What is Charcuterie?

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to impress your party guests, charcuterie is the answer. But what is charcuterie? Is it just a fancy word for meat and cheese board? Yes…but it’s also so much more.

Charcuterie involves a deliciously diverse array of cured meat products, and with its history dating back centuries, it’s no wonder that this classic appetizer has everything anyone could want. From simply snacking on delicious slices of freshly sliced prosciutto to creating a stunning centerpiece around an artisanal salami or fromage blanc platter – anything is possible when it comes to charcuterie. 

There’s a reason that I chose to sell my popular recipe website after 14 years and focus solely on charcuterie: it’s one of the few ways to entertain with endless creativity while simultaneously offering food that everyone loves across the board. It can be served (most commonly) as an appetizer but has the flexibility to blossom into a full-fledged meal. 

Non-traditional charcuterie boards are increasing in popularity in the US. Cooked meat such as steak or other types of beef, hard cheeses only, dessert boards, or even holiday charcuterie boards are popping up everywhere. Hot dog boards, Mexican boards, and breakfast charcuterie boards are all popular examples. While not traditional, they’re fun to make and serve!

Charcuterie boards are a hot item on US restaurant menus, too. You’ll typically find them under “appetizers,” and they’re almost always served on a wood board. Sometimes they’ll offer several variations: a small cheese tray, a combination of preserved meat and cheese, or a larger meat and cheese platter for a big group.

Remember, when asking “What is charcuterie,” there are no hard and fast rules. So stop worrying about creating the “perfect charcuterie board,” pour yourself a glass of pinot noir, and start that invite list!

It would be impossible to touch on every aspect of charcuterie in one article, so check out “How to Make a Charcuterie Board” as your next step.

How to pronounce “charcuterie”

If you’ve never heard the French term “charcuterie” it can be daunting to pronounce it correctly the first time. It’s a word with a great ring to it, though, and once you say it a few times, you’ll be a pro.

Sound out the word charcuterie like this: shar-koo-tuh-ree – emphasizing the “koo.”

What is charcuterie and its origins?

Charcuterie is a culinary craft that involves the salting, curing, smoking, and preserving of a variety of meats. It originated in 15th-century France and was initially used to preserve food for longer periods due to limited storage options.

It’s important to note here that “charcuterie” is a French word that can mean either a place or a thing. A shop specializing in prepared meat and cheese products is a charcuterie; the meats and cheeses sold there are also called charcuterie. The most common definition of charcuterie is a spread of meats and cheese, often with pickled vegetables, bread, pâté, and jam or chutney. 

We use the word interchangeably on this site to mean either the cured meat or a spread of charcuterie, cheeses, and accouterments on a board. This section is all about the meat, baby!

Charcuterie helped to reduce food waste because it turned items that would have spoiled quickly into something more shelf-stable. 

The most common meats used for charcuterie include pork, beef, and poultry, which are often cured or smoked to preserve them for longer periods.

In addition to preservation, charcuterie is also a form of culinary art. For example, chefs might use herbs and spices to create a variety of flavors and textures. It’s then artfully arranged on a plate, platter, or wooden board with cheeses and accoutrements. The fact that it’s so easy to replicate this at home is what makes charcuterie so exciting!

Modern-day charcuterie has become increasingly popular thanks to its versatility and its ability to be adapted for specific diets or preferences. 

Vegetarians might opt for veggie-based charcuterie boards while those looking for something more indulgent could go with a board featuring cured meats like prosciutto or salami alongside artisan cheeses and nuts.

It can be an appetizer, snack, main dish, side dish, or even dessert depending on the ingredients used. It works for almost any holiday or special occasion, too: Christmas, birthdays, weddings, and Valentine’s Day, and its size can be easily adjusted depending on the occasion.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, charcuterie is wonderfully versatile and impressive, making it a fantastic choice to serve to guests or even just a quick meal to treat yourself. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try at your next gathering or party, a gorgeous charcuterie board is just what you need.

Different types of charcuterie

There are different types of charcuterie available, each with its unique flavor and texture profile. Here are some of the most common types:

Cured meats – This is the most traditional form of charcuterie and includes a selection of meats such as ham, bacon, salami, and prosciutto. These meats are usually preserved using salt or smoke and have a salty flavor.

