Add Crackers, Nuts, And Fresh Fruits To Charcuterie For Greater Variety

When it comes to what you can put on a charcuterie board, the sky's the limit. That said, it doesn't mean you should start emptying your pantry onto the display. It should be assembled thoughtfully, pairing like and opposing flavors together in a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and savory. With so many ingredients to put on the board, it can become overwhelming. Thankfully, we know just who to ask for advice.

Dominick DiBartolomeo is an expert in the world of cheese and charcuterie. As the owner and president of The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills and Domenico's Foods, he creates elegant charcuterie boards for customers. But where to start? He says that crackers are a welcome addition to any charcuterie board, but just any kind won't do. "I love variety when it comes to crackers," DiBartolomeo said, "but I think a non-negotiable is to at least have a mild cracker — thin and flaky works and so does something a little firmer."

A cracker with a mellow flavor allows all the types of cheese on the charcuterie board to stand out as the stars they are. However, that's not to say you can't put out something more tenacious. DiBartolomeo added, "You should also add some flavored crackers as well to see how some of the cheeses may change in flavor." Elevating the display with crunchy carbs establishes a pleasant contrast to the cured meats and cheese, but that's just the beginning when it comes to variety. Nuts and fruits can create even more diversity and unify the board.

Cheese and nuts go together like peanut butter and jelly. DiBartolomeo is a big fan of adding nuts to a charcuterie board, but always consider how they will mesh with everything else on the display. He says, "I love serving nuts with cheese, once again, something plain and not too spicy, but you can even try some candied nuts that can work well with certain saltier cheeses." You could also roast the nuts to impart smoky notes.

Balancing ingredients should be your chief concern when assembling a charcuterie board. Some folks like to spruce up their array with produce, which certainly produces variation with the charcuterie staples. However, not everything strikes the right balance, according to DiBartolomeo. "I like fresh veggies, but I do not prefer them on my cheese boards," he said. "Fresh fruit is definitely my preference over fresh veggies."

Where crunchy fresh vegetables may contrast with soft cheese and chewy meats, sweet fruit adds a depth of flavor that few veggies can lend to the spread. The mellow sweetness of apples can complement more robust flavors on the board, and olives — technically a fruit – could be the ideal salty accompaniment to milder cheeses. As long as you are pairing ingredients tactfully, there are nigh-endless combinations that will generate delicious variety. The key is to remember that even the most chic charcuterie board is meant to be eaten, and all the flavors and textures on display need to synchronize on the palate.