Charcuterie Pairings: Best Charcuterie Pairings

The art of charcuterie pairing plays a pivotal role in creating a wholesome customer experience for restaurant businesses, catering businesses, wholesale cheese businesses, and charcuterie businesses. With the right charcuterie pairings you can set your establishment apart from the competition.

As a charcuterie business owner, you understand the importance of creating unforgettable culinary experiences. It's not just about serving exceptional cured meats and cheese subscription boxes; it's about crafting harmonious combinations that showcase the full potential of your carefully curated selection.

Key Takeaway: Charcuterie boxes, with their enticing array of cured wholesale meats, specialty cheeses, accompaniments, and more, have become a symbol of culinary sophistication and indulgence. But it is in the art of pairing these delectable elements where true magic happens.

In this blog, we embark on a voyage to explore the best charcuterie pairings. We will discuss the alchemy of combining cured meats with an array of cheeses, accompaniments, and complementary elements.

Prepare to unlock the secrets of perfect flavor harmony as we uncover classic combinations and venture into exciting, creative pairings that push the boundaries of culinary delight. Let’s get started!

What is Charcuterie Pairing?

Charcuterie pairing refers to the art of selecting and combining different elements of a charcuterie board to create harmonious and complementary flavor profiles. It involves choosing the right cured meats, cheese, accompaniments, bread or crackers, pickles or olives, and fruits or nuts that enhance and balance each other's flavors.

Accompaniments such as jams, honey, or mustard can provide additional layers of flavor and contrast. Choosing the right type of bread or cracker can offer a neutral base that allows the flavors of the charcuterie to shine without overpowering them.

Pickles or olives can provide a tangy and refreshing element to cut through the richness of cured meats, while fruits and nuts can add a touch of sweetness or crunch to the overall experience.

What You Need For Charcuterie Pairings?

When it comes to wholesale charcuterie pairings, there are a few essential charcuterie supplies and elements you'll need to create a delightful and well-balanced experience. Here's a list of what you'll need:

Cured Meats: Select a variety of high-quality cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, coppa, chorizo, or any other favorites. Aim for a mix of flavors, textures, and styles to provide a diverse selection.
Cheeses: Choose an assortment of cheeses that complement the cured meats. Consider options like aged cheddar, creamy brie, tangy blue cheese, nutty Gouda, or soft goat cheese. Incorporating different types of cheese adds depth and variety to your pairings. Read more about cheese pairings here.
Accompaniments: Enhance the flavors and textures of your charcuterie board with a range of accompaniments.
Nuts: Provide crunch and additional flavors with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or candied pecans.
Pickles and Olives: Offer tanginess and briny notes with pickled cucumbers, cornichons, Kalamata olives, or stuffed green olives.
Spreads and Dips: Include condiments such as whole grain mustard, honey, fruit preserves, olive tapenade, or flavored hummus to add depth and variety.
Bread and Crackers: Serve a selection of crusty bread, breadsticks, or an assortment of crackers to provide a base for building bites.
Visual Presentation: Pay attention to the visual aspect of your charcuterie pairings. Use a wooden board, slate, or a decorative platter as a canvas for arranging your meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Consider using small bowls or ramekins for condiments and spreading them out evenly for an appealing presentation.
Wine or Beverage Pairings: You can also offer wine or other suitable beverages to enhance the overall charcuterie experience.

Best Charcuterie Pairing Ideas

Here are some charcuterie board pairing ideas to help you create a well-rounded and delicious spread:

Classic Italian Pairing

Prosciutto: Pair with Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh mozzarella, and marinated artichokes.
Salami: Pair with pecorino cheese, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives.
Mortadella: Pair with provolone cheese, pickled onions, and crusty Italian bread.

Mediterranean Delights

Chorizo: Pair with Manchego cheese, roasted garlic hummus, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Coppa: Pair with feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and cucumber slices.
Soppressata: Pair with marinated feta cheese, roasted peppers, and olive tapenade.

French-inspired Selections

Saucisson: Pair with Comté cheese, Dijon mustard, and cornichons.
Duck Rillettes: Pair with brie cheese, fig jam, and toasted baguette slices.
Jambon de Bayonne: Pair with Camembert cheese, caramelized onions, and sliced apples.

Rustic Farmhouse Pairings

Smoked Ham: Pair with Swiss cheese, grainy mustard, and pickled radishes.
Country Pâté: Pair with Gouda cheese, apple butter, and sliced grapes.
Pancetta: Pair with aged cheddar cheese, caramelized onion chutney, and water crackers.

