The Best Guide To The Perfect Italian Charcuterie Board

What To Put On An Italian Charcuterie Board

Italian charcuterie boards are a great way to bring a variety of Italian flavors to the table.

An Italian charcuterie board typically consists of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and capocollo, fresh cheeses like mozzarella and pecorino romano, olives, pickled vegetables, roasted pepper strips or artichoke hearts, nuts, and other treats.

To make your beautiful Italian charcuterie board truly authentic, don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or pesto sauce.

Depending on what you choose to include on your Italian board you can create an appetizer tray that will satisfy all palates.

In this article, I will be covering different ingredients and ways to enjoy your Italian charcuterie board.

How To Eat An Italian Charcuterie Board

An Italian charcuterie board is the perfect way to share a variety of flavors with friends and family.

To get the full experience, you should start by sampling each individual ingredient. Try different combinations of cured meats and cheeses with accompaniments like kalamata olives, pickled vegetables, nuts, bread, or crackers.

When I find a combination that I love, I will top off my plate with more! Who doesn't enjoy a new food combination that they have never tasted before?

To create an even fuller Italian meal, I like to try other items such as roasted peppers or marinated artichoke hearts. You can also pair your board with a glass of red or white wine for an extra special touch.

Have fun with your combinations.

Meats For Your Italian Charcuterie Board

• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced cured ham that pairs deliciously with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and crusty bread.
• Salami: A type of cured sausage traditionally made from pork or beef that comes in many flavors. It pairs well with olives, cheese, and pickles.
• Coppa: Also known as capocollo, it is a dry-cured Italian cold cut made from the neck or shoulder area of pork. Enjoy it with slices of aged gouda or provolone cheese.
• Mortadella: An Italian sausage made from finely ground pork and flavored with spices such as nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and coriander. It goes well with crackers and sliced apples.
• Bresaola: Dried, cured beef that has been salted and often flavored with herbs such as rosemary or juniper berries. This goes best with sharp cheeses like parmesan and fresh arugula.
• Speck: Smoked pork that is lightly seasoned with spices such as garlic, juniper, and rosemary. It's delicious when served on crostini or alongside a variety of olives.

Cheese For Your Italian Charcuterie Board

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: A hard, granular cheese made from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It has a salty flavor that pairs well with cured meats and fresh fruit.
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese with a sharp, pungent flavor that is great when served with fresh or grilled vegetables.
• Fontina Val d'Aosta: Mildly flavored semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk that melts easily when cooked. Perfect for making lasagna or fondue dishes.
• Provolone Piccante: A sharp, tangy Italian cheese made from cow's milk with an intense flavor that works well in sandwiches or when melted into sauces.
• Taleggio: A soft, semi-soft Italian cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavor that is perfect for spreading on crackers or melting into pasta.
• Burrata: A fresh cow's milk cheese made from cream and mozzarella curds that has a delicate, buttery flavor and creamy texture. Best enjoyed with artisan bread and seasonal fruits.

These are just a few of the meats and cheeses you can choose to include on your next delicious Italian charcuterie board.

Try out different combinations and experiment with flavors for your Italian cheese board until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

Italian Charcuterie Board Ideas

Italian bread dipping oil

Italian bread dipping oil is an olive oil-based condiment, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. It's a popular accompaniment to Italian breads such as focaccia or ciabatta, providing a flavorful dip for your Italian charcuterie board.

The combination of flavors in the oil enhances the taste of the Italian meats and cheeses that you include on your Italian charcuterie board, giving it an extra layer of flavor and complexity.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish made with tomatoes(cherry tomatoes), fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil.

This simple yet flavorful combination makes for an excellent addition to any Italian charcuterie board, as the bright flavors of the tomatoes and fresh basil complement the rich taste of Italian meats and cheeses.

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a luscious finish that ties everything together nicely.

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto salad is a classic Italian dish featuring cured meats, vegetables, and cheeses.

This colorful combination of ingredients makes for the perfect accompaniment to your Italian charcuterie board, providing an eye-catching presentation as well as a flavor-packed punch.

Popular components include salami, artichoke hearts, peppers, olives, and creamy cheese.

Mezze Platter

A mezze platter is a popular Italian appetizer platter featuring Italian meats, vegetables, and cheeses. This combination of ingredients provides a perfect complement to your Italian charcuterie boards, as the different flavors and textures make for an exciting culinary experience.

Popular components include salami, olives, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, capers, prosciutto crudo or cotto ham, and Italian cheese such as mozzarella or Parmesan.

Italian Bruschetta

Italian bruschetta is a classic Italian starter dish comprised of grilled bread topped with an assortment of toppings, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

This simple but delicious combination makes for an excellent accompaniment to any Italian charcuterie board.

Bruschetta provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the richness of Italian meats and cheeses, while the bright flavors of the ingredients bring out the best in both components.

Bruschetta Combinations

Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter dish comprised of grilled bread topped with an assortment of toppings, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

The possibilities for creative bruschetta combinations are endless! Try your own different bruschetta for different charcuterie board ideas.

