Cheese and charcuterie boards are an easy way to create a scrumptious spread that adds a touch of culinary sophistication to any wedding. With so many combinations to choose from, creating the spread of your dreams can be intimidating. Here are some ways to curate the perfect board that will have your guest swooning.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHEESES
With so many different types to choose, picking the perfect cheeses for your platter is an important task. Most cheeses fall into one of four basic categories: aged, soft, firm or blue. They can also be separated by the type of milk used: cow, goat or sheep. Choose a cheese from each category to get the most crowd pleasing range and make sure there are a couple of familiar cheeses available. Add a label to each cheese so you can avoid explaining what is being served.
PICK THE CHARCUTERIE
Charcuterie refers to an array of preserved and prepared meats, such as cured sausages, ham, bacon and pâté. As with your cheeses, it is best to mix up the textures of your meats, and stick to ones your guests know and love. Hard meats like thinly sliced salami, dry cured meats such as prosciutto or serrano and a soft, rich pâté are some good options . A variety of meats is also a great way to add a pop of colour to your spread.
BE A PEOPLE PLEASER
You want your cheese board to go down as a hit. While it may be tempting to throw together your favourite cheeses and meats, or test out some new flavour combinations, above all, your goal is to please all your guests. Your cheese and charcuterie board will stand out more if you keep it simple and stick to trusted flavour combinations.
WHEN TO SERVE YOUR CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Decide when the platters are going to be served. If there is a main meal to follow, portion sizes should be smaller, around 50 grams of cheese per guest. If the cheese is the main event, ensure there is enough to go around, about 100 to 150 grams of cheese per guest, keeping in mind there will be other foods on the platter. Either way, the key is less is more. A cheese board should look sophisticated and thoughtful, intentionally planned rather than a mountain of food.
ADD SOME VARIETY
To make your spread something truely special, include a variety of sweet and salty items to compliment your cheeses and meats. Offer a selection of breads including sliced baguette and crackers, some jarred condiments such as sweet preserves or tart chutneys, as well as some nuts and dried fruit for a well rounded platter.
GET CREATIVE
Cheese and charcuterie boards are the talk of any event so, don’t let yours blend into the crowd. Stand out by getting creative with your serving board. You can try things like marble, wood or even using bread as a board. Platters don’t have to be flat either, try using cake pedestals to add dimension. Add some fruit or decorative garnishes to give an extra pop of colour.
NOT A CHEESE FAN?
There are plenty of other spreads that can be put on if cheese and charcuterie boards are not your thing. Dessert boards are a popular alternative, whether they are a spread of a single item, such as donuts or cupcakes, or an assortment of sweet treats for your guests. Showing restraint with a dessert board is especially important, as it comes after a main meal. For more alternatives to cheese spreads, check this out.
Now that you’ve got a stunning cheese and charcuterie board, click here for more wedding styling tips.