Charcuterie Board: What Meats Should You Use?
A charcuterie board is a great addition to your dinner party repertoire. It’s a fun activity that combines the art of eating with the science of preparing food.
Charcuterie (or French charcuterie as it is sometimes called) is the practice of using various forms of raw and fermented meat, as well as other meat products. In this article, we discuss what charcuterie is, how to set up a charcuterie board, and what types of meats you can use on a charcuterie board.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board or French charcuterie is a buffet or a plated meal that consists of cured and fermented meats, along with other types of meats like poultry, seafood, and vegetables. The meats are typically placed on a large plate or tray and are accompanied by various types of condiments and accompaniments. The meats can be sliced or cubed, depending on the size of your party and the preferences of your guests.
Charcuterie is the practice of using various forms of fermented meat, as well as other meat products. In this article, we discuss what charcuterie is, how to set up a charcuterie board, and what types of meats you can use on a charcuterie board.
How to Set up a Charcuterie Board
There are both formal and informal ways to set up a charcuterie board. The key is to offer a selection of meats and condiments that offer variety while not overwhelming your guests. The meats you choose should be a reflection of your guests’ preferences.
For example, if many of your guests are vegetarian, they will not enjoy a charcuterie board topped with a selection of sausages, salami, and cured meats. Instead, you should opt for a variety of cheeses, olives, and a few other items that are well suited for vegetarian guests.
Similarly, you should also think about how the board looks before you start gathering ingredients. If you are using a platter, for example, you’ll want to consider how the board will look with all of the meats, condiments, and accompaniments placed in a particular order.
Types of Meats You Can Use on a Charcuterie Board
When deciding what types of meats to use on your charcuterie board, you should consider two factors: What do your guests like? And what types of meats are available in your area?
For example, if you live in a city where meat is not as readily available as in a more rural area, you may not have access to the types of meats you’d like to use.
Once you’ve determined the types of meats you wish to include, you can plan your board around both the types of meats you have access to, and the dietary preferences of your guests. The most common types of meats you’ll find on a charcuterie board include:
- Fermented – Fermented meats can be either traditional or artisanal. Traditional fermented meats include salami and sauerkraut, while artisanal fermented meats may include kimchi, chutney, or salsa.
- Dry – Dry meats are one of the most common types of meats used on a charcuterie board because they are an excellent source of protein. Dry meats are often very lean and contain little to no saturated fat. They are also often easy to rehydrate and cook. Some common dry meats that you may find on a charcuterie board include beef jerky, beef pâté, and salted and dried fruits.
- Wet – Wet meats include meats that are typically high in saturated fat, like ham or bacon.
- Smoked meats also work well
Summary
A great addition to your dinner party repertoire, a charcuterie board is a buffet of cured and fermented meats, along with other types of meats like poultry, seafood, and vegetables. The types of meats you choose should be a reflection of your guests’ preferences. The board should also be thought out in advance to allow for proper set-up and clean-up.