The art of creating a charcuterie board is all about combining the right flavors and textures to create an impressive, tasty display. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for something special for dinner, putting together a charcuterie board can be both fun and delicious. But what should you serve with it?
The best charcuterie boards are filled with items that complement each other in flavor, texture, color, and presentation. From cured meats to fresh fruits and vegetables to crunchy crackers – there are so many possibilities! To help make your next charcuterie board the talk of the town (or at least your living room.), here are 21 ideas for accompaniments that will take your spread from good to great!
What To Serve With Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a selection of cured meats and other accompaniments, such as cheeses, crackers, pickles, olives, jams and nuts. It makes an ideal appetizer or light meal. Suggested beverages to serve with a charcuterie board include wine, beer or hard cider. Additionally, flavored mustards and honey are popular condiment choices for pairing with the cured meats on a charcuterie board.
1. Cured Meat
Not sure what cured meat will bring out the flavors you crave? Fear not! Prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are three of our favorite picks when it comes to upping the ante on any charcuterie board.
Prosciutto is a perfect match for most cheese due to its delicate, salty flavor. Salami, on the other hand, is more robust in flavor and makes a great companion for olives, capers and other acidic ingredients.
And for those brave enough for some serious kick try adding chorizo. With its smoky paprika and distinctive aromatics, you’ll be sure to have your guests asking for more.
2. Cheese
Cheese is a critical component of any charcuterie board. Soft cheese, such as brie, blue, goat and mozzarella, can be spread on crackers or fresh fruit for a delicious combination of sweet and savory.
You can also opt for hard cheeses such as Manchego or Cheddar for an extra crunchy bite. Picking the right kind of cheese for your board depends on personal preference and the other items you’re serving.
If you’re including cured salami or smoked ham, adding a nutty Parmesan creates a salty contrast that will truly pop with contrasting flavors. Make sure to give your board plenty of visual appeal by arranging larger blocks of cheese at the edges and filling in with little cubes throughout.
And don’t forget – it’s always more fun to experiment with new kinds of cheese.
3. Bread
Why have just any old bread with a charcuterie board when you could have something special? Opting for delicious artisan breads is a great way to level up your charcuterie board game.
Baguettes and multigrain are all delicious options, as well as freshly baked sourdough and gluten-free bread. Or, get adventurous and intrigue your guests by adding some interesting flavors like wild garlic or walnut rosemary.
For more intimate gatherings, try mini croissants, muffins, or pretzel bites – they’re sure to give your charcuterie board presentation the flare it deserves.
4. Crackers
To make your charcuterie board complete, don’t forget about the crackers. There’s no shortage of options for what to use with charcuterie. For those who like a classic yet delicious pair, try water biscuits or saltines.
For something a bit heartier, crostini and whole wheat crackers add extra flavor and texture. Or for an extra indulgent treat, artisan crackers bring an upscale flair to the board. Altogether, these options create a perfectly hand-crafted composition that will make your charcuterie board look as good as it tastes.
5. Jam
Depending on the types of meats and cheeses, there’s a wide variety of jams available. From fig jam, which pairs nicely with blue cheese and cured meats, to raspberry jam, which goes great with brie, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget about apricot or peach jams, both of these choices are perfect for adding sweetness to any sharp or salty cheese. And who can forget about strawberry jam – this one’s always a hit!
When assembling your charcuterie board make sure you choose jams that will complement the flavor profiles of your other offerings.
6. Deviled Egg
Deviled eggs are the ultimate sidekick to a charcuterie board that can’t be ignored! This classic appetizer is easy to prepare and serves as an excellent compliment to the cold-cut meats and cheeses. While you could stick with the traditional recipe of hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and mustard that we all know and love, why not get creative?
Try experimenting with different ingredients like paprika, bacon or parsley for a unique twist! If there’s one thing you should remember when it comes to serving deviled eggs with your charcuterie, it’s never to underestimate their ability to bring out the flavor in everything around them — after all, isn’t that what every true sidekick does?
