This post was sponsored by Blue Diamond® as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
You may recall in a recent post I shared that I was officially calling this summer the summer of charcuterie boards in my house. Creating simple and delicious charcuterie boards has been absolutely perfect during lunch and dinner time because I’m able to serve my family a wholesome variety of our favorite foods that we can graze on without ever once having to heat up the oven or stove!
If the concept of a charcuterie board is a little lost on you, no need to fret! A charcuterie board is simply a collection of foods that typically feature fresh and dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, an assortment of cheeses and a few additional sweet and savory options that all pair nicely together. Ideally, the foods will be able to sit out for a couple of hours without spoiling, so that partakers can graze over the board at their leisure. Typically, a charcuterie board is arranged in such a way that creates an appealing blend of colors and textures that appeal to the eye, and there’s truthfully not a wrong way to do it at all! You can add as many or as few things as you like, and it’s a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your snack time.
During the summer I aimed to keep a stock of charcuterie board staples in my pantry at all times, and one of my latest discoveries that has been pivotal in my charcuterie board game is Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit that I found at my local Walmart!
Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit combines the finest California almonds and real fruit pieces, making it the perfect option to serve on any charcuterie board imaginable! It’s a great way to elevate snack time by offering flavor combinations that are both classic and sophisticated – such as Sea Salt & Whole Blueberry and Fiery Ghost Pepper & Tart Cherry. I love to have items on my boards that appeal to all palates, and Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit takes a lot of the guess work out of deciding what flavors will pair nicely together. It’s a total charcuterie board game changer!
I love to ensure that the items I serve on my charcuterie boards are great and wholesome options, and choosing an abundance of fruit and almonds means that I’m packing in a lot of great nutrients to go along with their robust flavors! People love having the option to nibble on snacks that combine sweet and salty flavors, and incorporating Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit is the perfect way to do that!
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If you’re creating a charcuterie board of your own for a party, event, or just for your family to graze on over the weekend, you’ll definitely want to pick up a bag of Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit to help bring a touch of sophistication to your food display! I paired a wide variety of both fresh and dried fruits with mine, including grapes, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, dried pineapple and apricots, gerkin pickles, cube cheeses, salami, pepperoni, a few fresh veggies, a pepper jelly for dipping, and Blue Diamond Nut-Thins for an added crunch!
Not only are charcuterie boards perfect for summertime grazing, but they’re also great for taking into the fall season by simply changing out the summer fruits and veggies with fall fruits and veggies! You’re sure to see more charcuterie boards here on the blog over the next few months – they’re truly a family favorite around here! One thing is for sure – they’ll always be made with Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit from here on out! Next time you’re at Walmart, be sure to pick up a bag or two to help take your snacking and/or charcuterie board to the next level!
FAQs
What is the 3-3-3-3 Rule for Charcuterie Boards? No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.
What are 5 things to avoid on a charcuterie board? ›
5 Mistakes You are Making on Your Charcuterie Board
- Peppers: Whether green, red, or yellow, peppers are best avoided. ...
- Tricky vegetables: Namely, tomatoes or Asparagus. ...
- Jalapeno stuffed olives (or anything too spicy): Very hot foods simply don't work well with most wines, and they can overwhelm your taste buds.
Ingredients
- variety of sliced cured meats and salumi such as Sweet Sopressata, salami, proscuitto, pepperoni.
- variety of soft and hard cheese options such a Brie, Havarti, Gouda, Mozzarella, Provolone, Blue Cheese, etc.
- cured olives and colorful antipasti,
- roasted and fresh veggies on the side, optional.
Often, chocolate or sweets are included, too. However, the simplest board will always have five key ingredients: fruit, nuts or olives, cheese, meat, and a carb like toasted bread or crackers.
What are the best 3 cheeses for a charcuterie board? ›
Here's some of the best cheese for charcuterie boards: Hard cheese: chunks of parmesan, aged gouda, asiago. Firm cheese: gruyere, comte, manchego, colby, cheddar. Semi-soft cheese: havarti, butterkäse, muenster.
What is the key to a good charcuterie board? ›
The meat and cheeses are the stars, but don't skimp on the filler — this is where the board gets fun. Not only fruit, spreads, nuts and pickles usually cheaper than meats and cheeses, but they also satisfy hungry guests. They make the board last longer and keep people happily munching throughout the party.
How unhealthy are charcuterie boards? ›
Many ingredients used in charcuterie boards are high in sodium, including deli meats, dry sausages, cheeses, salted nuts, pretzels and crackers. The recommendation for daily sodium intake for adults is 2,300 milligrams or less. To reduce the sodium load on your board, add more fresh or dried fruits and raw veggies.
What wood should not be used for charcuterie boards? ›
Red Oak: Red oak is very a porous wood, which can trap food particles and bacteria, making it harder to clean and potentially unsanitary. Spruce: Another softwood, spruce can easily scratch and dent. It can also absorb flavors and odors, which might affect the taste of your charcuterie.
How do you make a savory charcuterie board? ›
Place bowls on board. Arrange various meats and cheeses around board and add crackers and breads. Fill in any gaps with fresh or dried fruits, veggies and nuts. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary and/or mint.
Do you put sweets on a charcuterie board? ›
A dessert charcuterie board is basically a board neatly arranged with sweet treats, candies, and fruits–usually individual-sized, finger food-style. The treats can be entirely store-bought, entirely homemade, or feature a mixture of both (which is what I did).
Think Texture When Preparing A Meat Plate
For cheese, you'll want something hard, medium and soft. For meat, pair a thinly sliced meat (like prosciutto) with something a bit denser (like a salami) and something more spreadable (like a pate). Add accoutrements that are crunchy (nuts and pickles) and chewy (dried fruit).
What are the three starches for a charcuterie board? ›
3 Starches: we like Taralli (a traditional Italian cracker almost like a small, circular breadstick), Artisan Crisps by Rustic Bakery, and baguettes from Gilles Baguettes. 3 Accompaniments: Cerignola olives, Marcona almonds, French cornichons.
What is the ratio for a charcuterie board? ›
I've found the following ratio works great: 4 types of cheese, 4 types of meat, 3 types of bread/crackers, 1 type of chocolate, 2-3 different nuts, 1 jam, 1 honey, and 1-2 types of olives.
Are there rules for charcuterie boards? ›
Rule of thumb: 1 small salami, 1 large salami, 1 whole-muscle meat. "When choosing meats and cheeses, variety is the spice of life," Sam advises. You could focus on the meats of one region (Italy, France, Spain, or domestic) or create a spread of your favorites. Try new things, take risks, and offer contrasts.
