Creating an Epic Charcuterie Board With Jerky

A jerky charcuterie board may sound like an oxymoron to some people. In truth, premier jerky pairs excellent with a classic charcuterie spread and adds some flavor to any event. If you’re looking at creating an epic charcuterie board for your next social gathering, check out these helpful tips and tricks.

Grab a Board and Plan Your Arrangement

The first step to creating any kind of charcuterie spread is finding a quality wooden board. It should be thick, clean, and sizable enough to fit a cornucopia of food and condiments. Consider a marble baker’s slab instead of a wooden board for a more elegant look. Once you have the board ready, plan out your arrangement—you want your guests to know what foods go well with each other quickly.

Cheese and crackers should always be next to each other but place fruits, like grapes, near the harder cheeses. Bread should be adjacent to jams and other condiments, with utensils nearby for easier self-serving. Lastly, your jerky must be prepared for individual servings.

Gather Your Complementary Items

So, what kinds of foods should you throw on your charcuterie boards outside of your jerky? Let’s break down the classic items:

• Soft cheese – brie, goat
• Medium cheese – blue, cheddar, gouda
• Hard cheese – parmigiano
• Small fruits and vegetables – baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, grapes
• Large produce – apples, cucumbers
• Savory food – pickles, olives (combine different kinds)
• Carbs – breadsticks, baguette slices, crackers, chips
• Nuts – almonds, pistachios, pecans
• Dips – jams, jellies, hummus

This is an extensive list, but these items all pair excellently together and add an appealing visual display to your board. Play around with the foods you and your guests prefer the most, and always be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Time for the Jerky

While almost any charcuterie board features salami, ham, prosciutto, and pepperoni, your culinary masterpiece is a trailblazer. That’s because you’re opting for delicious jerky that puts a spin on a classic dish! So, what jerky works best for your appetizers?

Beef jerky with spicy, savory, or sweet kicks pair well with the other items on your board and taste great on their own. Exotic and big game jerky is also a welcome addition to your dish and is sure to be a hit with your guests. Lee’s Market offers premier handcrafted jerky that features robust flavor and is sure to turn your charcuterie board into a masterpiece.

Indeed, the secret for creating an epic charcuterie board with jerky is letting your unique personality and palate shine through your dish. The benefit of a charcuterie spread is varied options that pair well together and taste great on their own, so don’t be afraid to experiment. And, of course, look to Lee’s Market Jerky for superior jerky items to complete your culinary creation!