You may be wondering, what to eat after a charcuterie board. Check out these delicious recipes for what to serve after a charcuterie board.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
Chances are you've encountered the term "charcuterie" at some point. Derived from the French word "chair," meaning flesh, and "cuit," meaning cooked, charcuterie traditionally refers to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats.
However, recently it has evolved into a broader concept that encompasses a delightful assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and complementary accompaniments. The star of the show is undoubtedly the charcuterie board, a visually stunning display of flavors and a variety of textures that excite the taste buds.
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What to Include in a Charcuterie Board?
Creating the perfect charcuterie board involves a careful selection of elements that harmonize in both taste and presentation. Check out these Long Charcuterie Board Ideas.
Begin with a variety of cheeses, ranging from hard cheese options to creamy cheeses. A well-rounded selection might include an aged cheddar and a French brie. Arrange these on a wooden board of different shapes and sizes.
Complement the cheese board with a variety of cured meats. Italian dry salami is a popular choice, offering a savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. Include a selection of savory meats in bite-sized pieces, catering to the diverse preferences of your guests.
To add a sweet touch, consider Marcona almonds, fresh figs, and blackberries. For a crunchy texture, add dill pickles and some crusty bread. Olives such as Kalamata olives can add a touch of saltiness.
Enhance the visual appeal of your charcuterie board by incorporating seasonal fruits, such as cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. Fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also contribute aromatic notes to the ensemble.
Dips and spreads served in small bowls are a wonderful way to continue the festivities. Fig jam, fig spread, or a classic hummus can be paired with pita chips or slices of crusty bread.
For those planning a dinner party or entertaining a large crowd, consider a grand dinner platter. This could feature a selection of meats, cheeses, and larger items like stuffed vine leaves or artichoke hearts. Present it on a large board for a spectacular display that caters to various preferences.
What to Serve After a Charcuterie Board?
After the grandeur of a well-curated charcuterie platter, the question arises: what to serve with a charcuterie board for dinner?
Whether you choose to serve the following dishes after a charcuterie board or to serve them along with a charcuterie board, you will fine a large variety of recipes.
Below you will find chicken, beef, pork, seafood, pasta, salad, and soup recipes to serve for dinner after charcuterie. I've also included several bite-sized dessert recipes that would make a great pairing after a delicious spread.
Serving these recipes after a charcuterie board enhances the dining experience by offering a diverse range of flavors, textures, and cooking styles.
Chicken Recipes
Serving chicken after a charcuterie board can offer a delightful transition in flavors, providing a lighter and more diverse option after the savory and often rich assortment of cured meats.
Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various ways, from grilled and roasted to braised or served in salads. This versatility allows you to tailor the chicken dish to the overall theme and mood of your meal.
Beef Recipes
If you're planning a multi-course meal, serving beef after charcuterie naturally transitions the dining experience from appetizers to the main course. This sequence provides a sense of progression and keeps the meal exciting for your guests.
Beef is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various styles, from classic steaks to hearty stews or roasts. This versatility allows you to tailor the beef dish to the overall theme or mood of your dining experience.
Pork Recipes
While cured meats on a charcuterie board often have bold and intense flavors, pork dishes can offer a balanced and savory profile. This provides a welcome contrast, preventing palate fatigue and keeping the dining experience dynamic.
Pork pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it easy to create flavorful and well-balanced dishes. Whether you're incorporating fruits, herbs, or spices, pork can adapt to different flavor profiles.
Seafood Recipes
Serving seafood after a charcuterie board can add a refreshing and diverse dimension to your meal. Seafood, with its delicate and fresh flavors, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richer and saltier notes typically found in cured meats on a charcuterie board.
Seafood encompasses a wide range of options, including fish, shrimp, scallops, and more. This variety allows you to introduce different textures and flavors, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a filling and satisfying carbohydrate that can balance the protein-rich offerings of a charcuterie board.
Pasta offers a wide range of preparations, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to creamy Alfredo or vibrant pesto. This versatility allows you to tailor the pasta dish to match the overall theme and mood of your meal.
Salad Recipes
For a lighter option, traditional salads or grain-based salads make great choices. Incorporate different varieties with a mix of textures and flavors.
A salad featuring figs, goat cheese, and arugula drizzled with balsamic vinegar is a sweet option that never disappoints. Alternatively, a salad with seasonal fruits, nuts, and a lemony dressing adds a refreshing touch.
Soup Recipes
Dinner after charcuterie can be as simple as warm comforting soup and fresh bread. Soups offer a wide range of ingredient possibilities, allowing you to tailor the flavors to match the theme of your meal. Whether it's a hearty minestrone, a delicate consommé, or a creamy bisque, soup can be adapted to various preferences.
Many soups are relatively easy to prepare, making them a practical choice for hosting. This allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Dessert Recipes
No special occasion is complete without a touch of sweetness. Incorporate sweet options into your post-charcuterie spread, such as a fig spread paired with soft cheese or a selection of desserts like chocolate truffles and fruit tarts.
The following dessert recipes are perfect to serve after a charcuterie board.
Conclusion
Hopefully some of the recipes helped you figure out what else to serve with a charcuterie board. As you transition from the main event of a charcuterie board to the next culinary chapter, keep in mind the importance of variety, presentation, and thoughtful pairings.
The beauty of serving these delightful options after a charcuterie board lies in the ability to continue engaging the senses, offering different shapes, textures, and flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Whether you opt for a cheese platter, a salad selection, or a grand dinner platter, the key is to create a beautiful board that tells a story and leaves your guests eagerly anticipating the next installment of your culinary adventure.
Get creative with your favorite recipes so you'll never have to worry about what to serve for dinner with a charcuterie board.
Alice says
All these recipes look so good. I love the idea of finishing a traditional charcuterie and serving the chili "charcuterie" board.
Kathy says
I love the seafood ideas. I ended up serving scallops, salmon and asparagus. My guests enjoyed it!
Candace says
I can’t wait to start cooking some of these please give him a great ideas for dinner dessert salad thank you
Jen Talley says
Thanks!!