Name: DRAFT + TABLEs CHARCUTERIE BOARD Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz assorted cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami, soppressata); 12 oz assorted cheeses (e.g., aged cheddar, brie, manchego); 1 cup pistachios, shelled; 1 cup pimento cheese; 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved; 2 cups assorted crackers and baguette slices; 1 cup cornichons or pickled gherkins; 2 tbs honey (optional, for drizzling); 4 sprigs fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme sprigs) for garnish; 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for toasting bread); 1 tsp black pepper (optional, for cheese)

Method

Charcuterie Board Assembly

Chill and prep

Place cheeses in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before arranging so they are slightly firm and easier to slice. Keep meats at cool room temperature (remove from refrigerator 10–15 minutes before serving) to enhance flavor.

Slice cheeses and meats

Using a sharp knife, cut the cheeses into a variety of shapes for visual interest: wedge the brie, thin slices or cubes for cheddar, and thin slices or shards for manchego. Fan or fold prosciutto into loose ribbons, slice salami and soppressata into 1/8- to 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange each meat and cheese on separate areas or small platters to make placement on the board easier.

Prepare fruit and small bites

Rinse and dry the blueberries and strawberries. Hull and halve the strawberries. Place pistachios and cornichons in small bowls to contain them and prevent rolling on the board. If using baguette slices, brush each lightly with olive oil and toast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes until just golden; let cool.

Place main items on board

Select a large wooden board or platter. Start by placing the bowls with pistachios, pimento cheese, and cornichons in different zones of the board to create anchors. Position larger cheese wedges and meat piles next to each bowl so guests have easy access.

Fill gaps and balance colors

Fill open spaces with crackers, toasted baguette slices, and clusters of sliced cheeses and folded meats. Scatter blueberries and halved strawberries in small groups around the board to provide bright color contrast and sweet bites. Place pistachio piles or small bowls nearby for textural contrast.

Garnish and finishing touches

Drizzle honey lightly over a wedge of cheese or place a small honey jar with a spoon on the board. Grind a touch of black pepper over the pimento cheese or soft cheese, if desired. Tuck rosemary or thyme sprigs between items for aroma and visual height.

Serve

Provide small cheese knives, toothpicks, and spoons for the pimento cheese and honey. Offer napkins and plates. Keep perishable items chilled until ready to serve and consume within 2–3 hours at room temperature for safety and quality.

Charcuterie Board Recipe