Make the Best Italian Charcuterie Board
How To Make the Best Italian Charcuterie Board
How to Make the Best Italian Charcuterie Board. So, you want to make a nice appetizer to serve with a few drinks? Of course, it has to be simple, quick and delicious. Because Italians do a daily Aperitivo, they perfected La Dolce Vita (the Good Life). And we can take their expertise and make it ours too. Of course, Italians will be happy. After all, duplicating this relaxed, stress-free time with family or friends is what makes people feel like a loving community. After all, if you are relaxed, so will everyone else.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
My Italian Grandfather was famous for his HUGE Antipasti Boards. Because they were literally a card table size. And lovingly put together. Actually, Grandpa Tom would gather all the ingredients, grab a beer/glass of Chianti and perform culinary magic. As us grandchildren would come by and grab a slice of prosciutto or cheese, he would smile and say, “Mangia”! While today these food boards are better known by the French word Charcuterie (“shar-coo-tree”). Originally meaning the type of preparation of cured meats. Specifically, Charcuterie Boards are a mixture of a variety of food tastes, textures and colors. So, presentation is super important. As it is said: “You eat first with your eyes”. As I grew up eating this deliciousness, can show you how to make a yummy, super simple Appetizer Centerpiece. After all, it’s in my genes.
What You Need to Make Your Charcuterie Board
OK, first decide on what you will use as the board. As many people like the rustic look of wooden boards, this is an obvious choice. Also, decide on size. Specifically, how many people are you feeding? Is this just drinks and an appetizer? Or is this meant to be lunch or dinner? Usually, I make two Boards. Because there is also always someone who is allergic to nuts, is gluten free or vegetarian.
Some Recommendations. You will need: Wooden or Marble Board, or an Italian Platter, Wine Glasses, Ramekins.
Italian Charcuterie Board Grocery List
How to make the best Italian Charcuterie Board Shopping List. Similar shopping list for both an appetizer Charcuterie Board or as a main course. Rather, just different amounts of food.
Since a Charcuterie Board features veggies, fruits, meats and cheeses, go to the store that has the freshest ingredients. This is the secret. Italians will always serve what is fresh and local. And that is why people from all over the world, consistently say Italian food is one of their favorite cuisines.
Foods to Pick Up
- 3 cheeses (1 creamy Taleggio, 1 aged like Pecorino Romano, and a container of small, Ciliegine size, fresh mozzarella balls
- 3 Meats: Genoa Salami, Prosciutto (sliced very thin), and a Soppressata. This is a Southern Italian favorite. Made with coarsely ground smoked pork, garlic, spicy red pepper.
- Olives – Mediterranean, mix of green and black olives
- Fruits and Veggies: small grape tomatoes, figs, strawberries, blackberries, Basil, grapes
- Dips/Condiments: fig or apricot jam, pesto, mustard or honey
- Consider: small pickles, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms
- Crackers and Bread (Rustic Italian, sliced thin or a few Baguettes)
Best Italian Charcuterie Board – Putting It Together Video
How to make the Best Italian Charcuterie Board simply! Take a look at our short video. See, super easy and scrumptious. This is what makes most people nervous – how to put the Charcuterie Board together without looking like a dog’s breakfast. Problem solved.
And for cocktail recommendations, see Aperitivo for 15 Italian cocktails to make your meal even more fun!
Charcuterie Board Ideas/Themes
So many ways to change up the theme. In a French mood? Especially easy to switch out Italian foods for their French equivalents. Therefore, pick up Brie, aged Provence Herb cheese…Feeling Spanish foods? Then, a spicy Chorizo pairs incredibly well with sweet fruits. Especially kiwi, strawberries, some dates, hummus, pistachios…endless possibilities!
Dessert Boards, Breakfast Options…perhaps Charcuterie Boards will become an entire meal choice…a girl can dream.
If you enjoyed this recipe, take a look at Molto Delicious Italy or 3 Days in Rome – virtual travel at its best. 😊
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Make the Best Italian Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 1 ½ lb Italian soft cheese like Talleggio
- 1 8 oz container Ciliegine size fresh Mozzarella balls Small, cherry size fresh Mozzarella balls, in liquid
- 1 ½ lb Hard Italian Tartufo cheese wedge Also called Truffle (or a Pecorino Romano)
Meats
- 1 3 oz pkg Sliced Italian Salami Try Finocchiona Fennel Salami
- 1 5 oz pkg Prosciutto Panino Proscuitto Wrapped Mozzarella
- 2 3 oz pkgs Proscuitto di Parma make sure it's very thinly sliced
- 1 pkg Soppressata salumni Southern Italian w/garlic, red pepper, wine
Veggies/Fruits
- 1 pkg Strawberries or Raspberries
- 1 pkg Blackberries
- 1 pkg Small, grape tomatoes
- 1 Bunch Italian Basil
- 1 pkg Figs
- 1 pkg Baby Bella Mushrooms
Accompaniments
- 1 jar Fig or Apricot jam or Pesto
- 1 jar Medittereannean olives Mix of green and black olives
- 1 small pkg Almonds, Pistachios or Candied Walnuts
- 1 loaf Rustic Italian Bread or 2 Baguettes
- 1 box Crackers Try Rosemary
- 1 small pkg Dried fruit like apricots, figs, dates Optional
- 1 jar Roasted Red Peppers or Marinated Mushrooms Optional
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