Impress Your Friends With Chef-Level Party Spreads 

At any dinner party or backyard get-together, you’ll usually find me hovering over the charcuterie spread. There’s just something about building yourself the perfect indulgent bite that makes my heart glow- and while any charcuterie board is good, some can only be described as transcendent. Here I’ll share some of my tricks for building incredible charcuterie creations which are sure to wow your family and guests. 

What is a charcuterie board?

Simply put, a charcuterie board is any selection of meats, cheeses, pâtés and crackers laid out in a manner so that guests can serve themselves. Charcuterie boards are usually served cold or at room temperature, although there are some elements which can require heating. Added flourishes, like preserves, dried fruit or roasted nuts, can also be included for some added decadence. 

How to improve your charcuterie board

Improving your charcuterie board is all about focusing on each individual element complements the experience as a whole. Here are some tips to level up your next party spread.

1. Keep it seasonal

It’s always fun to play with seasonal ingredients when building your charcuterie board. On top of being environmentally friendly, a seasonal approach can add a consistent theme that ties your spread together. Often you’ll see winter creations that are a little richer and warmly spiced, whereas summer charcuterie might focus more on lighter and fresher flavours.

2. Balance your flavours

In my search for the most blissful bite, I’ve realized that a good balance of flavours is the key to delicious(and short-lived) charcuterie. To achieve that perfect balance, you can try pairing fattier sausage with a tart jelly, and rich cheeses with sweeter fruit preserves. The old adage is true—the tastiest cuisine is a delicate balance between salt, fat, acid and heat… and umami if you’re a food geek like me. 

3. Take small risks!

Have some fun crafting your masterpiece! It’s ok to experiment a little— an unexpected addition like, watermelon chutney with balsamic, or homemade wasabi hummus can make a good board into an incredible one. Giving your guests something that they’ve never tried before can be the culinary highlight of the whole party!

4. Use space wisely

I’m super guilty of creating the odd overstuffed charcuterie board… but I have changed my ways. I now look at my board like an empty canvas and try to portion things out in attractive but not overwhelming style. Sometimes I like to keep some extra meat and cheese prepped and plated in the fridge so that I can replenish my smaller board.

How to improve your plating

Charcuterie is all about plating your delicious snacks in a fun and inviting way. Following a few of these tips can help your board stand in a league of its own: 

• Display meats appropriately: Softer, thinner-cut meats can be arranged
  
  in cute rolls, while thicker meats like salami can look great laid out in a scalloped fashion.
• Mix up your display: It’s ok to mix up the locations of the meats and cheeses instead of splitting up the space based on category. This helps prevent confusing one item for another and adds some organic flow to your layout.
• Add color and garnishes: To avoid a grey and monotone spread, consider adding a splash of color. Grapes, pomegranate seeds, or pickled red onions are great ways to brighten up your board.
• Avoid mess: Charcuterie boards often start out looking irresistible but quickly become spotted with fallen sauces and spreads. Nip this one in the bud by making sure anything drippy is on the serving side of your board to prevent the tragedy of fallen toppings.

I’m always looking for ways to improve my party snack game. What’s your best party food hack? Send us an email at Jenny.MeadowGifts@gmail.com and let us know!

Our food section for more tips and recipes is coming soon.