7. Mustard
Mustard is the perfect condiment for a charcuterie board, and fortunately, it comes in many different varieties! If you’re wanting to jazz up your board, why not try something unique like honey mustard or even whole grain?
However, classic yellow mustard is still the go-to choice for most meats. No matter which type you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative with the presentation. For example, serve it dolloped into tiny rounds of cantaloupe or scooped into a jar with fresh herbs as garnish – whatever makes your board unique.
Heck, why not go all out and learn how to make your own dijon mustard from scratch? You won’t have to apply for candidacy on MasterChef to do this either. Just be sure to serve some delicious pickles alongside your board – their tart crunch pairs perfectly with the zing of mustard.
8. Pickles
Pickles are a must-have accompaniment to any charcuterie board as they help provide the perfect tart and tangy balance amongst the other salty and savory components. Pickles can range from cucumbers and radishes all the way to cauliflower, onions and more.
The key is to select a few different varieties that pair well with each other. If you’re not sure where to start, then dill pickles, cornichons (tiny gherkin pickles), and baby garlic cloves are a great combination.
As far as presentation goes, feel free to get creative – cut them into eye-catching shapes or roll them into tight little coils – whatever pleases your culinary fancy.
9. Fresh or Dried Fruit
Fruits are one of the best pairings you can have with a charcuterie board. Not only do they add an element of sweetness to the salty, savory flavors of the meats and cheeses on the board, but they also offer nutritional benefits and brighten up any presentation.
Fresh fruits are always a great option – think Seasonal Berries, Grapes, Apples & Pears, Stone Fruit (like Peaches or Plums), and Citrus Fruits – because their mild sweetness complements the other salty flavors so well.
Dried fruits like Apricots and Cranberries are also tasty picks! Be sure to cut them in mix-and-match shapes for added visual interest. And don’t forget about adding seasonal flavors like Fig Spread or Quince Paste.
10. Salad
A charcuterie board pairs wonderfully with a delicious salad. This can be anything from a simple lettuce and tomato creation to something more ambitious, like a Mediterranean-style pasta salad or a fresh Caprese.
No matter what type of salad you choose, make sure it complements the flavors found on the board. Top your green leafy creation with crumbled cheese, a sprinkle of nutty pine nuts, crunchy bacon bits, and dress it perfectly with a light vinaigrette.
For added zing, include fresh citrus juice in your vinaigrette which will bring an added depth of flavor to your charcuterie board pairing.
11. Honey
For those looking to put a sweeter spin on their charcuterie board, honey is the perfect addition. Not only does it provide an interesting contrast in flavor and texture, but honey also pairs well with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
When selecting honey to serve, opt for fruity or floral varieties, such as orange blossom or star thistle – these pair especially nicely with aged gouda or a well-aged hard salami. Crackers, breads, and nuts are also great accompaniments for your Honey-enhanced charcuterie board.
Setting out mini dishes of honey for dipping will enable your guests to enjoy it as they please – subtle drizzles over slices of cheese or heavy drenching over fresh biscuits are both delicious options.
12. Fruit Compotes
Compotes are an exciting way to add a burst of flavor and texture to your charcuterie board. Making a delicious fruit compote is quick and simple, with only a few steps necessary. Start by combining your favorite fruits in a pan, such as apricots, peach slices, and cherries along with cinnamon and lemon zest for flavor.
Once the mixture has simmered on the stove, you can serve it warm or allow it to cool before adding it to your charcuterie board. The flavors of the fruit compote contrast nicely against the cheeses and cured meats on the board, providing a refreshing contrast after the richness of the meat.
For an added layer of flavor, consider adding other ingredients like brown sugar or honey just before serving up your charcuterie board with fruit compote
13. Vegetables
Generally speaking, vegetables are your best bet for providing an additional layer of flavor and texture to your charcuterie board. There are many ways to incorporate them into your charcuterie experience. You can go the raw route by adding in sliced cucumbers, carrots and celery with a tasty homemade dip.
