Surprise your guests with something new.
Surprise your guests with something new.
Let’s get one thing straight: when it comes to a party, charcuterie boards and cheese platters are the stars of the evening. Filled with salty meats, tangy cheeses, and a slew of delicious condiments, it’s the snack that lingers well beyond cocktail hour. Of course, there are a few staple items, like prosciutto and brie, that will always be a crowd pleaser. But if you really want to impress your guests, you’ll want to think outside of the box.
Like wine, the world of charcuterie and cheese is filled with options that stem beyond the ordinary. Instead of the basic salamis and cheese cubes, why not go for something unique and extraordinary? For example, duck prosciutto offers the same salty cured taste as the original but has a bit more complexity. Or how about a tangy cheese made with a single sliver of grey vegetable ash for a deeply smoky flavor?
Not only do these bites upgrade the taste of your charcuterie board, but also its appearance. Below, we’ve gathered a few others that are sure to wow your guests and become new favorites.
If you've never had duck prosciutto before, you're in for a treat. Like traditional prosciutto, it's slightly salty and has a buttery texture that melts in your mouth but is much richer in flavor. This prosciutto is made from duck breasts, which are salt-cured and dried for days to deliver the same delicious taste.
Iberico pork is a true delicacy for any charcuterie board. Originating from Spain, it has a rich, nutty flavor with a tender and juicy texture. Flavor speaking, it's in a league of its own. But it's also beautifully marbled, making it ideal for creating an impressive presentation.
Beef isn't as common on charcuterie boards, but you'll want to make an exception for this bresaola. Marinated simply with salt and pepper and aged to perfection, it has a bold flavor and makes a luxe addition to your platter. Serve it with an equally bold red wine and accouterments.
Tomme cheeses offer a range of unique flavors, and this one is no different. It's nicely balanced with earthy and tangy notes and has distinct aromas of buttermilk and creamy baked potato. The composition is also delightful, soft enough to snack with yet firm enough to grate.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill goat cheese. Crafted on the coast of northern California, it has a tangy flavor with herbaceous and lightly floral aromas that are only complemented by the distinct ribbons of edible vegetable ash. Taste aside, it makes for a beautiful display, whether you crumble it or spread it on a cracker.
Truffles and cheese, yes, please! This tangy cheese is infused with black winter truffles to create a unique, earthy, nutty flavor. Beyond that, it's creamy and well-balanced with delightful aromas in each bite.
Characterized by its petal-like display, Tete de Moine adds a romantic touch to boards and cheese platters. The flavor is pronounced with sharp, nutty notes and has a richness that's a bit unexpected for its delicate appearance.
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by Stephanie Taylor | February 3, 2023
by Stephanie Taylor | February 19, 2023
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