Holiday Charcuterie Board Tips From An Expert

Choosing what to put on your board is tough. Lewis suggests picking meats and cheeses everyone loves, and then add a unique item. Salami, cheddar, and parmesan are classics, and Lewis suggests “blue cheese or a triple cream brie, and serrano loin or chorizo” for something unique.

After you’ve picked your meats and cheeses, Lewis says to think about texture. I typically pick a meat that is pre-sliced so that it is very thick, and guests will get a larger bite. To ensure there are varying levels of fat on the board, a salami or prosciutto will work best.”

Now, to “balance the salty and fatty notes of the meats and cheeses,” Lewis recommends anchoring your board with an acidic and a sweet element. “For the sweet ingredient, consider honey or a preserve, and for an acidic note, I love to opt for cornichons or caper berries.”

“As the board is being built, including two or more options for each ingredient is key, so that guests have a variety to choose from,” Lewis says.

When it comes to cheese, Lewis says she’s mixing textures and flavors with three types for her own board, including “a hard parmesan, triple creamed brie, and a Roquefort blue cheese — which is great as it’s made with sheep’s milk in case any guests don’t consume cow’s milk.”

If you’re ready to get festive, Lewis has some tips on building out your charcuterie board to be holiday-themed. For a start, add some crunch and warmth to your board by roasting nuts. “I love roasting nuts with warm spices and rosemary for that holiday feeling,” Lewis says.

“To create holiday-themed shapes for the board, I recommend serving brie and using a Christmas tree or snowflake cookie cutter and cut the top rind off of the cheese. It’s effortless and looks very impressive,” Lewis recommends.

You can also add festive treats. Lewis says her favorites are “yogurt-covered snowflake pretzels and Christmas tree-shaped crackers,” but don’t forget some dried cranberries and herbs as a garnish for the red and green holiday flair combo.

Don’t forget a beverage to go with your holiday charcuterie board. “My favorite drink pairings with a charcuterie board are either a glass of full-bodied red wine or a Negroni. The smoky sweet notes of a Negroni make for a perfect pairing,” she says.