterie Boards?
The most popular types of mustard for charcuterie boards are Dijon and Honey Mustard as they both have distinct flavors that pair well with cured meats, cheeses, olives and other charcuterie items. Other types of mustard such as yellow or spicy brown can also be used to add flavor to the board.
1. Dijon Mustard
For any charcuterie board connoisseur, Dijon mustard is a must-have addition. This special type of mustard originates in the sleepy region of Dijon, France and is widely known for its unique taste. Noted for balancing tart and sweet notes, this mustard pairs particularly well with strong flavors like cold cuts or cheese.
With its versatility, it’s the perfect condiment to be added to virtually anything. When selecting a Dijon variety for your charcuterie board, opt fora robust flavor without overbearing sweetness as this ensures that it won’t overpower other minor ingredients on the plate.
When adding go easy! A little bit of this creamy treat packs plenty of punch that can often be heavy-handed, these subtle flavors deserve finesse when added!
2. Honey Mustard
Honey Mustard is a truly universal condiment that pairs amazingly with all sorts of charcuterie. Not only does it bring out the sweetness in meats and cheeses, but no matter what combination you put on your charcuterie board, you can bet only good things will come of it.
Making honey mustard for your platter is simple, just combine three parts dijon mustard with one part honey, then add in a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding different herbs or spices to make a unique flavor profile. And voila! You have perfectly perfected honey mustard perfect for spicing up any charcuterie board.
3. Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard is widely known as being the classic flavor of mustard — and it can really make a charcuterie board shine! Not only is yellow mustard a must-have for any sort of sandwich-making, but it also goes surprisingly well with meats, cheeses, and other items you might be adding to your charcuterie board.
For starters, try drizzling some yellow mustard over your meat slices for a punch of flavor. You can also use strips of pieces and cheese to dip into the mustard for an extra flavorful treat. And if you mix yellow mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic together in a bowl—you get an amazing dipping sauce that’s sure to add some ‘zazzle’ (as I like to say) to your charcuterie board.
4. Spicy Brown Mustard
For those who like a little bit of spice in their life, spicy brown mustard is the perfect condiment for any charcuterie board. This type of mustard has a warm and smoky flavor that adds depth to your dishes. Not only does it pair perfectly with cured meats, but it also works great on cheese slices or as a dip for pickles and other vegetables.
When selecting a spicy brown mustard for your charcuterie board, make sure you look for something made with real whole-grain mustard seed and no artificial preservatives or added sugar. You’ll want to know that you’re getting the highest quality product.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining it with honey or even hot sauce to create a fun and flavorful condiment perfect for topping various types of meat, cheeses, vegetables, crackers—and more.
5. Whole Grain Mustard
Whole Grain Mustard is like the meat & potatoes of mustard. You can pair it with just about anything and it will bring a pleasing and subtle kick to your charcuterie board. When selecting this type of mustard, personal preference should be the guide.
For those who want something a bit more in-your-face, select one that is spicier than other varieties, or add your favorite spices to a jar of regular Whole Grain Mustard for an easy homemade solution.
Finally, don’t be afraid to mix things up – combine different types of mustards, such as honey mustard or Dijon mustard with Whole Grain Mustard for an interesting flavor combination.
6. English Mustard
English Mustard is the grand-daddy of mustards and rightly finds its place on almost any charcuterie board. It’s pungent yet savory flavor coupled with its bold yellow color makes it an interesting addition to any spread.
For those looking to add a little oomph to their cheese plate, English Mustard is a great choice for bringing flavor without overpowering the other components. The key when adding English Mustard is to go sparingly – a little goes a long way.
Enjoy its bright notes when smeared on some sausage and crackers or try pairing it with some sweet honeyed fig spread – however you choose to use this coveted condiment, it’s sure to bring life and personality to your charcuterie creations.
7. German Mustard
German Mustard is a unique type of mustard that has become a favorite amongst charcuterie boards. Not only does it have a unique sweet-sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with meats, but its brighter yellow hue can act as a fantastic contrast to many of the darker meats you might find on your board.
If you want to give your charcuterie board an edge and add a little je ne sais quoi then German mustard is the condiment for you. And when it comes to eating, you can enjoy the mustard as-is or mix it with a variety of other condiments and herbs for an extra kick.
Conclusion
When choosing a mustard for your charcuterie board, it’s important to consider the flavors of the other items on the board. If you are serving a variety of cured meats and cheeses, then Dijon mustard or Honey Mustard would be an ideal choice as they pair well with these types of items. For a more classic flavor profile, yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard would be a great option.
For those looking to add a more unique depth of flavor, whole grain mustard and English Mustard would be the way to go. Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique, German Mustard has a tangy and sweet taste that is sure to delight!
No matter which type of mustard you choose, it is sure to add a flavorful and unique punch to your charcuterie board. So get creative and experiment with different types of mustards to find the perfect combination for your next gathering. Bon Appetit!
