The main difference between a charcuterie and a cheese board is what they are made of. Charcuterie is made of different kinds of meat, while a cheese board is made of different kinds of cheese. But it’s important to know that in modern cooking, the words “charcuterie board” and “cheese board” mean the same thing.

A charcuterie board and a cheese board are both slate or trays with a variety of finger foods on them. Most of the space on this board is taken up by meat and cheese, but charcuterie and cheese boards also have things like crackers, dips, fruits, and nuts.

What’s a Charcuterie?

Charcuterie is the art of cooking sausage, bacon, salami, ham, terrines, galantines, patés, ballotines, and confit, among other types of meat. It’s a mix of cured meat and other kinds of meat. Also, someone who makes charcuterie is called a Charcutier. Even though the word “charcuterie” originally meant “pork,” it now means many different kinds of meat. Charcuterie platters include cheese, fruits, nuts, crackers, and dips, among other foods. A good Italian charcuterie board has a good balance of tastes and textures, with foods that both contrast and go well together.

When you look at the history of charcuterie, you can see that it came about because people had to. This was a way to keep meat fresh, just like pickling, making kombucha, making broth, and other methods. Extra large charcuterie boards have become popular again in the past few years. 

What’s a Cheese Board?

Most of the time, a cheese board is a selection of cheeses served as part of a meal. It’s important to know that in modern cooking, the words “charcuterie board” and “cheese board” mean the same thing.

Cheese boards should have soft cheese, aged cheese, firm cheese, and blue cheese, all from different cheese families. Gouda, white cheddar, aged cheddar, parmesan, provolone, Havarti, brie, camembert, gruyere, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and goat cheese are some of the cheeses you can use. Gouda tastes best with cured meats, and goat cheese goes well with nuts and olives. Blue cheese goes well with dried fruits like dates. Brie also tastes good with sweet foods. Since cheese boards are the same as Italian charcuterie boards, they also have meat on them.

In addition to meat and cheese, these boards have savory foods like pickles, roasted peppers, olives, almonds, spicy mustards, and cashews; sweet foods like honey, chutney, dried fruits, preserves, and even chocolates; and different kinds of artisan bread like sliced baguette, breadsticks, and crackers.

What’s the Difference Between a Meat Board and a Cheese Board?

In charcuterie, meats are prepared in such a way as to preserve their natural flavors and textures. A cheese board is a collection of cheeses that are typically served as an appetizer or as part of a meal. Modern cooks use the same terms for charcuterie and cheese boards. As well as several kinds of artesian bread and crackers and dips, fruits and nuts are served on it.

How To Make A Board For Italian Charcuterie Board

If you’re new to charcuterie, we’ve made a simple guide to help you get started. Meats and cheeses are always on a cheeseboard, but when it comes to charcuterie, there are no rules. Try out your favorite themes and ingredients. Take a picture of your board before you serve it so you can look at it again later. It will help you build a charcuterie board the next time you want to.

Pick Your Board

Charcuterie boards come in so many shapes and sizes that it can be hard to choose one.

Shape: Rectangular boards are easy to work with and are great for laying out ingredients. Round boards are the next most common shape, but they make it harder to divide up your food. Once you know how to play on a square or round board, try playing on other shapes.

Size: A 9″ x 13″ board is a good standard size for feeding two to three people. A longer board than 20 inches is good for four or more people. And currently, the most trending type is an extra large charcuterie board.

Material: Melamine breadboards are easier to use than slate or wood boards because they are lighter, but they still have the same rustic look. When there are a lot of things on a big board, it tends to get very heavy. Melamine that won’t break is also safe for your patio or other outdoor space where you eat.

Conclusion

The main difference between an Italian charcuterie board and a cheese board is what they are made of. Charcuterie is made of different kinds of meat, while a cheese board is made of different kinds of cheese.