What is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie is a French term for the art of preparing and assembling meats, such as ham, salami, and other cured meats. It is often served with cheese, fruits, nuts, pickles, and bread. Charcuterie boards are popular appetizers at dinner parties and gatherings, and the right bread can make or break a great charcuterie board.
What is Bread Made From?
The best bread is only made from grains, such as wheat, rye, spelt, and barley. The grains are ground into flour and mixed with water to form a dough. Yeast is added to the mix which helps the bread rise, giving it its fluffy texture.
Different types of breads can be created by varying the type of grain used or by adding ingredients like seeds and nuts. In some countries, bread is flavored with spices such as oregano and rosemary to add a unique flavor.
It is also common for some breads to be topped with sesame seeds or oats for added texture. Bakers often use different techniques like kneading, shaping, scoring, and baking their loaves in order to create the perfect loaf.
The 5 Best Breads for Your Charcuterie Board
1. Sourdough Bread:
Sourdough bread is a type of bread made with a starter (a mixture of flour and water that is left to ferment) instead of yeast. It has a slightly tangy flavor which makes it the best bread for charcuterie boards. Sourdough bread is a crispy crusty bread that pairs perfectly with cured meats and cheeses(like cheddar cheese) and adds a hearty texture to the board.
2. Herb Bread:
This type of artisan bread is flavored with herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a savory flavor. The herbs pair well with the different meats, cheeses, fruits, and pickles on the board. Herb bread is especially great when toasted with garlic butter, and can be served as an appetizer or accompaniment to a cheese board.
3. Breadsticks:
Breadsticks are thin, crunchy sticks of bread that can be topped with sesame seeds or oats for a unique texture. They add a delicious crunch to the board that pairs particularly well with cheese. Breadsticks are a great alternative to crackers and can be served with dips or spreads for an added layer of flavor.
4. Baguette:
A classic French baguette adds a touch of sophistication to charcuterie boards! The chewy texture of the bread is perfect for sopping up all the delicious flavors on the board and pairs perfectly with a variety of cured meats. Baguettes are also great for making crostini with a variety of toppings.
5. Pita Bread:
Pita bread is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. It's great for making sandwiches to enjoy as part of your charcuterie board or simply torn apart and used as a scoop or vessel for other items. The slightly sweet taste of pita bread also makes it a sweet bread a great choice for pairing with fresh fruit and nuts.
No matter which type of bread you choose, adding it to your charcuterie board will bring the whole spread to
| "Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts." - James Beard. |  |
life! Each type of bread has its own unique flavor and texture that will complement the meats, fruits, pickles, and strong cheeses on your board.
Why You Should Include Wine with Your Charcuterie Board
When it comes to creating the perfect charcuterie board, wine is an essential ingredient. The flavors of the meats and cheeses on your board are complemented by the right kind of wine, making for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
From mild-flavored cheeses like brie that pair perfectly with a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, to spicy salamis that go great with a full-bodied white like Chardonnay, there's a wine for every type of meat and cheese. Not only does pairing the right kind of wine with the right kind of charcuterie enhance the overall flavor profile, but it also adds an extra layer of sophistication to your board. So why not take your charcuterie board to the next level by including a selection of wines?
Try it for yourself and you'll see why this perfect pairing is sure to impress your guests!
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Breadstick Recipe
How do You Serve Bread On a Charcuterie Board?
When it comes to serving bread on a charcuterie board, the possibilities are endless! You can opt for larger loaves of bread like crusty bread, sourdough, or baguettes and cut them into slices or cubes. Or you can go for something more bite-sized like gluten-free crackers, pita wedges, crostini, or even breadsticks.
7 ways to serve your bread:
- Sliced Bread: Slice a classic sourdough or baguette loaf into thin pieces and arrange them around the board. This is a great way to add some rustic charm and visual interest to your charcuterie board!
- Cubed Bread: Cut larger loaves of bread into cubes for easy sharing and dipping into sauces and spreads.
- Pita Wedges: Cut pita bread into wedges and arrange them around the board. The soft, chewy texture pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and savory meat.
- Crostini: Toasts slices of bread that have a crispy crust with olive oil and top with various toppings like cheese, pesto, or hummus for delicious bite-sized snacks.
- Breadsticks: Make your homemade breadsticks with a simple recipe (included above!) and sprinkle them around the board for texture and crunch.
- Mini Loaves: Bake mini loaves of bread in the oven and arrange them around the board for a unique presentation. Guests can tear off pieces to enjoy with the other items on the board.
- Wraps: Use flatbreads like naan to make wraps with various dried meats, cheeses, and other fillings.
Chocolate & Bread Complement Each Other Perfectly
One of the best pairings for chocolate is bread! Different types of bread pair well with different types of
chocolate - for example, dark chocolate pairs nicely with sourdough bread while milk chocolate goes great with French baguettes.
Experimenting with different combinations will help you find the perfect pairing for your charcuterie board!
Including chocolate on your charcuterie board is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for all who partake in it! Not only does it add flavor and texture but it also brings balance and sweetness to savory flavors. Plus, its versatility makes it easy to incorporate into any type of dish or snack platter.
So don't forget about adding some delicious chocolate when creating your next charcuterie board - you won't regret it!
