What is a charcuterie board?

Charcuterie is actually a french term that translates to "pork butcher". It generally refers to any processed or cured meat product . While the term dates back to the 15th century, modern charcuterie boards are snacking platters that include different types of cheese, meat, crackers, condiments, and fruit. They are traditionally served as an appetizer for get togethers and parties.

What size is a small charcuterie board?

To make a small charcuterie board, you'll need a board that is around is 10 to 14 inches in diameter, or the size of a dinner plate. A small board serves 4-6 people, so it's great for small gatherings or dinner parties.

When do you assemble your charcuterie board?

Most items can be assembled on your board a few hours ahead of time. Place any cheese, meat, fruit, and condiments on your board and wrap it in food storage wrap and place it in the fridge. Leave off any crackers, bread, or nuts until right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

Can you make a charcuterie board for two?

You sure can! Just use a small serving board or appetizer plate that is about 5 inches in diameter. You can simply half the recipe below if you want to make it a board for two.

How much meat and cheese do I need for a charcuterie board?

Roughly 4 oz per person. A good rule of thumb is to serve 2 oz of cheese and 2 oz of meat per person if the board is being served as an appetizer.

Simple Small Charcuterie Board

Name: Simple Small Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 oz soft cheese: Brie, Chèvre, or fresh mozzarella; 4 oz semi-hard cheese: Cheddar, Monterey, Provolone, or Havarti (I usually pick two and cut one into cubes and cut the other into slices); 4 oz cold cuts: thinly sliced roast beef, smoked chicken or turkey, or black forest ham; 4 oz cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni; 15-20 baked crackers: I like almond flour crackers; 15-20 bagel chips or toast crackers; ¼ cup jam or local honey; Handful of green grapes; Handful of blueberries; 3-4 strawberries, cut in half; ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives; 4 dried apricots; ¼ cup shelled pistachios (or your favorite nuts); Optional chocolate: a few chocolate covered almonds or chocolate squares

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Recipe

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Simple Small Charcuterie Board

How to make the perfect simple, small charcuterie board for your next dinner party or gathering! In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn exactly what you need to make a delicious small charcuterie board for 4-6 people.

Prep: 15Total: 15 minutes

Servings: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Cheese:

4–6 oz soft cheese: Brie, Chèvre, or fresh mozzarella
4 oz semi-hard cheese: Cheddar, Monterey, Provolone, or Havarti (I usually pick two and cut one into cubes and cut the other into slices)

Meat:

4 oz cold cuts: thinly sliced roast beef, smoked chicken or turkey, or black forest ham
4 oz cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni

Crackers:

15–20 baked crackers: I like almond flour crackers
15–20 bagel chips or toast crackers

Spread:

¼ cup jam or local honey

Fruits & Accents:

Handful of green grapes
Handful of blueberries
3–4 strawberries, cut in half
¼ cup pitted kalamata olives
4 dried apricots
¼ cup shelled pistachios (or your favorite nuts)
Optional chocolate: a few chocolate covered almonds or chocolate squares

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Instructions

Choose your board and bowls: Grab a serving or cutting board 10-14-inches in diameter and lay out 3 small condiment bowls. Add the spread, olives, and nuts to the small bowls and arrange the bowls on the board.
Add the cheese: Slice or cube your cheese and add it to the board. I like to use brie as the anchor on one side, and place cubed cheese and cheese slices on the other side.
Layer the Meats: Arrange the meats on the board. For the cured meats, you can layer the slices or drop the prosciutto pieces on the board so they look like ribbons. For the cold cuts, fold each slice in half, then in half again to make a rough triangle with one rounded edge. Tuck the rounded edge around the cheese or bowls to give a “flower like” appearance, or layer them on top of one another.
Add the Crackers: Place the crackers in the remaining large empty spaces.
Fill in with fruit: Fill in the empty spaces with grapes, blueberries, strawberries, dried apricots, and chocolate. Don’t leave any empty spaces on the board. Serve with mini spoons, forks, and a small cheese knife.

Notes

Keep it simple and use your favorite things! The easiest way to make a simple charcuterie board is to fill it with the things you love. If you’re not a fan of fancy cheese, don’t use it. If you’re gluten free, use your favorite gluten free crackers and breads. Add the nuts, fruit, and dried fruits you already purchase regularly.
Play with colors! For a beautiful board, include a variety of colors with your fresh and dried fruit. The dried apricots and green grapes really balance out the board and give it a pop.
Here are some great tips for folding the meat into ribbons and flowers.
Cut your cheese chilled.
Let your board sit out for at least 15 minutes to let the ingredients come to room temperature.
Not a fan of crackers? Just use a fresh baguette and toast the slices.

Recipe By: Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT

Find it online: https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/simple-small-charcuterie-board/