Whether you’re a gourmet or a just-okay chef, a charcuterie plate wows with minimal effort. The best part? All it takes are five ingredients.
Meat
Grab a small selection of cured meats – prosciutto, salami, coppa, etc. We recommend choosing at least three options, but you can always add or subtract depending on serving size.
Cheese
Start with a soft cheese, like Brie. For texture play, add in a harder variety – cheddar or Gouda work great. Looking to step it up? Grab some Testun Occelli al Barolo (it’s covered in wine).
Sweet
To offset the savory flavors, you’ll want to work in something sweet. Think apples or plums paired with year-round options like fig jam and dried fruit.
Salty
Don’t just rely on meat for saltiness. Grab something pickled or go with a selection of olives. Top off with your favorite nuts, and add some spicy mustard if you’re feeling fancy.
Bread
This is an area you don’t need to overthink. Just slice up a few pieces of ciabatta or lay out crackers and call it a day.
Place the sweet options next to the cheeses, with the salty extras adjacent to the meats. And faster than you can say charcuterie, you’ve got a definite crowd-pleaser.
By Ashley Bell, Staff Writer
