Classic American Charcuterie Board

What's on the board

Amounts and prices for each item are in the book, or open the board in the Board Builder for amounts sized to your guest count.

Why it works

Three cheeses that cover the range most guests already like: a sharp one, a mild melty one, and a soft spread. Three salamis that are all salt and fat, which is exactly why the rest of the board is built to cut through them.

Apple and grapes bring the acid and cold sweetness that make cheddar taste brighter. Dill pickles and whole-grain mustard do the same job for the meats: vinegar slices through fat, so each bite of salami tastes clean instead of heavy. Honey goes next to the cheddar, where sweet against sharp is the whole point.

Timeline

1. T–20 minTake the cheeses and meats out of the fridge.
2. T–15 minSlice the cheddar and apple; fill the small bowls.
3. T–10 minPlace the cheeses first; spoon in the mustard and honey.
4. T–5 minFan the meats, then add fruit, crackers and almonds.
5. T–0Guests arrive. Refill crackers every 20 minutes.

The seven-step placement plan (what goes where, and why) is in the book.

Questions

More boards

• Classic, Budget & Luxury $25 Budget Charcuterie Board Serves 6–8 · $20–$25 Beginner
• Classic, Budget & Luxury Luxury Charcuterie Board Serves 8–12 · $150–$250 Advanced
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Want more ideas? Read Easy Charcuterie Board: 15 Minutes, Grocery Store Only, Under $35.

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