Pâtés – Pâtés are usually made from a mixture of meat (such as chicken or beef liver) then blended with herbs, spices, butter, and/or cream. Pâtés tend to have a milder flavor than cured meats.

Sausage – Sausages typically contain ground meat (pork or beef), spices, and seasonings all stuffed into an edible casing. They come in various sizes, shapes, and flavors ranging from sweet Italian sausages to hot Mexican chorizo.

Terrine – Terrine is similar to pâté but is usually formed into loaf-shaped blocks, and can be served cold or hot. 

Rillettes – Rillettes are made by shredding cooked meat (usually pork) and mixing it with fat. It’s then pressed into small molds or jars for storage. 

Ingredients used in making charcuterie meats

One of the most popular ingredients in charcuterie is pork. It’s most often cured, smoked, or cooked.

Another common ingredient found in charcuterie dishes is fatback, a thick layer of fat that keeps the meat moist and adds richness to the end product.

Beef or mutton is also sometimes used, and is also cured or smoked. Some recipes may also use lamb or duck.

Common herbs include Rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, garlic, onion powder, and pepper flakes. Even spices like nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper are sometimes added. 

Different methods used in making charcuterie

Salting and curing are common, including soaking meats in saltwater or brine for a specific amount of time before drying. It not only preserves the meat but adds a lot of flavor, too.

Air-drying is another standard method, which involves hanging the meat in a cool, dry room with plenty of airflow to allow it to lose moisture over time naturally. 

Smoking is also an option, which adds a wonderfully smoky flavor. 

All these methods are delicious, so try putting a few of each on your larger boards to give a range of flavors and textures.

What is a charcuterie board?

A charcuterie board is simply charcuterie that’s arranged on a wooden board for serving. It can be any size with any number of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. There are no “rules” for putting together a charcuterie board. After all, what is charcuterie if it’s not fun and easy?

Although charcuterie is traditionally served on some type of wooden board, a tray or platter can also be used. A sheet of parchment paper set on a less attractive board is a great way to serve, and can make cleanup easier, too!

You don’t need a specific type of board to serve charcuterie. A cutting board will work just fine! Make sure it’s food-safe or place parchment paper over the board itself.

Entertaining with charcuterie boards is popular for good reason. It’s easy to plan and execute for anyone; no cooking skills are required and there’s no wrong way to make one. Ingredients are easy to find, and if you’re on a budget, it will still look and taste fantastic. Charcuterie works for casual get-togethers or an upscale dinner party. It’s one of the most stress-free ways to entertain or enjoy a night in, especially if you know the perfect charcuterie board dimensions you’ll need.

If you’re the host and looking for appetizers that are easy to put together that everyone will love, it’s a fantastic choice. Are a few people coming over for your book group? Make a smaller board without much fuss. Hosting a bridal shower? A gorgeous charcuterie board with edible flowers is simple to throw together and looks gorgeous! What if you’re throwing a large party for 50 people and thinking about how you’ll manage the food seems daunting? Consider putting together different charcuterie boards so there’s something for everyone: meat and cheese boards, vegan and vegetarian boards, fruit charcuterie boards, or even a dessert board!

What to put on a charcuterie board

Cured meat such as pork salami, prosciutto, and flavored sausage is common. Use a variety of cheeses, such as soft cheeses like goat cheese or gorgonzola, along with Parmigiano-Reggiano if you’d like to add a hard cheese. It’s also a good idea to use different shapes of cheese.

For accompaniments, things like cornichons or small pickles, olives, roasted peppers, fresh fruit (dried fruit works, too), nuts such as Marcona almonds, fruit jams or a savory onion confit, and small slices of artisan bread or crackers. Placing ingredients like nuts and olives in small bowls helps keep things organized and create visual interest. You can also garnish your charcuterie board with fresh herbs or edible flowers. 

Charcuterie offers so many flavors and a variety of textures, which means you can try different types of cured meats, cheeses, jams, etc. all in one bite. Whether you like spicy, smoky, or sweet flavors, there’s something on a charcuterie board for everyone. Remember, the best charcuterie boards are the ones that all the things you love!

Check out the links below or see our article “What to put on a charcuterie board.”