If you’re looking for something more cooked, crisp up roasted potatoes with garlic and olive oil or sauté some mushrooms finished with butter and herbs. Have something crunchy? Toast up some sliced baguette with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt counterbalanced perfectly by cool creamy avocado slices.
14. Nuts
Nuts are an underrated addition to charcuterie boards but can bring welcome flavor and texture that pairs well with cured meats, fruits, jams, and cheeses. Adding a variety of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts not only makes your board aesthetically pleasing but provides crunch.
If you’re feeling especially fancy, whip up some spiced or saline-mixed nuts for a bit of added flavor. If you want something a bit more savory than sweet try toasting the raw nuts in olive oil with garlic and herbs.
15. Dip or Spread
Adding dips or spreads to a charcuterie board can be an incredibly fun addition. After all, what good is a bunch of delicious cured meats and cheeses if you don’t have something juicy and creamy to pair with it?
To make sure your board looks as authentically rustic as possible, try making homemade hummus or pesto. However, if you’re in a pinch and need an easy solution, there’s nothing wrong with picking up store-bought versions.
Whichever way you choose to go, be sure to include nut-free options that everyone can enjoy. Pear relish or jelly would make excellent choices among sweeter alternatives. There’s no wrong way to create the perfect charcuterie board spread – just be sure to let everyone dip away.
16. Seafood
Seafood is a fantastic pairing for a charcuterie board. Not only are oysters, mussels, and clams pure ocean heaven, but fish like smoked salmon, sashimi-grade tuna and smoked trout provide a delightful contrast to the rich salty meat selections.
For added texture, adding some caviar or crunchy shrimp chips to the board can really turn up the wow factor. To serve seafood with your charcuterie board don’t forget to include some lemon wedges or cocktail sauce with horseradish for shuckin’ up oysters or mussels.
What to drink with a charcuterie board?
The right beverage can help bring out the flavors of a charcuterie board. Here are some of my favorite drinks to pair with a charcuterie board:
17. Wine
When you’re feeling fancy but don’t feel like getting all dressed up, a charcuterie board is a perfect solution. But what to drink? For many, it’s got to be wine! With its complex notes, pairing the right wine with your food can really bring out the flavors in your charcuterie board.
It’s important to choose a wine that complements the meats and cheeses — salty super-aged Parmesan pairs great with sweeter wines such as Riesling or Prosecco. For heavier cured sausages and hams, select bolder-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo for their depth of flavor.
18. Beer
Another beverage to pair with a charcuterie board is beer. Craft beers offer incredible variety and range in flavors, so you can find something that pairs well with any combination of meats and cheeses.
For light to medium-bodied charcuterie boards, look for wheat beers such as hefeweizens or witbiers with their subtle sweetness and light effervescence. For bolder cured meats, look for hoppier ales such as IPAs and pale ales.
19. Champagne
For a bubbly experience to pair with your charcuterie board, look no further than champagne. It’s the perfect drink for a special occasion, with its bright and complex notes that counterbalance the salty meats and cheeses.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, grab a bottle of rosé champagne for a unique and luxurious pairing. The subtle sweetness from the pink bubbly goes great with sharp-aged cheeses.
20. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
For those who don’t feel like drinking alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to pair with a charcuterie board. Sparkling water and flavored seltzers are always an excellent choice — try adding a splash of fresh-squeezed juice to really make it special.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more sweetness, try making homemade fruit sodas, such as pomegranate or peach lemonade. These refreshing drinks can be made with simple ingredients and are super easy to whip up.
Conclusion
Now you know how to create a charcuterie board that is sure to impress your guests! With the right combination of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, crackers and condiments, you can make an amazing spread. Plus with my 21 ideas for accompaniments above – there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. So why not try putting together your own charcuterie board today? The possibilities are endless! Bon appétit!