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"I recently tried mode chocolate and it tastes like heaven! It's the perfect addition to my charcuterie board, adding a little something special. The quality of the chocolate is by far the best I've ever tasted, with its smooth texture and intense flavor. I highly recommend mode chocolate for anyone looking for a delicious treat to share with friends or family." -Clara D. Evans |
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Do You Serve Bread or Crackers With a Charcuterie Board
Bread and crackers both work well with charcuterie boards. They add texture, flavor, and a hearty foundation for the various fruits, nuts, pickles, meats, and cheeses. However, depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions you may prefer one over the other.
In general, bread is softer than crackers and has a heartier texture. It also absorbs flavor better and can be sliced into thin pieces or cubed for easy sharing. The best bread is also more versatile than crackers as you can try different types like rye bread, whole wheat, whole grain, bread, sourdough, herb breads, baguettes, pita bread, and more.
Crackers are usually crunchy, making them a great accompaniment to soft cheeses or savory spreads too. They come in all types of flavors and shapes so you can find something that matches the other items on your board. Crackers can also be eaten solo or used to scoop up sauces and dips for an added layer of flavor.
Elevate Your Charcuterie Board with Quality Meat and Cheese
If you're looking to create the perfect cheese boards, look no further than Pierre Cheese Market.
With award-winning premium farm-fresh European and American cheeses, Pierre Cheese Market is dedicated to discovering extraordinary, high-quality dairy products.
Their selection includes Roth, Rogue Creamery, Ile de France, Belton Farms, and more.
The Pierre Robert cheese is an extremely rich and buttery triple cream cheese that adds a luxurious touch to any breakfast cheese board. For those who prefer something a bit sweeter, the Pouligny St Pierre AOP is an unpasteurized cheese with a balanced flavor and slight sweetness.
With 1000 years of experience in the cheese industry, you can trust that Pierre Cheese Market will provide you with the highest quality product. Visit their website today and explore their wide selection of cheeses for your next cheese board.
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"Pierre cheese market has been my one-stop destination for all my charcuterie needs. They have a great variety of cheeses from all over the world, as well as cured meats and other accompaniments to make a perfect charcuterie board. I recently hosted a party and got all the ingredients I needed from Pierre cheese market and everyone was impressed! Highly recommend them." -Jeanette C. Vanauken |
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A few cracker options:
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Buttery crackers
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Multigrain crackers
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Water crackers
To learn more about crackers read my article on the best crackers for your charcuterie board.
Spreads to Dip Your Bread In
When it comes to dipping your bread into something, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorite spreads to serve with a charcuterie cheese board.:
7 sweet and savory spreads:
- Hummus: A classic dip made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. This creamy and smooth dip pairs well with a rustic sourdough or baguette for dipping or spreading.
- Pesto: This green Italian sauce is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. Serve it with a crunchy breadstick for an added texture or spread it over slices of baguette or crostini.
- Tapenade: This classic Provençal spread is made with olives, capers, anchovies, olive oil and spices. It pairs perfectly with a chewy French baguette or a crunchy breadstick.
- Olive Tapenade: This olive-based spread is made with olives, anchovies, capers, herbs and spices. Serve it with a hearty slice of sourdough for dipping or spreading on top.
- Tzatziki: A classic Greek dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. Spread it over slices of pita bread or use a crunchy breadstick to scoop up the dip
- Muhammara: A flavorful Middle Eastern spread made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, olive oil, and spices. Serve it with slices of baguette or toasted pita wedges or rye bread for a unique flavor combination.
- Cream Cheese Spreads: Choose from a variety of creamy cheese spreads like goat cheese, feta and cream cheese for a delicious charcuterie board accompaniment. Serve sweet spreads with slices of sourdough or herbed breads for dipping.
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Conclusion
From classic sourdough to crunchy breadsticks and flavorful pita wedges, there are so many delicious types of bread that can take your charcuterie board to the next level. Each type of bread brings its unique, flavor profile and texture, making it a must-have item on any charcuterie board.
Don't forget to pair your bread with a variety of spreads, dips and sauces for an added layer of flavor! With the right type of bread and accompaniments, you can create the perfect charcuterie board for any gathering. Pair your bread with flavorful spreads like hummus, pesto, tapenade, and more for an added layer of flavor.
So next time you create a charcuterie board, consider adding some delicious bread to the mix! Bread makes everything better. Your guests and taste buds will thank you.
FAQ
What kind of bread goes with brie cheese?
A classic French bread pairs perfectly with brie cheese. Buttered sourdough or rye bread are also great bread options, for enjoying with brie.
What is the best bread for an antipasto platter?
Sliced sourdough is one of the best breads and a great option for an antipasto platter. Toasted rustic loaves of Italian or French bread are also ideal for dunking in dips and spreads.
How much bread per person is for charcuterie boards?
It is recommended to provide 1-2 slices of bread per person for a charcuterie board.
Do you put bread on a charcuterie board?
Yes, bread is a great addition to a charcuterie board. Bread adds texture and a flavor profile, as well as an additional item for guests to enjoy with the various other charcuterie meats and cheeses, fruits, and pickles on the board and can also be served with dips and spreads for added flavor.
"Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links at no additional cost to you."
Alex Roig is the owner of Ask Alex Wood Worx, a high-end woodworking site that sells personalized charcuterie boards and other wood products. With 15 years of woodworking experience, Alex is a master of his craft. His attention to detail and passion for his work sets him apart from the competition.
When he's not in the workshop, you can find him spending time with his beautiful wife and daughters or working out and gardening (he has a gardening YouTube channel called Fathers Love Fathers Heal). But his true passion is making unique, one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards that are perfect for any occasion.