How to Enhance Charcuterie Board Meats and Cheeses

Prosciutto, literally “ham” in Italian, is a type of cured meat made from the hind leg or thighs of a pig. Prosciutto di Parma, for instance, is delicately cured with salt and air-dried, resulting in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Its sweet, slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and fresh fruits.

Salami, another Italian delicacy, is a fermented sausage with a distinctly tangy and savory taste. Salami comes in numerous variations, including peppered salami, smoked salami, and herb-infused varieties. Moving beyond Italian meats, consider adding French choices, like smoked saucissons, into the mix. In any case, the key is to include a diverse selection of meats with various flavor profiles.

Brie is a soft cheese known for its creamy, slightly earthy flavor and smooth texture. Delectably paired with crisp French bread or garlic butter parmesan crostini, it is a delightful contrast against the saltiness of cured meats. Notably, heating Brie can unlock a deeper, more buttery taste, making it an interesting addition to a cheese board.

Gouda, a Dutch hard cheese, offers various tastes depending on its age. Young Gouda is creamy and mild, while aged Gouda is intensely flavorful, with a hard, crumbly texture and a sweet and nutty taste. Another star of the show is blue cheese, piquant and crumbly with a unique ‘blue’ flavor, resulting from the mold used during its making. Its robust taste can balance out sweet accompaniments and pair well with robust wines.

The charm of a charcuterie board lies in the myriad flavors harmoniously complementing one another. Pairing meats and cheeses takes intuition and a sense of balance. For instance, the delicate, highly prized Prosciutto pairs well with the creamy decadence of Brie cheese, while the tangy notes of salami jive with the richer, pungent flavors of blue cheese.

Note that it’s important to consider the balance of tastes – saltiness, sweetness, creaminess, robustness. For perfectly balanced flavor and mouthfeel, consider a small bite of meat, cheese, and a sweet or savory accompaniment all together. Continue reading for additional insights on crafting your charcuterie board with the right balance and appeal.