Holiday Entertaining: Charcuterie Boards
Make a charcuterie board the showstopper of your next holiday party. From award-winning local cheeses and salumi to artisan crackers and spreads, Eastside has everything you need to build the bountiful board of your dreams. Read on for some of our best charcuterie board tips and get ready to wow your guests.
Start with three cheeses: one soft, one sharp and one funky. Add a few savory elements like prosciutto, cured salmon or smoky roasted almonds. Fill small prep bowls with spreads like pepper jelly, fig jam or spicy mustard to punch up the flavor. Nestle in dried apricots and cherries. Arrange thin slices of apple skin side up to slow browning. Tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary as a final garnish.
Check out our fall charcuterie spread below for some inspiration. Need a hand navigating all the options? Our cheesemongers would love to help you discover delicious pairings for your next gathering!
On Our Board
1. North Fork Muenster: Washed rind, French Muenster style cheese from Minnesota's Redhead Creamery.
2. Milton Creamery Prairie Breeze: Crumbly yet creamy cheddar style cheese with hints of sweetness and crunchy crystals.
3. Jeffs' Select Gouda: Made in Wisconsin and aged in the Caves of Faribault. Nutty and pleasantly salty cheese with hints of caramel.
4. La Quercia Prosciutto: This sweet and earthy prosciutto is made in Norwalk, IA and pairs well with aged cheddar and sweet fruits like peaches or dried apricots.
5. Red Table Meat Co. Vecchio Salami: A classic Saucisson Sec style salami with black pepper, garlic, and white wine made in Northeast Minneapolis.
6. Olli Salumeria Salame Calabrese: This spicy Calabrese is seasoned with cayenne pepper and paprika, giving it a zesty kick.
7. Isadore Nut Company Zesty Lemon Rosemary: A delicious blend of walnuts, cashews and pecans with fresh lemon zest and rosemary, sesame seed and cumin. Finished with local maple syrup and fleur de sel.
8. Jeff’s Naturals Castelvetrano Olives: These memorable olives have a unique nutty, buttery flavor, mild brine and wonderful natural green color.
9. Rustic Bakery Multi-Grain Flat Bread: Crisp and hearty, but neutral enough to complement any cheese or spread. Lovely with soft cheeses, especially chevre.
10. Raincoast Crisps Cranberry Hazelnut: The combination of tart, plump cranberries and toasty hazelnuts makes this cracker perfect for the holidays and beyond. Delicious with sharp cheeses.
11. Divina Fig Spread: Crafted from Aegean figs, this classic Mediterranean spread is rich and complex with notes of honey and caramel.
12. The Beez Kneez Halligalli Dusseldorf Hot Mustard: This small-batch Minneapolis mustard combines German lager with serious heat for
13. Dried Turkish Apricots
14. Black Mission Figs
15. Local Mutsu Apples
16. Fresh Rosemary