6 Steps to Perfect Charcuterie

What is charcuterie?

Have you ever wondered how to assemble a charcuterie platter? They’re gorgeous and seem to be everywhere! Charcuterie has been around for centuries but it’s current popularity is undeniable. Charcuterie is a fancy French term to describe a platter of cured meats and different cheeses. It’s evolved to include olives, crackers, fruit, and nuts. It’s not so different from an Italian antipasto.

Charcuterie is perfect for parties, holidays, or to switch it up for dinner on a Friday night in. The best part of charcuterie is that it’s so perfect with wine. Nibbling on different meats and cheeses in between sips of vino is heaven.

How to assemble a charcuterie platter at home

Meet Elizabeth Gartelos Morris of Meze Table

I love seeing my friends do amazing things. Every time I scroll through Instagram and see a post from Elizabeth, my jaw drops and my tummy rumbles. Her exquisite charcuterie boards are almost too beautiful to eat. I’m so thrilled that she obliged and sent me her step by step guide on how to assemble a charcuterie platter. So grab your meats, cheeses, and all the goodies and make your own charcuterie this week. Or, better yet, have Elizabeth make one for you.

6 Steps to Perfect Charcuterie

By Elizabeth Gartelos Morris

Step 1: Assemble dishes

Anything will work! Cutting boards, a large platter, or a dinner plate. Grab some small bowls, shallow dishes or measuring cups. Take a minute and test the layout.

Step 2: Assemble ingredients

Assemble ingredients: Texture is important! A good mix of sweet and savory, soft and hard, crunchy and chewy items is key. Don’t overthink it, leftovers are perfect here! This is the perfect opportunity to use up that one last pickle, the tiny bit of jelly left in the jar, that half a red pepper or that last nub of cheese.

Step 3: Cut! Chop! Roll! Fold! Slice!

Again, texture is important! A good mix of sizes and different shapes will make a more interesting board. Cut hard cheeses into squares, sticks or triangles. Score the top of the Brie, slice goat cheese into medallions. Don’t be afraid to cut one item two ways. For example, leave some grapes on the stem and slice the rest in half. Turn one pickle into circles and the other into wedges. 

Step 4: How to assemble a charcuterie platter

Just go for it! Start with the largest items and move down in size. Fill your dishes with your spreads, veggies or olives. There are no rules, just fit everything tightly together and fill in the spaces with odds and ends. 

Step 5: Fill the Gaps and Decorate!

Have some holes? Don’t panic! This is the perfect time to go back into your refrigerator and grab a few things to tuck into those spaces. Go ahead and put those Brussels sprouts from last night on the plate, use up the mustard that came with your takeout order, everyone loves cherry tomatoes. Now decorate! Pour honey or jam over the soft cheeses. Use seeds, nuts, dried fruits, small fresh fruits to add even more texture.  Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs over the top to unify the composition into one whole delicious dish. 

Step 6: Enjoy with friends and wine!

Thanks so much, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Gartelos Morris is the Co-Owner of Meze Table, specializing in Mediterranean Food and Catering, and Simply the Beth’s, a lifestyle and products  company devoted to good food, good wine and a happy life. She is an Avid Gardener, Restaurant Veteran, Sommelier, and Mama of Two Children. Follow her on instagram @meze.table and @simplythebeths.

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