A charcuterie board can make a great dinner option, but with the right sides, it may be complete. Cheese, Bread, and crackers are essential yet common possibilities, either purchased or homemade.
But what other sides go well with the charcuterie board for dinner and can impress your guest?
Here are the seven finest supper side dishes to go with a charcuterie board.
19 Perfect Pairs to Serve with Charcuterie Board for Dinner
1. Salads
Salads are always a great way to accompany a charcuterie board. They provide freshness and crunch to the meal, complementing the cured meats and cheeses nicely.
Try adding some diced vegetables or roasted nuts for added texture. For added flavor, you can also use different types of lettuce, like arugula or spinach.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are always popular and make an excellent side dish for charcuterie boards. They add flavor and texture to your meal without overpowering the other flavors.
Try pairing them with different types of cheese, like blue cheese or brie, for extra depth of flavor.
3. Baked Potatoes
For something more substantial, try baking potatoes in the oven until they’re crispy outside and fluffy on the interior.
This will make them the perfect accompaniment to your charcuterie board as they provide warmth and substance that pairs well with cold cuts of meat and cheese.
4. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is another classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with charcuterie boards. It’s made from diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and balsamic vinegar – all ingredients that beautifully bring out the flavors in cured meats and cheeses!
For an added taste boost, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Pickles
Pickles are one of those foods that make everything better — including charcuterie boards!
They brighten up any plate by adding acidity and crunchy texture, which pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like brie or camembert and salty meats such as prosciutto or salami.
Plus, pickles are incredibly versatile, so you can choose from sweet pickles, dill pickles, spicy pickles – whatever suits your taste buds!
6. Mediterranean Mezze Platter
If you’re looking for a showstopping dinner, Mediterranean Mezze Platter is the perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie board.
Not only will it offer a variety of delicious flavors and textures for your diners to enjoy, but it will also add beautiful and exciting colors to your plate.
The platter typically includes items such as hummus and pita chips, marinated olives, stuffed grape leaves, and lamb kofta.
You can easily customize the platter according to individual tastes with different dips and spreads, like tzatziki or eggplant caponata. This easy yet impressive meal will make any dinner party complete!
7. Olives
Olives add sweetness and saltiness to any plate, making them great pair for charcuterie boards!
Relying on your preference, you can choose from different varieties, such as green olives or kalamata olives – just make sure they’re pitted before serving!
Also, remember to include some breadsticks or crackers so guests can scoop up all those delicious juices from the olives!
8. Beet Cashew Hummus
Beet cashew hummus is an excellent addition to a charcuterie board. It provides a rich flavor and adds color and texture to the board.
This creamy, adapted version of classic hummus blends savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from the fresh beets.
It not only pairs exceptionally well with other protein-rich meats such as salami and prosciutto but also leans nicely into all types of cheese options.
Plus, Beet Cashew Hummus is so easy to put together! All you need are roasted beets, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice to create this delicious cold dip that can help make any charcuterie board stand out.
9. Bread or Crackers
You can never go wrong with adding some type of bread or cracker to your charcuterie board.
From baguettes to pita chips, bread pairs perfectly with all the delicious flavors found in a charcuterie board. It also gives guests something to spread the cheese on or dip into the sauces.
10. Pita Slices With Olives
Pita Slice and Olives offer a perfect Mediterranean flair and complement salty meats. The combination of the airy, crunchy pita and salty, semi-firm olives blend together perfectly with the other meats and cheeses you have curated for your dinner.
Olives bring an exciting flavor and texture to the plate, while the crispy pita chips are perfect for scooping up dips and spreading on cheeses.
For an extra kick, sprinkle some chili pepper flakes on top of the slices before serving, adding a slight spiciness that will give your charcuterie a unique twist.
Add some hummus or baba ghanoush as a dip, and you have a complete meal in one convenient spot!
Olives are a great way to get some essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet without sacrificing flavor – an added bonus when you’re enjoying such delicious treats for dinner.
Not only does this help elevate the flavors, but it also looks great and adds some color to the board. Your guests will enjoy these delicious bites as they pick and choose from your tasty selection.
