Ah, summer! A time of radiant sunshine, inviting green spaces, and the alluring aroma of fresh blooms. It’s the perfect season to roll out your picnic blanket, and nothing elevates a picnic experience quite like a well-crafted charcuterie board. At Inspire Catering we are excited to guide you in creating your own masterpiece.

Originating from France, a charcuterie board was traditionally an assortment of cold, cooked meats. Now, these delightful arrays have evolved to become the talk of every social gathering, boasting an array of cheeses, fruits, cured meats, and so much more. They are a canvas of gastronomic exploration and a testament to the joy of summer picnicking.

The Charm of Charcuterie Boards

Why a charcuterie board for your picnic, you might ask? They’re visually stunning, adaptable, and they embody the very essence of summer – abundance, colour, and relaxed indulgence. Each board is a personal expression of your food preferences and a platform to explore new flavours. The convenience they offer for a picnic is unmatched – no on-site cooking, just pure enjoyment.

Crafting Your Summer Picnic Charcuterie Board

Let’s dive into the exciting part – creating your charcuterie board. Here are our top tips:

1. Balance the Flavours: A harmonious charcuterie board should have a balance of different tastes – sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Fresh fruits like strawberries or grapes can provide a sweet counterpoint to the saltiness of the meats and cheeses. The tangy pop of pickled gherkins or olives adds another flavour dimension.

2. Play with Textures: The joy of eating a charcuterie board comes from the contrast in textures. Creamy cheeses, crisp crackers, smooth cured meats, and juicy fruits combine to create a delightful experience in every bite.

3. Seasonal and Local: Make the most of the season by incorporating fresh summer fruits and vegetables. Plus, using local produce supports your community’s farmers and guarantees the freshest flavours.

4. Include a Variety of Cheeses: Offer a range of cheeses – a hard one like cheddar, a soft one like brie, and something unique like gorgonzola. This gives your guests a variety to choose from.

5. Don’t Forget the Drinks: Pair your board with summer-friendly drinks. Freshly squeezed lemonade, iced tea, or a chilled rosé can make your picnic even more refreshing.

Ingredient Roster

This comprehensive list provides a multitude of options to create a diverse and balanced charcuterie board to suit all tastes and preferences. Remember, the key is variety and balance, but most importantly, create something that you and your guests will enjoy.

Here are some pairing suggestions that harmonise flavours beautifully for your charcuterie board:

1. Brie, Fig Jam, and Apple Slices: The creamy, mild flavour of brie pairs perfectly with the sweet richness of fig jam, and a slice of fresh, tart apple provides a refreshing crunch.

• Cheddar, Salami, and Olives: Sharp cheddar balances out the rich, fatty flavour of salami, and a tangy olive adds a pop of contrasting flavour.

• Gorgonzola, Honey, and Walnut: The pungent, creamy gorgonzola works wonders with the sweet, floral notes of honey, and a crunchy walnut lends the perfect textural balance.

• Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, and Grapes: Creamy, tangy goat cheese wraps beautifully around salty, thinly sliced prosciutto, and a fresh grape adds a burst of sweetness to offset the saltiness.

• Manchego, Chorizo, and Quince Paste: Spanish Manchego cheese with its rich, nutty flavour pairs wonderfully with spicy chorizo, and a spoonful of quince paste (also known as membrillo) lends a sweet contrast.

• Camembert, Prosciutto, and Fig: The creaminess of the camembert and the salty, savoury flavour of the prosciutto are balanced by the sweetness of the fig.

Remember, these are just suggestions. The beauty of a charcuterie board is in the exploration and adventure of pairing different flavours together, so feel free to mix and match as your palate desires!