A Tell-All Guide to Charcuterie Board

 From the juicy slab of meat and cheese to fun twists like charcuterie and charcuterie sticks, you are almost guaranteed to find some version of a charcuterie board at any function you go to. And that too for a good reason. Charcuterie boards are not only a good and easy appetizer to assemble, but they can also be made ahead of time. Also, charcuterie boards provide a variety of options, so everyone is bound to find something they want to snack on.

Charcuterie is basically a culinary art of preparing various cured meat and presenting them in different ways. The word “charcuterie” is a French term for a line of cooking dedicated to prepared meat products, especially pork.

 

In this blog post, we’ll learn everything about the charcuterie board.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

 

Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products such as bacon, salami, sausage, ham, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit. Like many other traditional foods that are making a comeback, charcuterie is a culinary art developed from necessity. It is the way meat was preserved long before the days of refrigeration. And just like pickles, fermented vegetables, home-drafted beer, broth, and kombucha, charcuterie has been revived and made a solid comeback by the traditional food movement. 

 

The modern use of the word charcuterie has widened to describe a display of meats along with cheeses and other foods like bread, crackers, or fruits and vegetables. They are popular at events and functions. People can customize a charcuterie board to match their gathering or event theme, highlight world cuisines, or add to the visual appeal of a buffet.

 

While trays of light fare have been popular in gatherings for years, charcuterie boards have earned iconic status with the rapid growth of social media. Aesthetically arranged boards are suitable for photo opportunities, with food pros and home cooks alike sharing their creativity and innovation online. Creative cooks make themed boards for functions, holidays, and special events, as well as classic collections of cheese and meats.

 

Why is Charcuterie a Thing?

 

Whether you think of charcuterie as an evolved form of Lunchables, or you think of it as the most beautiful type of party platter you’ve ever seen, charcuterie has become drastically popular. It is the perfect outlet for creative food influencers or wannabe Joanna Gaines party hosts.

 

Food lovers and casual dinner hosts can enjoy the sense of community a shared meal experience offers. American restaurants are including charcuterie on their menus because the colors and products you can add to the boards are attractive and irresistible to customers.

 

So go big and holiday-themed, or keep it small and private. Wipe the rule book clean and pair or contrast flavors to arouse the taste buds of your friends and guests. 

 

Tips to Make Your Charcuterie Board Healthy

 

If you want to make your charcuterie healthy, follow the following tips.

 

Choose Whole Grains: When it comes to the bread and crackers on a charcuterie board, always go for whole-grain versions. Whole grains have plenty of health benefits. It is packed with fiber, B vitamins, and protein. Many whole-grain crackers often contain other ingredients like nuts and seeds, which add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your dish. For recommendations, check out the best crackers to buy, according to a dietitian. Or, if you're looking for low-carb options, you can skip the bread and crackers and make your own crisps, like these Cauliflower Chips or Parmesan Crisps.

 

Add Nuts: Nuts are a healthy and delicious snack at any time. Also, they add a delicious crunch to any spread and dish. Each type of nut has its own nutrition value, but all in all, nuts are a great source of plant-based protein and are packed with healthy fats, while being lower in saturated fats. You can add a bowl of store-bought nuts to your next charcuterie board to keep it simple and delicious.

 

Add Fruits and Veggies: When you are preparing a charcuterie board, make sure that you add plenty of fruits and veggies! The reason to add them is they pair well with meats and cheeses and are also a great way to add color and nutrients to the board. Many charcuterie boards include dried fruit, like apricots or figs, for a touch of sweetness. Just make sure to look for dried fruit that's unsweetened, and check the label for added sugars. You could also go for fresh fruit as well. And when it comes to vegetables, the options are limitless. From bell pepper and carrot sticks to cucumber slices, add any raw veggies your heart desires! To make everything consistent and aesthetic, be sure they are cut into bite-size pieces so you and your family can easily munch.

 

Choose the Right Meat and Cheese: This is the most tricky and important part. The process of selecting the meats and cheeses is arguably the most important part of any charcuterie board. When it comes to choosing the meat, we suggest avoiding cold cuts like ham or turkey, which can be high in sodium and saturated fat. Instead,

look for meat that is labeled or leaned reduced- or low-sodium. Meanwhile, meat options like prosciutto and salami might not be the healthiest choice. However, they are popular on charcuterie boards. Whether it's soft, hard, spreadable, or stinky, you have plenty of choices when it comes to cheese. While budget is certainly a factor to consider, any cheese you choose is bound to be delicious. In addition, cheese has some amazing potential health benefits, like improving cholesterol and lowering the risk of developing diabetes. For recommendations, you can go for the healthiest cheeses including charcuterie-board favorites like goat cheese and mozzarella. 

 

Wrapping Up

 

Charcuterie boards are a great addition to your house party menu or any gathering menu. They can be simple deli trays or carefully curated choices of gourmet foods with complementary flavors and textures. So, if you’re looking for a CharcuterieBoard in Charleston SC, visit our website at savorcharleston.com.