When you’re preparing a cheese platter or charcuterie board, the food is obviously the star of the show. But having the right accessories on hand is key to a beautiful presentation and effortless enjoyment for your guests. From cheese slicers for prepping and knives for serving to markers that let guests know exactly what they’re sampling, the perfect charcuterie board accessories can elevate a decent spread into a tasting experience they’ll remember.
When you’re collecting your charcuterie board accessories and planning your cheese and charcuterie experience, Wisconsin cheesemakers can supply you with everything you need to wow the taste buds of everyone in the room. For example, your cheese board might include:
Here are the essential charcuterie board accessories for preparing and presenting a beautiful, delicious spread of meat and cheese.
Knives are essential charcuterie board accessories when serving different kinds of cheese. Soft cheeses need special knives that prevent the cheese from sticking to the blade, while harder cheeses benefit from a sharp blade or cleaver for making easy cuts. Each cheese needs its own knife, because nobody wants to dip into a delicate fromage blanc with a knife that’s just carved through a pungent gorgonzola.
Small forks, spoons, and tongs allow guests to pick up meats, fruits, and pickled items without having to touch the food directly.
Cheese markers are small labels that let you write the names and descriptions of the cheeses you are serving. These charcuterie board accessories let your guests know what they’re eating, and they let cheese lovers know where you got that gorgeous gouda or championship cheddar.
Cheese domes are glass or clear plastic covers used to prevent cheese from drying out and keep it fresh through the evening.
Small bowls or ramekins are perfect for holding olives, nuts, dips, and honey. They keep the board tidy and prevent messier foods from mixing in with other items.
Spreaders are great charcuterie board accessories for soft cheeses and spreads like pâté or hummus. Honey dippers are useful for serving honey with cheeses like blue or aged cheddar, allowing guests to drizzle a bit of honey on a parmesan or halloumi without mess.
The board is obviously one of the most important elements of your spread. You can use more than one, and you can mix styles if you like – from rustic wooden boards to sleeker marble platters.
A cheese slicer is key for cutting firm cheeses into even, neat slices. It prevents crumbling and makes it easy for guests to cut their own servings. A cheese wire slicer is one of the most useful charcuterie board accessories because it allows guests to slice into semi-soft cheeses like havarti, butterkäse, or colby jack cheese.
Adding fresh herbs, edible flowers, or dried fruits to the board adds sparkle and finish. Even the simplest items can make the board more colorful and inviting.
Along with having the right charcuterie board accessories, these suggestions can help you prepare a charcuterie board to remember.
When preparing a charcuterie board, aim for a balance of flavors and textures. Pair salty cured meats like prosciutto or salami with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. Crunchy elements such as nuts or crackers offer a pleasant contrast to softer items like pâté or fresh fruits.
Having the right charcuterie board accessories makes it easier to prepare and present these boards. Make sure you have a variety of knives and spreaders for each item on the table. Have a large enough board – or more than one board – to make sure that everything has a place without the table feeling too crowded.
Start by placing larger items like cheese wedges, meats, and bowls on the board first, then fill in the empty spaces with smaller items like crackers, nuts, and fruit. Arrange things with an eye for mixing shapes and colors to create variety and visual interest.
Using markers lets everyone know what they’re eating and helps to start conversations about favorite cheeses.
If your event will last a while, keep some extra food in the fridge and refill the board when needed. This helps to keep the meat and cheese fresh, so your board will continue to invite people to graze.
A sauvignon blanc is a great wine to pair with a charcuterie board – its crisp acidity and citrusy flavors work well with creamy cheeses, fresh fruits, and lighter meats. For red, try a pinot noir – its medium body, bright acidity, and fruity notes will pair well with both rich and fatty meats and milder cheeses. A light pilsner offers a nice contrast to many of the items on a charcuterie board. For cocktails, a gin and tonic is a classic choice that will pair well with salty meats and herb cheeses.
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Plan for about 2-3 ounces of cheese and 2-3 ounces of meat per person if the board is meant as an appetizer or party spread.
If your charcuterie board is small enough to fit in the fridge, you can build it several hours ahead, cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Be sure to take it out 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to come to room temperature. For larger boards or boards that are delicately arranged and may not survive a trip to the fridge and back, you can start arranging 30 minutes before the party begins.
Craving award-winning aged cheddar, pining for parmesan, or searching for a new cheese to try? The world’s best cheese is just a click away! Explore our directory of Wisconsin cheesemakers and retailers who offer online cheese shopping and get cheese shipped right to your door. What are you waiting for?
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