So, you’ve decided to throw a party. You’ve chosen a theme, decided on a cocktail punch to suit the occasion, and you’re planning to create a charcuterie board. But wait…are you wondering if the charcuterie trend is still popular? We’re happy to say it is!
What makes the charcuterie board trend so popular? In a word: customization. These food boards can be arranged to fit any occasion, from a casual cheese snack board for two to sumptuous spreads for celebrations. Charcuterie boards go beyond just being about food; they are an experience. And they’ll always be a top contender for a party because they encourage socializing and sharing.
Before you head out to buy delicious appetizer foods, you’ll want to buy charcuterie board serving utensils, starting with the charcuterie board itself!
Types of charcuterie boards
Jarcuterie
Photo credit: pantrytotable.com
The Jarcuterie trend came about during the pandemic when people didn’t want cross-contamination and continues to be a popular trend.
Jarcuterie is an individual charcuterie serving, with cheeses, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and other delicacies layered in disposable cups or glassware. When it comes time to buy charcuterie board essentials for your Jarcuterie, look for clear plastic appetizer cups, or mini mason jars, and large glasses. This helps create a visually appealing display.
Jarcuterie tip: When layering appetizers, start with the heavier items on the bottom, with more fragile foods on top. Nuts and dried fruit are fine for the bottom with cheese and crackers or breadsticks on top.
Dessert Charcuterie
While not technically charcuterie, a dessert board has become a trendy way to serve sweets, especially on special occasions.
The Piera white and gray marble paddle board is the perfect platter for a delicious mix of sweets on this Halloween dessert charcuterie board.
Autumn is an ideal time for a mini pie board, featuring a mix of fruit and pumpkin pies and apple slices, accompanied by a delicious caramel dip. This delightful spread is beautifully presented on the Ovada Hexagonal Marble Cheese Board.
Dessert charcuterie tip: While cookies usually take the place of crackers, don’t forget to include some “salty” sweets like chocolate-dipped pretzels or candied nuts.
Charcuterie skewers
These appetizers have been part of traditional Spanish tapas for a long time and have now become popular in the US.
Marinated cheese, crunchy green pepper, and an olive make for a flavorful bite. Charcuterie skewers can be arranged flat on a cutting board like these on the Mesa Marble Wood Cutting Board.
Or they can be served standing up like these mouthwatering brie appetizers on the Cupid Marble Wood Round Platter.
Skewer tip: To serve skewers, you’ll want to buy charcuterie board elements that complement each other and taste delish when speared together. Keep in mind that most people will enjoy it as a flavor bite!
Seafood Charcuterie
Seafood charcuterie boards, sometimes called Seacuterie boards, are a perfect option for seafood lovers. Everything from smoked salmon and oysters, and various tinned fish are popular choices for these boards.
Bloom Marble Charcuterie Board with Leather Strap is the backdrop to an assortment of tinned seafood.
The Ronda Small Acacia Wood Serving Platter plays host to a delicious sardine and potato chip snack.
Seafood charcuterie tip: Don’t be afraid to stick to tinned fish only for your seacuterie board. Not only is it an affordable choice, but tinned fish like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are processed at their peak for the best flavor and nutrition.
Butter boards
Made popular by a viral TikTok video, butter boards are another trendy charcuterie board alternative. Essentially, a butter board consists of a swirling layer of compound butter (butter mixed with herbs and spices) displayed on a charcuterie board. The trend grew to include creamy cheese boards, like whipped feta piled high with olives and hummus boards.
Butter board tips: Whether you decide on a butter, cheese, or hummus board, you’ll want to buy charcuterie board essentials to serve it in style, starting with a marble charcuterie board!
A chilled Bloom Marble Charcuterie board keeps this cream cheese cool and delicious.
This hummus spread is flanked with pita bread for a lovely and practical presentation. A Jason butter knife/cheese spreader set is the ideal serving utensil.
How to buy charcuterie board essentials
Now that you’ve seen how versatile charcuterie boards can be, you’ll have a better idea of what to buy when you create your own. Here is a list of utensils and essential tools for any charcuterie board:
A wooden cutting board or marble cheese board. This will be the base of your charcuterie board.
Knives and Spreaders. A set of cheese knives for cutting and serving a variety of cheeses. Butter knives and cheese spreaders for breads and crackers.
Spoons. Small spoons help serve and ladle dips, sauces, and jams.
Small bowls. Small bowls or ramekins hold sauces and dips, and keep olives and other items from moving on the board.
Toothpicks and small forks. Many of our cheese board accessories include forks for picking up cheese cubes, olives, and pickles.
Where can I buy charcuterie board essentials?
At INOX Artisans, we have beautiful, handcrafted marble charcuterie boards, cheese boards, and wooden serving platters. We also have an assortment of hand-forged stainless steel cheese knife sets and all the other utensils you need to entertain in style.
