How to Assemble a Charcuterie Board

Award-winning Toronto caterer, Daniel et Daniel teaches us how to assemble a charcuteries board for the holidays and beyond!
Charcuterie boards are a tried-and-true offering at any gathering, especially during the holiday season. They are simple enough to put together on your own, but if you are unsure where to start, here are some tips to get you started!

When assembling your charcuterie board, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

1. Selecting quality produce

Keep it simple and choose cured meats such as Bresaola, Prosciutto, and Dry Salami (we recommend about 75 to 100 grams per person). You can also elevate your board by including some protein-based spreads such as Pâté, Riette, or Terrine.

Tip: When shopping for quality produce, try buying locally produced items!

2. Balance your savoury flavours with breads, condiments, and extras

Incorporate condiments such as red pepper jelly, honey, or mustard. Cornichons, olives, candied nuts, and fresh fruit are also great items to add to help balance your flavours. Select 2 to 3 of your favourite condiments and spreads, along with at least two extra items for your board. Don’t forget to grab some baguette and crackers to serve alongside everything!

3. Presentation

Time to put it all together!

We love using live edge wood planks to present our charcuterie boards, but you can use anything that is available to you. Rimless serving platters, ceramic dishes, or even a cutting board will do the job. Gather small jars and ramekins to hold your condiments, olives, etc. You will also need serving utensils, such as cheese knives (or regular butter knives) and tongs.

Now when it comes to arranging everything on your board, try the following:

• Meats: Fold, roll, or lay out your meats. If this is your first time building a board, go with your gut and place them where you see fit.
• Condiments and Spreads: Use small jars to hold condiments and spreads on your board.
• Extras: Fill the remaining space with cornichons, olives, and nuts.
• Breads & Crackers: While it is common to present these on the board, it is more functional to serve these them on the side. Doing this also helps retain your presentation longer as the board is grazed on throughout the party.

Tip: If you are bringing the board to a party or office, consider different dietary restrictions. You can incorporate items such as gluten free crackers, venison saucisson, or even smoked duck breast. If your party is might have a number of vegetarian or vegan guests, you can include them in the meal planning by preparing a vegetable antipasto platter as an alternative option.

4. Signage

As a final addition, consider adding some signage to your board. It allows your guests to know which meats they will be enjoying, and helps to inform any guests with food sensitivities. An easy way to create holiday perfect charcuterie board signs is to use labels. It’s as easy as placing a cocktail pick between two rectangle, round, or square labels and adding them where needed on your board.

There are many ways to arrange a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board. Why not kick off this year’s holiday celebration by putting one together yourself? Your guests will be sure to love it!

For other holiday and menu planning ideas connect with Daniel et Daniel on Instagram or Facebook!