How to build a charcuterie board
Welcome to Van Wyngaardt’s recipe recommendation series.
You know that platter of cheese, cured meats and crackers that you always see offered at wine farms, that’s known as charcuterie. It’s a French term for an area of cooking devoted to prepared meat products.
Today, we’re going to explain to you how you can create your own delicious charcuterie board at home to wow your guests.
So, which meats should you include on your board?
Thin-sliced cured meats typically form the centrepiece but you can also consider smoked hams, sausages, bacon and biltong.
We offer a variety of assorted hams, including
- Beechwood ham
- Chargrilled ham
- Cooked ham
- Country ham
- Gypsy ham
- Hickory ham
- Pepper ham
- Picnic ham
- Pastrami
- Silverside ham
Also, please take a look at our selection of bacons.
Steps to building a Charcuterie Board
Step One: Add Structure
Fill small vessels with dips, spreads, and items that can be piled onto the board. Try honey, mustard, cornichons, blue cheese-stuffed olives, or a mixed selection of salted nuts.
Step Two: Add the Cheeses and Meats
First, place the cheeses. Arrange them evenly around the board and allow space for slicing and scooping. We used two kinds of Brie (a robust, creamy Brie and a mild Brie), blue cheese, an aged cheddar, and goat cheese on this board. Next, add the meats. We placed the prosciutto, Italian salami, and American salami in little piles next to the cheeses. It’s OK if items on the board touch; they’re meant to be enjoyed together. However, you can add any meats you prefer.
Step Three: Add Crackers
Slip two or three small stacks of sliced bread or crackers among the bowls, meats, and cheeses. Let them topple over and get a bit messy—it’s part of the board’s beauty. We used two kinds of crackers— asiago cheese and flaxseed—to complement the various flavours on the board.
Step Four: Add Fruits, Veggies, and Herbs
This last step is the icing on the cake. Fill in any gaps on the board with fruits, vegetables, and sprigs of herbs. We used whole radishes, sliced figs, red grapes, and thyme. If you don’t have fresh items available to you, sub in dried fruits like apricots, cherries, and plums for something sweet and chewy. When your board is finished, set it out with a few cheese knives so guests can help themselves after they marvel at your masterpiece. Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens
Order South Africa’s best wholesale pork meat products online
Other pork products we offer include
- Assorted loaves
- Marinated ribs
- Sausages
- Footlong sausages
- Hocks & shanks
- Breakfast sausages
- Specialised smoked pork products, which include smoked pork fillet, Boston butts and gammon.
Where to buy Van Wyngaardt pork products ideal for a charcuterie board
All our meats are vacuum-sealed to guarantee freshness and an unforgettable taste. You can also buy cheeses, crackers and fruit at these stores.
If you are catering for a function and need to buy in bulk, you can order our pork products online. Simply fill in the web form with your details, selection and quantity of products. Our sales representatives will process the order quickly and efficiently.
Van Wyngaardt’s delivery policy
Our delivery policy requires a minimum order amount depending on the region. You may order from Monday to Thursday. If you order before 12:00, we guarantee delivery the next day; should it be after 12:00, your order will be delivered to you the following working day. This is only valid for Gauteng stores. Outer Gauteng stores delivery period may vary. At Van Wyngaardt, we pride ourselves on always providing exceedingly good meats.
If you have any queries or require more information, please contact us, and one of our sales representatives will assist you.