How to Make the Ultimate Charcuterie Board

Take your entertaining to the next level with antipasto favorites with a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Learn how to make the ultimate charcuterie board.

the ultimate charcuterie board

Making a charcuterie board is like a work of art. It should be colorful and full of unique flavors that pair together. Personally I love having a charcuterie board when I entertain. First, its buffet style, so guests can serve themselves. Items are served at room temp. No need to cook! Lastly, the color food spread is a table centerpiece all on its own.

Tools

Select a Surface

Traditionally, a Napa style Charcuterie board is a butcher block style cutting board or a wood serving board. I’ve added some of my Amazon favorites below for you.

Although wood is the tradition, it certainly doesn’t have to be on wood. I’ve used a three-tiered server to add height to a buffet table (see picture below) and I’ve even served it on slate and marble. I’ve even done it strait on kraft paper for a backyard party.

wine & cheese
My Charcuterie Board

Cheese Knives / Markers

Your guests will need something to help them dig into the cheese. Some cheese knives can also serve as markers / labels as well. The cheese knives seen in the picture above, are from Pottery Barn. They have the name of the cheese engraved on them which makes it easier for your guests, but regular cheese knives are perfectly fine. Just make sure they have some way of serving themselves.

Dishes

Charcuterie boards are designed to be finger foods. Therefore, it saves you the hassle of having to deal with cutlery at a party. Instead I suggest putting out toothpicks for those who don’t actually want to use their fingers. If you’d like to keep it classier, try using disposable tasting forks (see my photo above). I’ve including links to the ones I use for parties.

You want to make sure you provide napkins and plates for your guests. Place them near the charcuterie board with your tasting forks or cocktail picks. The smaller the party, the more appropriate it is to use glass or china plates. I prefer using plain white appetizer plates, They always look elegant and they go with every occasion. I’ve linked to my favorite ones on Amazon, including my favorite disposable ones.

How to Make the Ultimate Charcuterie Board

This is where it gets fun. Making a charcuterie board is fun to pair. I recommend picking a few favorites from each category I have listed. When placing it on the board, I recommend putting it next to a different food of contrasting color. It really makes the board pop.

Cheese

Cheese is the headliner on a charcuterie board. A complete charcuterie board should have at least three cheeses from the main cheese categories: soft, hard, and semi-soft.

Hard Cheese

  • Aged Gouda
  • Parmesan
  • Pecorino
  • Romano
  • Parmesan-Reggiano

Soft

  • Mozzarella
  • Brie
  • Saint Andre
  • Humboldt Fog

Semi-soft

  • Gouda
  • Jarlsburg / Swiss
  • Havarti

Semi-Hard / Firm

  • Manchego
  • Provolone
  • Gouda (some types)
  • Gruyere
  • Cheddar
  • Fontina
  • Edam
  • Taleggio
  • Emmentaler

Bleu

  • Stilton
  • Gorgonzola
  • Roquefort
  • Castello Danish Blue

Goat

  • Feta
  • Chèvre
  • White Mold Goat
charcuterie board

Meats

  • Dry Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Genoa Salami
  • Chorizo
  • Prosciutto
  • Ham
  • Coppa
  • Soppressata
  • Smoked salmon
  • Caviar

Breads & Crackers

  • Crostini
  • Water Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Baguette
  • Entertaining Crackers

Condiments & Spreads

  • Honey
  • Seasonal Jams
  • Fig Spread
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Pesto
  • Olive Tapenade

Fruits & Nuts

Fruits can be fresh, candied, or dried. Nuts can be salted or raw. Both fruits and nuts can act as a palette cleanser from the richness of strong cheeses and cured meats.

  • Cherries
  • Cranberries
  • Red Grapes
  • Green Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Apricots
  • Figs
  • Apples

Other

  • Herbs
  • Olives
  • Artichokes
  • Sun dried Tomatoes
  • Cherry Tomatoes

I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how to put a charcuterie board together for your next party. Once you do it a few times, you’ll be able to whip it up quickly! If you’re looking for other entertaining ideas, take a look at my post where I show you how to make a hot chocolate bar! It’s great for the holidays.

Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese

Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese is both quick and easy to whip up as either an appetizer or for your own homemade Pimento sandwiches.

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For years, I hated pimento cheese. But then again I had mostly jarred or processed versions of it. But I became a fan when I whipped up my own brand of Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese.

I love just just spreading it on bread but Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese is amazing in sandwiches. It amazes me I hated Pimento Cheese way back when.

This has truly become one of my favorite recipes. Personally, I love spreading it on artisan scratch bread. Don’t fret if you don’t know how to make bread. You can buy scratch bread from your local grocery store and let me tell you…it’s worth it to spring for the good stuff!

By the way, I make this for wine and cheese nights. Let me tell you, it gets rave reviews and I never have any left! For parties, of you aren’t going to make sandwiches, consider just using crackers or bruschetta toast.

The Ingredients

This is a very simple recipe to make. For starters there is no real cooking. Just grab the ingredients and combine in a mixing bowl. I recommend refrigerating it for at least an hour after making it to let the flavors fully meld. I also recommend using fresh minced garlic and fresh dill. There is definitely difference in taste when garlic powder or dried dill is used. It really mutes the flavor.

I’ve been asked before if you can make it with cheddar or mix cheddar in. You certainly can. I love sharp cheese. However, Monterrey Jack has softer notes and I think the flavors work best with a milder cheese.

Storing Monterrey Jack Pimento Spread

Pimento Cheese can dry out. Therefore, I recommend storing it in an air tight container. It’s good for about 5-7 days. That means it’s great for making it in advance for parties and gatherings. You may find it can get a little dry after a few days. Simply add some extra mayo and stir.

Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese

Monterrey Jack Pimento Cheese

This homemade Pimento Cheese is to die for. Monterrey Jack. Is blended with mayo, Pimento, garlic and dill. 
15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 2 Cups

Ingredients
  

  • 8 Oz Monterrey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 2 Tbsp Garlic Minced
  • 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill Chopped
  • 2 Oz Pimento Strained

Instructions
 

  • With a food strainer, strain the pimentos until all the liquid is gone. 
  • In a medium bowl, add cheese and Pimento. 
  • Mince garlic and add to mixture. 
  • Add dill and mayonnaise. Stir well  until fully combined. 
  • Refrigerate for one hour before serving. 
Keyword appetizer, cheese, dill, easy appetizer, entertaining, monterrey jack, pimeto, pimeto cheese, sandwiches

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