A simple charcuterie board is also known as a relish tray, cheese and meat platter, fruit plate, antipasto selection, appetizer platter. My favorite way to prep what I’ve been calling a “Charcuterie Board” ever since my sister taught me about them is to take a little bit of inspiration from each food group and make a truly delicious combo of chic casual food fit for an appetizer or a light meal. I think you could say I’ve been charcuterie board obsessed. It replaces Friday night pizza. It goes over well with teens, as I found out at a Christmas progressive dinner when 30 high schoolers roamed through our house for the appetizer course. It’s party food with a flair!
These cheese and meat platters are so much more than just cheese and meat. So much fun to put together and get creative, and even more fun to eat!
Simple Charcuterie Board Options are Limitless!
- salami, proscuitto, and thin-sliced turkey
- five bean salad
- pickles, olives, and cherry peppers
- grapes, berries, and a variety of sliced fruit
- crackers
- cheese slices, some wrapped in Italian meats
- Italian bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
- vegetables and dill dip
- bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese (yes, please!)
- a small brownie and candy platter
From a sidewalk cafe in Coronado, California, we enjoyed these items from this appetizer platter that was definitely share-able. (This is just my plate):
Simplicity Works
Another favorite appetizer that goes well on these types of platters is pickle spears rolled up in dried beef smeared with cream cheese. Oh, yes, a favorite since I was a kid and passed on to my kids!
One Summer supper on the deck included some of those cream-cheese-filled slices of deli meat plus cute baby Caprese appetizers. Just put a chunk of fresh mozzarella, a basil leaf, and a grape tomato on a toothpick; drizzle the whole platter with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle on salt and fresh-cracked pepper, and you’re set!
As a final treat, I usually include decadent offerings of olive oil drizzled with flavored balsamic vinegar and possibly toasted fresh garlic bits, all of which is mopped up with French or Italian bread chunks. My daughter’s skinny college roommate and I may or may not have once polished off an entire loaf between the two of us, and she certainly ate her share.
Charcuterie Boards are definitely a way to serve up a tasty variety that will appeal to everyone!
Looks great and great light lunch or snack. Italian meats and Italian bread with dip = satisfying.