Spanish-inspired Tapas

Lomo: Pair with Manchego cheese, quince paste, and Marcona almonds.
Jamón Ibérico: Pair with Mahón cheese, tomato spread, and olive oil-drizzled bread.
Sobrasada: Pair with Tetilla cheese, honey, and toasted bread rounds.

Vegetarian Delights

Grilled Vegetables: Pair with herbed goat cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, and crostini.
Marinated Tofu: Pair with avocado slices, cucumber ribbons, and sesame soy dipping sauce.
Artichoke Hearts: Pair with feta cheese, lemon garlic aioli, and crispy pita chips.

Charcuterie Board Wine Pairings

Wine is a great pairing to charcuterie boards. Depending on the style of the board, both red and white wines can be used. Let’s shed some light on the best wine pairings with a charcuterie board.

Charcuterie pairings with white wine. White wine goes well with boards that include a lot of cheese and fruits. The most common whites used in charcuterie pairings are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc.
Charcuterie pairings with sparkling wine. The high acidity of sparkling wines is the reason they go well with creamy cheeses and other elements on a charcuterie board. Both Champagne and Prosecco can complement various boards excellently.
Charcuterie pairings with light red wine. Popular light-bodied red wine varieties used as charcuterie pairings include Pinot Noir and Grenache. These wines go well with prosciutto, salami, and other red meats. In terms of cheeses, cheddar and fontina can be excellent charcuterie pairings to light-bodied red wines.‍
Charcuterie pairings with full-bodied red wine. Some of the common wine varieties in this category include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. They are an excellent choice to complement meats like the French saucisson or the Italian bresaola. When it comes to cheeses in charcuterie boards, the ones that pair well with full-bodied red wines are Gloucester, aged cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and other bold and flavourful options.

10 Tips for Charcuterie Pairings

To create successful charcuterie pairings, follow these steps:

Start with quality ingredients: Choose high-quality cured meats and cheeses, as well as fresh and flavorful accompaniments. Look for a variety of textures, flavors, and styles to provide a diverse selection.
Consider flavor profiles: Think about the flavors you want to showcase on your charcuterie board. You should also consider the balance between salty, savory, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Aim for complementary and contrasting flavor combinations.
Experiment with classic pairings: Start with classic pairings that have stood the test of time. For example, pair prosciutto with melon or figs, or pair salami with sharp cheddar cheese. These combinations are popular for a reason and can serve as a reliable foundation for your pairings.
Create balance and contrast: Aim to balance flavors and create contrast on your charcuterie board. If you have a rich and fatty cured meat, pair it with a sharp or tangy cheese to cut through the richness. Spicy or smoky meats can be balanced with milder specialty cheeses or sweeter accompaniments.
Explore regional pairings: Explore traditional pairings from different regions known for their charcuterie. For example, pair French saucisson with a nutty Comté cheese, or pair Spanish chorizo with Manchego. These regional combinations often have a long history of complementing each other.
Play with textures: Incorporate a variety of textures on your charcuterie board. Include creamy cheeses, crunchy pickles, crusty bread, and delicate slices of cured meats. The interplay of different textures can add depth and interest to your pairings.
Think about visual appeal: Consider the visual aspect of your charcuterie board. Arrange the different components in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Use different colors, shapes, and sizes to create an eye-catching display that entices your guests.
Consider dietary restrictions: Keep in mind any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Provide options for vegetarians or individuals with specific dietary needs by including plant-based alternatives or cheese alternatives.
Encourage exploration: Provide tasting notes or descriptions of the different components on your charcuterie board. Encourage your guests to experiment and try different pairings, discovering their own preferred combinations.
Seek feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your guests or customers. Ask for their opinions and preferences, and use this information to refine your charcuterie pairings over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charcuterie Pairings

It is not enough to offer the best charcuterie pairings, you must be able to use charcuterie marketing strategies to promote these offerings. You should also learn how to transport a charcuterie board. With this knowledge, you can position your charcuterie business for success.

Let's answer a few more questions about charcuterie pairings.

What are four other accompaniments often found on charcuterie boards?

Four other accompaniments often found on charcuterie boards are:

Artisanal Breads and Crackers
Pickles and Preserves
Fresh and Dried Fruits
Nuts

What meats and cheeses go together?

Here are a few classic meat and cheese combinations:

Prosciutto and Parmesan
Salami and Gouda
Chorizo and Manchego
Bresaola and Goat Cheese

Is charcuterie a meal or appetizer?

Charcuterie is typically considered an appetizer rather than a full meal. It is designed to stimulate the palate and set the stage for the main course.