As the cold months settle in and the festive season approaches, it’s time to embrace the joy of entertaining at home. Shared food and drinks become central to celebrations, whether you’re hosting a grand feast or a more casual gathering. A staple for such occasions is the ever-versatile cheese and charcuterie board—ideal as a pre-dinner appetizer or the star of the event.
Creating your own cheese and charcuterie board might seem daunting, but with a few simple guidelines, you can easily assemble an impressive spread.
The Rule of Threes
For smaller gatherings, the “3 + 3 + 3” rule is a great starting point:
- Cheeses: Choose three types, such as a Blue, a Brie, and a hard cheese like aged Cheddar or Gouda.
- Meats: Include three options, like salami, prosciutto, or even a paté.
- Accompaniments: Add three different extras, such as crackers, nuts, and preserves.
For larger gatherings, expand the selection to five or seven cheeses, scaling up the meats and accompaniments as needed. Consider how the board will function—as a prelude to a meal or the main attraction—to determine the variety and quantity.
Portion Planning
Proper portioning ensures everyone gets their fill without waste:
- Cheese: For an appetizer board, plan on 70-90 grams per person (total for all cheeses). For instance, for five people with three cheeses, aim for 350 grams total (about 120 grams of each cheese). If the board is the main event, increase to 120-150 grams per person.
- Meats: Smaller boards require 50-60 grams of meat per person, while larger boards may need 80-100 grams. Thinly slice deli meats for folding or rolling, while salami chubs can be cut into thicker slices.
Assembly Tips
- Start with Cheese: Arrange your cheeses first, keeping them whole, sliced, or crumbled depending on the type.
- Add Meats: Place meats around the cheeses, folding or rolling them for visual appeal.
- Incorporate Accompaniments: Add preserves (using small containers if needed), crackers, and any other sides you’ve chosen. Crackers can also be served separately in a basket or bowl.
- Fill in the Gaps: Use fruits, nuts, chocolates, or other small treats to fill any empty spaces on the board.
Final Touches
- Label Your Cheeses: A quick hack is to wrap printer labels around toothpicks to create simple but effective labels.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Let cheeses sit at room temperature for 40-50 minutes before serving. This enhances their texture and flavor. If time is short, serving straight from the fridge is fine but expect richer flavors as the cheese warms.
With these tips, you’ll create a board that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for cozy nights in or lively holiday celebrations, a cheese and charcuterie board is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Happy hosting!
Written by Cheesemonger Leonard Conlin.