10 reasons why making a charcuterie platter at home is a great choice

• It’s perfect for the holidays and special occasions. During one of the most hectic times of the year, putting together a fantastic appetizer spread can be time-consuming and expensive. Opting for a gorgeous board filled with decadent brie cheese (try our easy air fryer brie), prosciutto, dried apricots, and other fresh and dried fruits, plus crunchy bread and crackers is an almost stress-free way to indulge. Grab a glass of Sauvignon Blanc when you’re done and enjoy your evening!
• It doesn’t have to break the bank. Putting together a board filled with artisanal cured meats and cheeses can be pricey. But there are ways around this: choose one “centerpiece” cheese, such as a brie that’s not too hard on the wallet, and surround it with less expensive choices, such as cubed cheddar or ham. Another trick is to slice your brie into thinner pieces which has the added benefit of a fancier centerpiece, too. And when you consider how many people you can feed with one board versus several separate appetizers, it all seems to even out. You can always make smaller boards and add an inexpensive dip or spread on the side, or skip the meat and opt for a cheese board.
• It’s easy to include a wide range of diets on one platter. Is your niece a vegetarian but your best friend loves all things carnivore? Maybe Aunt Sally’s doctor warned her not to have gluten AND your boyfriend just started his new keto diet. Add a few more veggies, have some gluten-free crackers or crostini on the side, and keep the meat on a separate board. Everyone can enjoy your gorgeous spread however they see fit, and it will all be delicious.
• It’s a fun way to try new flavors. I might not be inclined to make a single appetizer from gorgonzola with dried apricots on endive leaves. But if those ingredients are on a board, I’d happily try it, maybe with a bit of drizzled honey or jam. I might discover my newest favorite flavor combo!
• Most ingredients can be kept on hand. I have an entire shelf dedicated to nothing but charcuterie ingredients I find while shopping. I’ve found many of them on sale at the grocery store, but I don’t plan to use them for another six months! Jams, pickles, cured meats, and some cheeses usually last for at least weeks. Check your labels and save these treasures for a special occasion or an easy, indulgent meal all for yourself.
• It’s a great way to use up extra fruits and vegetables. How often have I discovered that stray cucumber at the back of the fridge or that half-pint of berries I forgot about? Since I began making boards regularly, that hardly ever happens. Now I make a point of using them up, even if it’s just a quick board for one or two. 
• It takes self-care to a whole new level. Speaking of boards made for just one or two people, don’t save your charcuterie for dinner parties only. Believe me when I say that a quiet evening to yourself with a good book, a glass of good wine, and a charcuterie board you put together just for yourself is a great way to let all the noise of life slip away.
• It’s a hobby just like any other. It just happens to be one that you can eat, too. You might have a good laugh if you saw the boards I made when I was just beginning. And that’s okay! Charcutering (yes, I made that word up) is a craft that has to be learned and improved upon each time. Learning how to put each ingredient together into a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and art can take a bit of time. But I don’t regret even one delicious bite.
• Collecting boards is not only fun but practical. I have more wooden boards than I can count. I’ve picked them up cheaply at places like Lidl and expensive stores like Saks, and my dad has made me a few with his own two hands. They’re all special to me (my dads are, obviously, and by far, my most treasured) and I’d never part with them. But they don’t just sit in a cupboard gathering dust; I have my favorites displayed on shelves, hung on walls, or used as everyday serving trays. My mom and sister chipped in and got me one made of olive wood; it makes a gorgeous wall hanging that I just take down, wipe off, and use when needed.
• It makes a thoughtful homemade gift. This year, I made charcuterie boxes and we dropped them off to our closest neighbors. We’re new to the neighborhood and it was a way to connect that – in my opinion – people don’t take advantage of often enough these days. And because there were plenty of choices in each box, I didn’t have to worry if one person in the house happened to be dairy-free – there was something for everyone.

Charcuterie boards are popular for parties because they’re easy to assemble and so pretty that they can be enjoyed before taking the first bite. When you factor in the ten reasons why you should jump on this popular bandwagon, it’s obvious that charcuterie is a wonderful experience that shouldn’t be missed. And now, when someone asks you “What is charcuterie?” – you’ll have all the answers.