5 Popular versions of bruschetta include:

1. Tomato & Mozzarella: This classic combination features fresh chopped tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese.
2. Figs & Gorgonzola: This savory-sweet fusion combines the sweetness of figs with the pungent flavor of gorgonzola.
3. Prosciutto & Arugula: Crispy prosciutto pairs perfectly with peppery arugula in this simple yet flavorful combination.
4. Mushroom & Truffle: A combination of exotic mushrooms and truffle oil creates a truly gourmet bruschetta experience.
5. Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese: Roasted sweet peppers combine nicely with creamy goat cheese for a delicious variation on the classic bruschetta.

We love using different flavorful combinations when making  beautiful Italian charcuterie boards.

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Pair Italian Wines With Charcuterie

Try these fun combinations of wine and Italian meat:

• Prosecco & Parma Ham: The sweet and refreshing taste of Prosecco is a perfect match for the salty flavor of Parma Ham.
• Chianti & Salami: The bold, earthy notes of Chianti pairs well with the spiciness of salami.
• Lambrusco & Bresaola: This sparkling red wine balances out the rich flavor of Bresaola.
• Pinot Grigio & Provolone Cheese: The crispness of Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess of provolone cheese.
• Barbera D'Asti & Gorgonzola Cheese: This full-bodied red wine pairs nicely with the sharp taste of gorgonzola cheese.

No matter what your Italian charcuterie board looks like, I'm sure there’s a delicious Italian wine that will bring out the best flavors of your Italian meats and cheeses!

Italian Charcuterie Pasta

Different Italian Accompaniments For Your Charcuterie Board

• Prosciutto & Mozzarella: Accompanied by fresh cherry tomatoes, olive tapenade, roasted sweet peppers and capers.
• Salami & Provolone: Accompanied by marinated artichoke hearts, olives, roasted vegetables, and pickles.
• Mortadella & Fontina: Accompanied by honeyed figs, rosemary focaccia slices, and chutney.
• Sopressata & Asiago Cheese: Accompanied by grilled zucchini, walnuts, and pears.
• Coppa Ham & Pecorino Cheese: Accompanied by apricot jam, dried fruit compote, and herbed crostini.
• Chorizo & Manchego Cheese: Accompanied by roasted bell peppers, cornichons, and whole grain mustard.
• Prosciutto & Fresh Basil: Accompanied by fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive tapenade, and roasted red peppers.

Conclusion

Italian Charcuterie boards are an easy and delicious way to entertain. With a variety of Italian meats, Italian cheeses, and accompaniments, you can create an impressive spread sure to please any crowd!

Whether it's for a special occasion or just an ordinary night in, these charcuterie board ideas are sure to be a hit.

So don't wait - gather your favorite Italian-inspired ingredients and get ready to wow everyone at the table with your amazing charcuterie board creation!

Gather up all your favorite Italian-inspired ingredients and start creating the perfect charcuterie board today!

What are some of your favorite ingredients for your Italian charcuterie board? Let me know in the comments below.

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FAQ

What are some Italian cold cuts?

Some Italian cold cuts include prosciutto, salami, mortadella, coppa, pancetta and bresaola. For a more robust flavor, add speck and lardo to a charcuterie board.

What is an Italian cold cuts platter called?

An Italian cold cuts platter is often referred to as an Italian charcuterie board. The meat and cheese board typically includes a variety of Italian cured meats and cheeses, along with accompaniments such as marinated olives, pickles, and crackers.

What is a Tuscan platter?

A Tuscan platter is an Italian-style charcuterie platter featuring a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. It usually features salami, prosciutto, bresaola, crusty bread, and aged creamy cheese alongside green olives, pickles, and other condiments.

What is a Maltese platter?

A Maltese platter is a traditional Mediterranean charcuterie board featuring a variety of Italian cured meats, Italian cheeses, and accompaniments. This type of platter typically includes ingredients such as prosciutto, salami, ricotta cheese, and olives.

What meats are on the Antipasto list?

Antipasto is a traditional Italian starter dish that usually includes meats such as salami, prosciutto, mortadella and coppa. It may also include marinated vegetables, marinated olives, artichoke hearts or Italian cheeses like pecorino and provolone.

What is Italian hard salami called?

Italian hard salami is called sopressata. It is a dry-cured and cured sausage made of pork that has been seasoned with garlic, chili pepper, paprika, and other herbs and spices. Sopressata can be sliced thinly to use as an antipasto or part of an Italian charcuterie board.

What is the most popular Antipasto in Italy?

The most popular antipasto dish in Italy is Prosciutto di Parma, which is a dry-cured ham that has been aged for at least 12 months. It is usually served with fresh mozzarella or arugula and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. Other popular items on an Italian antipasto charcuterie platter include olives, artichoke hearts, salami, and marinated vegetables.

What are the three types of Antipasto?

The three types of Antipasto are crudo (raw), Cotto (cooked), and misto (mixed). Crudo usually includes meats like salami, while cotton features cooked items such as roasted vegetables or boiled eggs. Misto is a combination of both raw and cooked ingredients and may include olives, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and prosciutto.

What is the most popular meat in Italy?

In Italy, the most popular meat is pork. It is used in a variety of dishes like porchetta and Tuscan ribollita soup and is also an important ingredient in traditional Italian salumi such as prosciutto di Parma and sopressata. Pork can be cooked fresh or cured for months to make salami, which is commonly served as part of an Italian charcuterie board.