Seasonal Ingredients for the Perfect Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Seasonality Inspiration

The Importance of Seasonality

Charcuterie boards have become a staple for almost any group gathering. There is always something on the board for everyone and there is something about a beautiful graze that keeps us entertained while we eat.

Using seasonal ingredients and flavors not only adds a sense of freshness to your spread, but it also allows you to be more intentional of where you get your products from. Local farms, farmers markets, neighbors, maybe even your own garden!

Use this guide as a helpful preparation tool intended to inspire amateur cooks and chefs alike to create your own seasonal charcuterie boards and grazing tables.

Helpful Tips for a Balanced Board

Use Contrasting Textures

• Be aware of the various crunchy, creamy, and chewy elements that each item brings to the table. You want to ensure your spread is balanced nicely with a variety of textures. Nuts and seeds will add a great crunch to pair with creamy brie and chewy dried apricots.

Mix up Sweet and Savory Flavors

• This goes for all the elements of your spread, not only the accompaniments. Remember that cheese and meats will bring their own sweet, salty and savory flavors along with the pickled veggies, the sweet fruit options and the savory veggies

Make your Spread Visually Appealing to eat

• Mix up the colors, shapes and food options across the board. My trick is to always place dips/spreads in bowls down first making sure to space them out. Then place all of my cheeses down, then the meats, followed by the fruits and veggies. Lastly, fill in the gaps with the accompaniments. I tend to lean towards placing more smaller piles of goodies rather than less, larger piles. It keeps the scavenger hunt for goodies more interesting for your eyes to look at!

Additional Ideas to elevate your Spread

Pull Inspiration from local goodies

• Pull in local flavors to highlight the region you are creating in. i.e using Vermont Maple Syrup in the northeast or Texas Pecans in the south.

Keep Dietary Restrictions front of mind

• Cater to any known dietary needs by including vegan or gluten-free options if needed. So many of the best crackers out there these days are Gluten Free so that is an easy one to hit!

Lean into Seasonal or Party Specific Themes

• Create thematic boards based on the current season, party or event theme, or a holiday.

Spring Ingredients:

Spring brings fresh, vibrant flavors, floral essence and lighter snacking options to the table after the heavier fare of winter.

• Cheeses:

  • Feta: Salty and briny, excellent with fresh vegetables.

  • Burrata/Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, milky, and delicate.

• Meats:

  • Finocchiona (Fennel Salami): Adds a hint of herbaceousness.

• Fruits:

  • Strawberries: Sweet and juicy.

  • Apricots: Sweet and slightly tart.

• Vegetables:

  • Asparagus (blanched): Crisp and earthy.

  • Sugar Snap Peas: Sweet and fresh.

• Accompaniments:

  • Local Honey or Floral Jams & Jellies: elderflower.

  • Fresh Herbs: Mint, chives, dill, basil for garnish and flavor.

  
  

  

  Spring Charcuterie Ingredients

Summer Ingredients

Summer is all about abundant fresh produce, bright colors, and refreshing flavors. Play into lighter options and cold bites.

• Cheeses:

  • Halloumi (grilled): A unique, savory addition.

  • Gouda (young): Mild and versatile.

• Meats:

  • Prosciutto: Classic pairing with melon.

  • Capicola: Spicy and flavorful.

• Fruits:

  • Watermelon & Cantaloupe (cubed or balled): Juicy and refreshing.

  • Peaches & Nectarines (sliced): Sweet stone fruit.

• Vegetables:

  • Cherry Tomatoes: Burst of sweetness.

  • Pickled Okra or Green Beans: Tangy crunch.

• Accompaniments:

  • Dips: Hummus, olive tapenade, pesto.

  • Crusty Bread (baguette) & Crackers

Summer Charcuterie Ingredients

Fall Ingredients

Autumn brings hearty, earthy flavors that celebrate the fall harvest and that add more warming spices. Think pungent, bold flavors.

• Cheeses:

  • Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola, Stilton): Pungent and creamy.

  • Brie (baked with honey/nuts): Warm and comforting.

• Meats:

  • Hard Salami (e.g., Genoa, Calabrese): Rich and savory.

  • Chorizo (cured): Spicy and smoky.

• Fruits:

  • Apples (sliced, various types like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith): Crisp and sweet/tart.

  • Pears (sliced, Bosc, Bartlett): Sweet and soft.

• Vegetables:

  • Olives: Black or green.

  • Roasted or Pickled Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets (small, thinly sliced).

• Accompaniments:

  • Fig Jam or Apple Butter: Sweet spreads.

  • Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Sweet and crunchy.

  

  Fall Charcuterie Ingredients

Winter Ingredients

Winter snacks can lean into rich, robust flavors, comforting textures, and should also include some festive touches.

1. Cheeses:

   • Aged Cheeses: Parmesan Reggiano, Aged Gouda, Sharp Cheddar.

   • Washed Rind Cheeses: Often stronger, pungent, and creamy.

2. Meats:

   • Pâté or Rillettes: Rich and spreadable.

   • Cured Sausages: For a more rustic feel.

3. Fruits:

   • Figs (fresh or dried): Sweet and jammy.

   • Pomegranate Seeds: Juicy, tart, and vibrant.

4. Vegetables:

   • Cornichons/Pickles: To cut through richness.

   • Marinated Artichoke Hearts

5. Accompaniments:

   • Holiday Jams/Preserves: Cranberry sauce, fig jam, cherry preserves.

   • Dark Chocolate: Rich squares or chocolate-covered nuts/fruits.

   

   Winter Charcuterie Ingredients

I hope this guide works to inspire you to play with new flavors, textures and ingredients for your next Charcuterie Board or Grazing Table. Keeping all of these elements in mind while leaning into the current season will be sure to have your guests saying "WOW" the moment they lay eyes on your next spread.

Happy Snacking!