The Charcuterie Pantry: Exploring Charcuterie at Home For Every Occasion

From charcuterie-trees to charcu-tinis, classic meat and cheese trays are getting some fun upgrades and making appearances at parties year-round. Whether you want to elevate your charcuterie game or learn how to make even the most effortless board dazzle, we have everything you need to know and more!

What is a Charcuterie Board?

Initially developed in 15th century France, charcuterie refers to the art of curing meats. While the word might be hard to pronounce (shahr-KOO-tuh-ree), the modern concept is simple: a standard charcuterie board features an array of cured meats, cheeses, and other complementary snackables like nuts, olives, fruits, and fresh veggies.

Charcuterie boards make for an excellent pre-dinner appetizer, can be hearty enough for a main dish at a cocktail-style party, or is a great potluck item to bring for the holidays or birthday parties. In other words, charcuterie is perfect for any occasion and requires no cooking and minimum prep. Plus, this trending foodie favorite will leave all your guests impressed.

The Foundation for a Perfect Charcuterie Board

A great charcuterie board is the sum of its parts: exceptional meats, assorted cheeses, pickled produce, and fresh fruits. If you want to stock your fridge and pantry with all the essentials, read on to curate your own charcuterie vision.

Picking Your Board

A classic charcuterie board is usually a rectangle or square wood platter. Large butcher blocks, serving trays, and reclaimed wood slabs are standard go-to's that really stand out. However, your charcuterie base is entirely up to your whim and party theme. Marble slabs, oval ceramic trays, and even gemstones like agate can take your charcuterie display to the next level.

Meats and Seafoods

Meat takes center stage based on the butcher shop origines of the word charcuterie. From pâtés to terrines, salamis to salmon mousse,  pork rillettes, and more—nothing is off limits on a charcuterie board. Plan to pick three to four of your favorite cured meats, fish, and meat-based spreads. Not sure where to start? Here are some staples to inspire you.

• Cured Meat Varieties including dry salami, prosciutto,and pepperoni
• Sliced Deli Meats such as ham, turkey, and roast beef
• Smoked Fish like salmon and trout
• Pâtés and Mousse including classic chicken liver pâtés and smoked salmon mousse

CHEF’STORE Tip: Think meat lovers the only ones who can enjoy a charcuterie platter? Think again! Plant-based options are always on the menu. Just substitute dairy-free cheese, meatless deli slices, and spicy plant-based sausages.

Cheeses

Cheese is another main component of a perfect charcuterie board. Select between two and five different cheeses to accompany your meat display. Offer different textures, milk bases (sheep, cow, and goat), and flavors. Don’t be afraid to go bold. For example, goat cheese with blueberries and vanilla is a dynamic addition to any meat and cheese plate.

• Hard Cheeses: pecorino romano, manchego, cheddar, gruyere 
• Soft Cheeses: camembert, brie, gorgonzola, chevre
• Semi-Soft Cheeses: fontina, pepperjack, mozzarella

CHEF’STORE Tip: To maximize your cheese impact, cut your cheeses in a variety of shapes to give visual appeal.

Bread, Crackers and Add-Ons

A charcuterie board isn’t complete without fun add-ons that bring color, texture, and zing. Fresh fruits, especially grapes, apples, and pears, pair nicely with cheese and meats. 

Mixed nuts and dried fruits add crunch and color. Crudite-style vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber, provide a refreshing break from pungent cheese and meats. For a punch of vinegar to liven your palate, offer pickled vegetables. Pickled asparagus, green beans, and spicy peppers are always a hit.

No matter what items you choose for your display, round it out with sliced baguettes and crackers.

Shop for Charcuterie Essentials at US Foods CHEF’STORE

CHEF’STORE is your go-to for all things charcuterie. We stock premium meats and cheeses, bakery goods, condiments, and fresh produce at budget-friendly prices. 

Visit our convenient locations near you and check out our exceptional products. Don’t have time to shop in-store? Then, get any of our items delivered straight to you.