A Charcuterie Board Is A Simple Way to Impress Your Best Foodies

Psst…roll out the red carpet. You’re going to be a rockstar after you host your group’s girls’ night in. Yes, YOU.

Ok, so you can’t even get a box of pudding to set — but all your friends have advanced cooking skills. And you’re going to whip up a sophisticated spread as delectable as that paella or beef bourguignon.

And get this: you don’t have to peel or devein anything. Or turn the stove on. What could be so simple yet so impressive that your friends will beg you to host every get-together from now on?

A charcuterie board.

What Is a Charcuterie Board?

And you’re thinking, “what is it and how am I going to pull that off if I can’t pronounce it ?”.

Well, let’s dive into what a charcuterie board actually is, how to make one, and why it’s the best choice for your next together.

But let’s learn how to say it first.

Ok…Shar-koo-tr-ee.

It’s a French word. Ooh la, la. That’s why it sounds so fancy.

Charcuterie literally translates into cooked flesh and describes the way meats like ham, salami, and pate are prepared.

Back in the day — the 1500’s — shop owners weren’t allowed to sell uncooked meat. Smart refrigerators that greet you or light up when you enter the kitchen didn’t exist. Refrigeration wasn’t a thing yet. So they had to find a way to preserve meat so it wouldn’t spoil right away. Can you imagine spending all day grinding and casing fresh apple and sage sausage only to throw it away because it spoiled before you got to eat it? That’s the worst.

But they found a solution. They figured out that using smoke and salt changed the texture and made it last longer. Yaaay! So now they could open their doors for business. Shop owners displayed their delicacies in their store windows to draw people and advertise, “Hey you guys! Step right up and get your cooked food here!”.

And that’s how charcuterie started.

As time went on people added things like nuts, cheese, and jams alongside the meats and presented them on stylish serving trays and wooden boards — creating the modern-day charcuterie board. What started as an answer to a problem, launched into one of today’s most popular food trends.

If you search for the term “charcuterie board” on Instagram, there are over one million results. There are several Facebook groups dedicated to the charcuterie craze. Besides its popularity on social media, there are other reasons why you need to get on board with this latest food movement. A charcuterie board is more than just a picture-perfect spread.

Here’s Why You Need to Make a Charcuterie Board for Your Next Get Together

No Cooking Involved

Are you jumping up and down yet? You. Don’t. Have. To. Cook. Anything. You don’t have to obsess over if something is undone or overdone. Charcuterie boards look intimidating but creating one requires only one skill: shopping. Yes, it’s that simple. You can find everything you need in your local grocery store.

Most delis have a wide variety of meats and cheeses which means you don’t have to drive all around town hunting down ingredients. Another advantage? You don’t need special equipment. The deli department will do all the slicing for you according to your specification. Stores like Kroger have displays that show you ideal jam, cheese, and cracker pairings. If you’re still not sure what to buy, don’t hesitate to ask someone. And be sure to ask for beverage recommendations.

A charcuterie board is also simple to prepare because you don’t need a big kitchen. It requires little counter space since all your ingredients are store-bought and already prepared for you. You can create such a beautiful delicious meal in the smallest of spaces.

Protein-Packed Meal

Do you ever think of your friends and say, “but if I make this so and so can’t eat it because they are on a certain diet?” This satisfies everyone no matter what eating plan they are on. You can customize your charcuterie board to meet everyone’s nutritional needs.

A charcuterie board offers a nutritious meal. A charcuterie board often centers around protein-packed meats. Your body needs protein to stay healthy and operate at its optimum. Protein helps build and rebuild muscle tissue and it’s also good for strong nails, hair, and skin. So making a charcuterie board is a tasty and nutritious option that everyone can enjoy.

Some people may think of charcuterie as just a meat and cheese board, but it can be more than just an appetizer. Add veggies, fruit, and cheese and it’s a complete meal. And a convenient one. You don’t need to cut anything, just grab and eat!

A Creative Outlet

Playtime is not just for kids, even adults need to play. You were told never to play with your food, but making a charcuterie board is a tasty and creative outlet. Some people dance or paint. And some make a charcuterie board!

Marissa Mullen is known for making the charcuterie board popular on Instagram. She encourages people to look at it as a form of self-care. In her book, The Cheese Plate, she says, “Cheese plates can be an important form of artistic self-care, like flower arranging or meditative coloring books — but you can eat the results.”

Just as protein is an essential nutrient for the body, having a creative outlet benefits your brain and physical health. Creative activity can help keep memory fog at bay.

When you are participating in something that brings you joy, it reduces stress. So not only are you making something healthy to eat, but you’re taking care of yourself too.

It’s also a satisfying DIY experience. Think of all the Home and Garden shows on TV. After watching an episode you are confident you can tackle your next DIY project. It’s the same for a charcuterie board. It’s popular because it satisfies people’s needs for the DIY experience. A lot of people post on social media and it encourages other people to make one too. The best part is you can eat this DIY project.

A Charcuterie Board Is Versatile

Of course, it will be a hit with your besties, but you can make a charcuterie board for almost any occasion. And especially for every season. Christmas. Football — yes some people consider that a season. Imagine a hamburger charcuterie for the Superbowl.

Is there a show you and your friends like to watch? A charcuterie board is a tasty way to kick off the start of a new season or even the end of a series.

Do you have a friend who loves a tasty spread? A charcuterie board is a great gift for birthdays and holidays. It’s a satisfying gift for anyone on your list

Get Creative In The Kitchen With a Fun Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a simple yet sophisticated meal to make for your next get-together. Grab your keys, and start shopping. And don’t forget to post your beautiful creation on social media.

Sources

https://www.mashed.com/263305/the-real-reason-charcuterie-boards-are-so-popular/

https://www.delibusiness.com/charcuterie-whats-old-is-new-again/

https://www.businessinsider.com/charcuterie-millennial-social-media-phenomenon-2020-1

https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/05/french-charcuterie-introduction.html

https://www.thetravel.com/how-do-you-make-a-cheap-charcuterie-board/