DIY: How to Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board for Your Next Study Session

“Unlike so many other recipes, the key to a good charcuterie board is doing what you want,” says Jamane Hinton, Owner of Jolie Charcuterie, LLC.

The concept of charcuterie boards has been around for over 500 years. Charcuterie is a French term referring to meat dressing or preparing meat products. Its origin dates back to ancient times, but charcuterie shops weren’t established until the 15th century. It was not until the 18th century that it became an established culinary art.

Today, charcuterie boards serve as an eye-catching platter for meetings, events, and parties.

With final exams right around the corner, here is a step-by-step for the perfect charcuterie board for your next study session: 

• Choosing the Right Cheese

Hinton recommends sticking to cheaper cheeses such as Gouda, Havarti, or Medium cheddar. To enhance your board, these cheeses can be cut into a variety of shapes including cubes, wedges, or triangles. These selections create an appealing pop of yellow. Once you’ve selected your cheeses, it’s time to move on to the meat.

• Choosing Your Meat

For a small board, two or three types of meat will suffice. Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and ham are great choices to feature on your board. Pepperoni offers a vibrant red color, while prosciutto fills a pink contrast to brighten the board. “Ordering meats at the deli counter may be cheaper than buying a prepared bag of deli shavings,” said Hinton. Meats can be folded in triangles or rolled into classy roses. Now that you have the major pieces of a charcuterie board, it’s time to add some variety.

• Add Variety

The meat and cheese are a necessity; however, crackers, nuts, chocolate, cookies, and fruits are what bring life to your charcuterie board with color. Crispy green grapes, sweet strawberries, and blueberries bring a glow to your board. Hinton suggests incorporating budget-friendly nuts like peanuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. With all your ingredients picked out, it’s time to build your board.

• Layout

Boards with separate compartments make laying out your board simple. If you are looking to play with patterns and designs for your board, here are some tips. Bowls can be used for your nuts, and meats can be placed diagonally across the board with cheese surrounding it. Create a pattern with your meats, salami, pepperoni, then prosciutto, and repeat! Use your creativity to make it fun.

“When it comes to studying, being focused, and keeping your energy at an all-time high, fresh fruit on a board is your “go-to” snack. You will love the vibrant colors of all your favorite fruits beautifully displayed together on a charcuterie board. Serve this as a perfect side dish or dessert alongside a creamy fruit dip at your next study session,” says Hinton.

Creating a board for study sessions with your study buddies can even be a bonding time for the group before getting into the gruesome schoolwork and test preparation. Gather your ingredients, grab a couple of friends, and give a charcuterie board a try. It might be just what you need to power through your finals!