Preparing the best charcuterie board

 Preparing the best charcuterie board (Photo: iStock)

If you spend a lot of time on social media or enjoy lifestyle vlogs, you have probably heard of a charcuterie board.

But if you haven't and are wondering what this mouthful means, then this article is for you.

Preparing a charcuterie board is an art form that involves selecting a variety of high-quality cured meats, cheeses and accompaniments and arranging them on a beautiful serving board.

And in the season of entertaining friends and family, what better way to show off your culinary skills than with a charcuterie board?

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the best charcuterie board this season:

Choose a variety of cured meats

Choose a mix of different types of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, chorizo, coppa or pate. Aim for a variety of flavours, textures and origins to give your guests a varied experience.

If you have no idea what some of these meats are, make Google your friend and wow your guests!

Choose a selection of cheeses

Include different types of cheese to complement the meats. Choose a variety of textures (soft, semi-soft, hard), flavours (mild, sharp, funky) and origins (cow, sheep, goat). Some popular options are aged cheddar, brie, gouda, blue cheese or a local specialty. Be sure to ask your guests if they are lactose intolerant before adding cheese to your set-up.

Consider the accompaniments

Enhance the flavours and presentation of the charcuterie board by adding a range of accompaniments. For example, bread and crackers will do the trick. Choose a selection of crusty breads, sliced baguettes and a variety of crackers. Try different textures and flavours such as sourdough, wholemeal or rosemary crackers.

Fresh and dried fruit can add colour and sweetness to your plate. Fresh grapes, sliced apples, figs or berries work well. Dried fruit such as apricots, dates or cranberries can also provide a nice contrast.

Consider adding a handful of Marcona almonds, walnuts or pecans. Not only do they provide a crunchy texture, but they also add richness to the plate.

Tip: While this is a guide to curating the best charcuterie board, always remember to choose products you can afford and enjoy!