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Call Me PMc

Cooking. Creating. Sharing

How to Assemble a Charcuterie Platter

Aug.posted by Paula 11 Comments

I want to teach you How to Assemble a Charcuterie Platter. It is not difficult, but a few basic rules. A Charcuterie platter is an easy and elegant way to entertain especially if you have last minute guests without much time to cook anything.

I want to teach you How to Assemble a Charcuterie Platter. It is not difficult, but a few basic rules. A Charcuterie platter is an easy and elegant way to entertain especially if you have last minute guests without much time to cook anything.

Charcuterie means simply cured meats. We’re making a butcher board basically with cured meats, crackers, cheese, olives, fresh fruit, dried fruits, olives, pickles, and nuts. You can choose as much or as little of these items and mix and match as you like.

I plan to give you basics, a guide. I don’t want to over-complicate this. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of combinations of meats, cheeses, and condiments you can use for your Charcuterie Platter. As with any ‘recipe’ offer what you like and what will please your guests.

How to Assemble a Charcuterie Platter

I want to teach you How to Assemble a Charcuterie Platter. It is not difficult, but a few basic rules. A Charcuterie platter is an easy and elegant way to entertain especially if you have last minute guests without much time to cook anything.

What’s the secret to a successful charcuterie platter?

Taste and appearance are equally important. Therefore, choose elements that vary in texture and taste. Ideally, you would try something hard like Salami with something soft like paté with something cured like prosciutto. Likewise with the cheese, offer a combination of aged, firm, soft, crumbly, and creamy cheeses. Finally, play with the presentation by rolling, folding, layering, and lying flat to give the plate more visual variety.

What meats should I offer?

Salami or Finocchiona, or other cured meats, and a creamy pâté will give a different visual and textural experience. Ideally, try mixing spicy meats ,like hot Soppressata with mild ones, and mixing richer flavors ,such as Capicola with lighter ones. An element of sweetness, fresh fruit, jelly or jam, pairs nicely with the saltiness of the meat.

It’s easier to slice salami when it’s cold, or better yet have your butcher slice it for you.

What cheese should I offer?

A good rule for cheese is to have something hard, something soft, something goat, something cow.

Worth mentioning, people either love blue cheese or hate it. I suggest including a more neutral cheese that everyone will like instead of a rich, robust blue cheese.

Furthermore, cheese is best served at room temperature. Allow cheeses to sit at room temperature at least thirty minutes before servings.

Finally, provide a knife with each cheese so that flavors don’t get comingled.

Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese

Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese

Do I need to have bread or crackers?

Sturdy chips and crackers, toasted bread or baguette slices are all good options. You’ll want to offer at least two options from this category. Also, consider adding another cracker if your Charcuterie and Cheese Platter is large.

What else makes a good Charcuterie tray?

  1. First of all, I like to have either fresh or dried fruit.
  2. Nuts are always a good option and popular especially with men.
  3. I also like to offer a pickled element. Maybe olives, baby dill or gherkin pickles, pepperoncini peppers or marinated artichokes are all options.
  4. A smear of whole grain mustard adds flavor and interest
  5. I also like to add a hummus or feta dip if my crowd is large.
Garlic Hummus with Sriracha #callmepmc

Simple Garlic Hummus

How much meat should I serve per person?

Plan on serving two slices of each meat or cheese per person. This typically is 2 ounces of cheese or charcuterie per guest.

Red Wine Citrus Sangria Recipe

Red Wine Citrus Sangria Recipe

Tips

  • Remember you eat with you eyes first, therefore, make it pretty!!
  • It’s ok to purchase premade hummus, other dips, or cheese straws
  • Bring color in with in season fruit
  • Add a flavored nut like Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
  • Most ‘experts’ suggest serving charcuterie with red wine or a light, fizzy beer. I say, offer a variety of cocktails to your guests. People of particular regarding favorite wines, bourbons, and beers. Offer a variety of cocktail sippers if your budget allows.
  • Have fun with it! Charcuterie is an easy, no-stress way to entertain.

Del Dotto

Paula
« Tips for Baking with Yeast
BIRTHDAY CAKE CINNAMON ROLLS »

Comments

  1. techreveal says

    04.21.21 at 5:38 am

    This is a truly good site post. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did.

    Reply
  2. Andrea says

    02.24.18 at 1:21 pm

    This is beautiful! Sounds like an excellent plan for an easy dinner!

    Reply
  3. Valerie Wahl says

    12.07.17 at 1:11 pm

    Forgot I pinned this beautiful and festive display of your charcuterie platter!
    Making it for tonight …Thank you for sharing your creative ideas and recipes❤️

    Reply
  4. Mary Nax says

    05.29.17 at 1:00 pm

    This is exactly what I was searching for. Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Molly says

    12.17.16 at 9:03 am

    Paula, you are these best! Love love love your recipes and tips!!

    Reply
  6. Natural Handcrafted Soap says

    09.15.16 at 8:52 am

    Easy for a party I like the idea but I like more barocco style

    Reply
  7. Steve says

    08.26.16 at 1:40 pm

    Good Day I Am So Happy I Found Your Website, I
    Found You By Mistake, While I Was Searching On Aol For
    Something Else, Anyhow I Am Here Now And Would Just Like To Say Many Thanks For
    A Remarkable Post And An All Round Entertaining Blog
    I Don’t Have Time To Read It, All At The Moment But I Have BookMarked It
    And Also Added In Your RSS Feeds, So When I Have Time I Will Be Back To Read More,
    Please Do Keep Up The Fantastic Job.

    Reply
  8. Sharon Page says

    08.25.16 at 7:50 am

    Thank you for all of your amazing recipes! And for your blog! I love it!
    I will definitely make this soon and I appreciate all of your suggestions and tips.
    I can not wait to make your Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese!

    Reply
  9. Sharon Page says

    08.25.16 at 7:50 am

    Thank you for all of your amazing recipes! And for your blog! I love it!
    I will definitely make this soon and I appreciate all of your suggestions and tips.
    I can not wait to make your Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese!

    Reply
  10. Megan Boswell says

    08.24.16 at 9:05 pm

    One of my favorite things to make when entertaining!! Love your blog!! 😘

    Reply
    • Paula says

      08.24.16 at 9:19 pm

      Mine too, Megan. So easy but impressive.

      Thank you, site is my baby <3

      Reply

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