Charcuterie boards have become popular for people hosting events or having an evening with friends. These diverse boards offer a wide array of options, so people can enjoy whatever they want for the night. So how do you create a charcuterie board that will blow your guests away? We’re here to answer that question—using ingredients that can all be found at your local Ward’s Supermarket!
The Elements for Success
The beauty of a charcuterie board is you get to pick and choose your own adventure. Whatever your tastes, you can customize your charcuterie board for it. However, if you’re hosting a larger group, you’ll want a wide array of options. Here are some foods you should feature to create an event to remember!
The Foundation: Bread & Crackers
The foundation of a charcuterie board is the bread and crackers to put the rest of the elements on. Many parts of a charcuterie board are soft and require a bit of crunch to enjoy and balance out. Crackers are a popular selection—whether you want a classic Ritz cracker or more artisan crackers. If you want a gluten-free option, rice crackers make a great addition to your board.
To elevate your board, consider adding some of our bakery fresh bread to your board—pan frying it with some olive oil or butter will add that nice crisp exterior with a soft inside to pair perfectly with the rest of your board!
Meat It Up
If you want to make your charcuterie board a full meal and add a savory option, meats are a great choice for a bit of protein. Traditionally, dried meats, like sausages and prosciutto, are the go-to. If you want a more unique option, talk to our butchers about our exotic meats and popular sausages! We can find a flavorful option that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Meatless but Not Tasteless
Have vegan and vegetarian friends? Don’t leave them out of the fun! At Ward’s, you can add tempeh and tofu options to your board. For a simple solution, try some of our Tofurkey sausages!
Brie-ng the Cheeses
Cheese is arguably one of the most enjoyed parts of a charcuterie board. At our stores, you have a variety to choose from to cater to everyone’s tastes. From sharp cheddar to fruit-infused goat cheeses, we suggest you choose both hard and soft cheeses—baked brie is a particularly beloved choice and can be served either savory or sweet or a mix of both! This variety will allow you and your guests to have a myriad of delicious charcuterie pairings for your event!
Jamming the Board
Whether you’re spreading it on crackers and bread or pairing it with your favorite cheese, jams are a must-have for your charcuterie board. Choose from classics like strawberry jam or more unique options like peach jalapeno!
Relish the Pickles
Want something something salty and tangy to add to the mix? If so, add something pickled to your board! While the classic pickle is a safe bet, you can also go for more unique flavors like pickled garlic or tomato relish!
Go Nuts
Salty, sweet, or just an extra crunch—nuts make the perfect filler for your board. Use candied or salted nuts to fill in the spaces between your main items. This is also a great way to make your board more filling and satisfying for your guests!
Fruity Fun
Some things cannot beat the delicious simplicity of fruit. Both fresh and dried fruits are popular choices. If you have hard cheeses like cheddar, grapes make a great charcuterie pairing while softer cheeses like brie pair beautifully with strawberries.
Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice
What’s a meal without dessert? Complete your board with some of our gourmet chocolates! Not only does this make a fine pairing with fresh fruits and add a hint of sweetness to your board, but it also allows your guests to sample unique flavors like dark chocolate with lavender and blueberries or 61% cacao dark chocolate with cherries and vanilla!
Want a more natural, sweet option? Consider adding one of our local honeys as a topper option for people’s plates!
Set the Ambiance
The best way to elevate your charcuterie night is by setting the mood just right. At Ward’s, you can find a fine selection of local, in-season flowers and plants to add around your home. Ask our team which of our plants are edible to add a touch of color to your board!
Build the Charcuterie Board of Your Dreams at Ward’s
Whatever your choice may be, Ward’s can help you build the perfect charcuterie board. Don’t settle for anything less than farm-fresh, local ingredients for your next charcuterie night! Make sure to check our weekly specials to see if your favorite charcuterie item is on sale!
