Husband needs a snack? Charcuterie. Family is in cahoots on what meal we’re eating? Charcuterie. Not sure what to take for Friendsgiving? ….well, you get it. One of my go-to snack options is always a blend of savory cheeses, salty snacks and a mix of meats. Ask anyone – charcuterie trays are a must at all of our gatherings. I’m a firm believer that you can make a meal out of them, because snacking is honestly my favorite pastime.
So, now you’re sold on charcuterie boards but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. First up, start with at least 2-3 flavors of cheese. I’m not big on sweet cheeses, but I know Brie is a big favorite with cheese trays. My favorites? Extra sharp cheddar, bleu cheese, mozzarella and sharp white cheddar. My family loves colby jack, so that’s always a must on ours. You also want to mix in at least one meat (pepperoni and salami are always popular), one salty element and something sweet. I usually opt for pretzels, crackers, berries, olives and bread crisps.
A few tips for keeping your charcuterie affordable?
- Utilize store-brand blocks of cheese instead of all *fancy* options
- Opt for packaged lunch meats vs. “specialty” items in the deli
- Pick add-on’s that are in-season, like berries and avocados
- Pick 1-2 “splurge” options if you want, but not everything has to be “specialty”
- Know your audience! Mine is quantity vs quality, so the store-brand items work well and save us a ton when assembling for my family.
What are your charcuterie must-haves? We love expanding our palette so please send your recommendations my way!
