Ultimate Guide to Charcuterie Boards

You may have heard of charcuterie boards before, or perhaps have even seen one and tried this platter for yourself at a party. If you are wanting to build your own charcuterie board, or if you are just interested in learning more about this interesting platter, then this Marietta steakhouse, Mac’s Chophouse, is here with an Ultimate Guide. 

What is a charcuterie board?

A charcuterie board (sometimes called a butcher’s board), is a tasteful display of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and more. If you’ve ever sampled a cheese board at a party, then you’ve already tried a charcuterie board!

In a restaurant setting, a charcuterie board is a popular appetizer that is often served at steakhouses and farm-to-table eateries. When you want something light but still filling, a charcuterie board is a great option. These simple yet elegant spreads have a little bit of everything you love, at a serving size that won’t leave you feeling miserably full. 

How do you pronounce charcuterie? 

The word “charcuterie” is pronounced shaar-koo-tr-ee, and originates from the French language.The char in charcuterie means “flesh” in this sense, and the cuterie (cuite) means “cooked.” While “cooked flesh'' may not sound very appetizing, in 15th century France these terms were used to describe shops that housed products made from pork, particularly smoked meats. The original language around charcuterie was derived from the belief that no part of an animal should be wasted, and that preserving every last bit was a priority. This is why the 15th century France shops selling these types of products also sold internal organs.

Luckily, our typical appetizers of today don’t usually include the organs of animals. Instead, the modern charcuterie board displays a well-balanced spread of protein, dairy, grains, and more.

What should go on a charcuterie board? 

The “traditional” charcuterie board of today will feature meats and cheeses. However, you can expect to see bread, fruits, nuts, and condiments decorating these boards at restaurants and house parties alike. If you are building a charcuterie board from scratch, the main thing to remember is to choose items that pair well together, and that you like eating. 

The typical meats that you’ll see on a charcuterie board include capicola (or capocollo, which is a lightly spiced and smoked cold cut), salami, and prosciutto (an Italian dry-cured ham). Sometimes, dry-cured chorizo and mortadella (a large Italian sausage with small cubes of pork fat) will be featured on a charcuterie board as well. 

While the meat may be considered to be the star of the charcuterie board, the cheese that is included on this platter is usually picked based on what will go best with the meat. Most charcuterie boards will have a variety of cheeses, including aged cheddar, gouda, and gruyere. If you’re building your own charcuterie board, you should start with the meat, and then pick a few different cheeses that will each pair well with your choice cut. 

Why are charcuterie boards so popular? 

There are plenty of perks that a charcuterie board offers that you can’t find in a regular appetizer. You don’t need utensils to eat anything on the charcuterie board, aside from little spoons and spatulas for spreading possible sauces and condiments. A charcuterie board also gives you the option of customization. With so many different meats, cheeses, and other picks available, you can mix and match each bite until you find the perfect pair. 

Perhaps the most enjoyable feature of a charcuterie board is that it is always shared among a group. There’s something special about gathering around a spread and eating the same food with your friends. Humans have been “breaking bread” for centuries, where people come together and set aside past differences while they enjoy a meal together. Any kind of food can strengthen the bond between people, and when you’re sharing a platter like charcuterie, the experience becomes even more meaningful. 

Where can I get a charcuterie board in Marietta, GA? 

If you are looking for a truly unique charcuterie board to share among friends, Mac’s Chophouse has got you covered. Our brand new bar menu features a savory butcher board that you can enjoy with a small group. This butcher board includes house made and local duck, pork, beef, and seafood charcuterie. Enjoy cheeses alongside these meats from Sweet Grass Dairy’s Thomasville Tomme, plus jams and condiments including Green Hills & Asher Blue bacon jam, pickled onion, and grainy mustard. To complete the spread, we also include a toasted baguette on our butcher board.

Mac’s Chophouse has everything you need to create a memorable meal with your friends and family. Book a table today by calling 770-238-1202.