Create Your Own Charcuterie Tray

Michelle Meyer

6 years ago

Freshest ingredients make up this appetizing tray.

When I make a charcuterie tray, I thrown the rules out the window and create it just the way we like it. The range of favors and textures never disappoints, no matter what type of wine we decide to open. Create your own charcuterie tray to serve as an appetizer or enjoy as a romantic meal by following a few suggestions.

The key to creating a great spread is selecting foods with a variety of flavors so that every bite is a fresh experience.

Using some or all of categories below as a guide, see what combinations you can pull together.

4 to 5 cheeses mixing savory, sharp and mild
2 to 3 meats
Dried or fresh fruits
Dried or fresh vegetables
Nuts or seeds
Something spicy or sweet
Toasted bread or plain crackers

Instead of using a traditional cutting board, I loaded everything onto a tray and placed it on the coffee table. The galvanized tray is lined with brown parchment paper squares. Then I added a slim cutting board set at an angle, to make space for meats and small dishes on another level.

Each time I create a charcuterie board or tray I experiment with new combinations. I also like to included something unexpected. This time it’s a small plate of cream cheese with Pickapeppa Sauce drizzled on top. It has a little kick of spice which compliments some of the milder flavors on the tray. The other small plate of cream cheese is topped with fig preserves for a sweet traditional taste.