Pairing Cheese & Charcuterie
Picking Cheeses: The Perfect Charcuterie Board Pairings
When creating the perfect charcuterie board, selecting the right cheeses is crucial. A well-curated cheese selection can elevate the flavors of the meats, fruits, and accompaniments, providing a memorable culinary experience. However, with a vast array of cheese options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.
The first step in choosing cheeses for a charcuterie board is considering the guest list and any dietary restrictions or preferences. Plan on serving about 2-3 ounces of cheese per guest, which equates to around 1-2 pounds for eight guests, to avoid overbuying and ensure everyone can enjoy each cheese.
For an impressive and diverse cheese selection, opt for a mix of soft, hard, intense/”stinky,” and crumbly cheeses. Pairing cheeses with complementary meats, fruits, and accompaniments can enhance the overall flavor experience, creating a delicious and visually appealing charcuterie board.
First: Understanding Charcuterie Boards
Charcuterie boards are popular for serving a variety of meats and cheeses at parties, events, and gatherings. They showcase different flavors, textures, and colors of cured meats and cheeses, becoming a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any occasion.
When creating a charcuterie board, keep a few things in mind. Choose a variety of meats and cheeses that complement each other in terms of texture and flavor. Arrange them in an attractive and visually appealing way, using different shapes and sizes. Consider the accompaniments such as crackers, bread, nuts, fruits, and spreads that will complement the flavors of the meats and cheeses.
Types of Cheeses:
When it comes to selecting cheeses for the perfect charcuterie board, consider these popular types:
Hard Cheeses: Aged cheeses like Parmesan and aged Cheddar have firm textures and nutty, salty flavors. They pair well with cured meats like prosciutto or salami and can be grated or shaved over other items on the board.
Soft Cheeses: Creamy and mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert are spreadable and complement crackers or bread. They balance the saltiness of cured meats.
Semi-Soft Cheeses: Smooth-textured cheeses like Gouda and Havarti have a mild to medium flavor, making them versatile and suitable for various meats and crackers. They can also be melted and used as a dip.
Blue Cheeses: These cheeses, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola, have a distinct blue or green mold, offering a strong and tangy flavor that pairs well with sweeter accompaniments like figs or honey. They can be crumbled over other items on the board.
Meuwly’s Cheese Subscription Club
Treat yourself with a monthly delivery of fine cheeses, crackers, and condiments from our subscription box!
Our award-winning culinary team finds unique local and imported cheeses, and pairs them with a new condiment each month.
Pick them up from our store on 124th St., Edmonton, or have it delivered to your door - we ship to a dozen communities across Alberta.
Cheese packs start at $55/month plus shipping.
Click here to learn more about our subscriptions, or sign up with the button below!
Cheese Pairing Principles:
To create harmonious cheese and meat pairings, consider these principles:
Balance Intensity: Pair cheeses and charcuterie with balanced intensities to avoid overwhelming the palate. Mild cheeses like Brie complement strongly flavored salami, while pungent blue cheese pairs well with milder cured meats.
Contrast Textures: Incorporate diverse textures by pairing soft, creamy cheeses with crunchy crackers or crusty bread, or firm, crumbly cheeses with smooth, spreadable pâté.
Consider Wine Pairings: Wine pairings can enhance the charcuterie board. Generally, white wines go well with milder cheeses, while red wines complement stronger, robust cheeses. Experiment to find your preferred pairings.
Keep Portions in Mind: Plan on serving about 3-4 ounces of cheese per guest, ensuring a variety of textures and flavors without overbuying.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Charcuterie Board:
Here are tips for selecting cheeses that pair well with different accompaniments:
Pairing with Meats: Match the intensity of cheeses with the flavors of meats. Mild cheeses like Brie go well with delicate meats like prosciutto, while stronger cheeses like blue cheese complement salami.
Pairing with Fruits: Consider the texture and sweetness of fruits when choosing cheeses. Soft cheeses like goat cheese pair well with sweet fruits like figs, while harder cheeses like cheddar go nicely with tart fruits like apples.
Pairing with Nuts: Match the type and flavor of nuts with cheeses. Soft cheeses like brie pair well with mild nuts like almonds, while harder cheeses like cheddar go well with stronger nuts like walnuts.
Pairing with Bread and Crackers: Select cheeses that complement the texture and flavor of the bread or crackers. Soft cheeses like goat cheese pair well with herb crackers, while harder cheeses like cheddar go well with plain crackers.
Remember, there are no strict rules for creating the perfect charcuterie board. Use these tips as a starting point and experiment with different cheese pairings to discover what suits your taste and delights your guests.
Looking for the perfect combination of meats, cheeses, and garnishes to create a charcuterie board at home? Try one of our D.I.Y. Kits here: https://www.meuwlys.com/charcuterie-kits
Prefer to order one of our chef-created charcuterie boards or boxes for your next event? Explore our charcuterie and cheese catering options here: https://www.meuwlys.com/catering