11. Nuts
Toasted nuts are great for adding some crunchy texture to your platter. They also provide protein for those looking for something more filling than cheese and meat.
Almonds and walnuts work particularly well in this regard. Other Nut-based dishes such as almond brittle can provide a crunchy contrast while other sweet options like fig jam or watermelon rind conserve and add depth of flavor.
12. Honey Glazed Banana Bread
Honey-glazed banana bread can also eat with the charcuterie board for dinner. Its sweetness balances out the savory meats and cheeses, and its moist texture is a delightful contrast to the crunchy, dry ingredients of the board.
It’s easy to slice up in thin wedges, perfect for sharing with a partner or a small group, and its golden color can add a pop of brightness to the presentation.
It’s also packed with taste, so it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
13. Mustard
Mustard is another excellent addition that adds another layer of flavor to your plate. Whether it’s classic yellow mustard or something more exotic like dijon or honey mustard, there’s sure to be something that everyone will enjoy!
Read More- 17 Best Foods to Serve with Banh Mi
14. Pistachio Basil Ricotta Spread
Pistachio basil ricotta spread is an ideal pair to any charcuterie board – it’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
It is easy to make (just blend your favorite ricotta with pistachios, garlic, and basil). Still, it pairs perfectly with a range of cured meats and cheesy selections that would typically be included on a charcuterie board.
The salty taste of the cured meats will contrast nicely with the spread’s creamy, nutty flavor, and its sweetness adds an unexpected twist to any dish.
Best of all, it takes just minutes to make. So you can enjoy your charcuterie board, and a delicious Pistachio basil ricotta spread any time!
15. Jams/Chutneys/Preserves
Jams, chutneys, and preserves go with a charcuterie board as they provide sweetness and acidity that contrast nicely against the savory components. Apricot jam is especially good when paired with cheese and cured meats!
16. Grain-based salads & Charcuterie Board Dinner
Grain-based salads make a great complement to a charcuterie board for dinner.
They add an extra burst of flavor to the meal and also provide a hearty and wholesome side dish that everyone can enjoy.
Grains such as quinoa, couscous, bulgur, and millet are full of fiber and protein, making them an excellent choice for diners looking to incorporate healthier options into their meals.
Furthermore, it’s easy to customize these salads to fit any flavor profile by adding ingredients such as nuts, olives, fruits, cheese, vegetables, or even different types of herbs and spices.
With various possibilities, grain-based salads are sure to be a flavorful hit that will pull together the savory elements of your charcuterie board in just one delicious bite.
17. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots provides another layer of sweetness that helps balance out all the savory flavors on your platter.
This makes them ideal for those who don’t enjoy overly sweet jams or chutneys but still appreciate a bit of sweetness in their food!
18. Potato Dishes
Potato dishes are a perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie board for dinner. Whether you choose mashed potatoes with butter, chives, and sour cream or oven-baked french fries topped with Parmesan cheese, everyone can mix and match the best flavors.
Even better, many potato dishes are easy to put together and provide a delicious way to round out any meal. With flavors that range from smooth and creamy to salty and crunchy, adding potatoes to your charcuterie board is sure to create an enjoyable dining experience.
To pair with a delicious selection of meats like salami and prosciutto, consider adding some classic potato dishes such as mashed potatoes or french fries to round out the meal.
Both options are easy to prepare ahead of time. When served warm, they add an excellent complement to any charcuterie board. Of course, they are also crowd favorites – so you know your guests will love them!
19. Fruits with Charcuterie Board for Dinner
Lastly, fresh fruit is always a great addition to any plate – especially regarding charcuterie boards!
Fruits like grapes, strawberries, pear, apple slices, or even melon cubes provide a sweetness that contrasts nicely against salty cured meats like salami or prosciutto while adding color and texture to your platter!
Berries are always popular with charcuterie boards as they add a burst of color and sweetness that contrast nicely against the savory notes from the other ingredients.
what to eat after the charcuterie board?
After your Charcuterie dinner almost ends, you can also consider adding a delicious dessert to your charcuterie board for a sweet ending.
Popular options include fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, or mini tarts with seasonal fillings. To make it extra special, try adding some artisanal cheese alongside the other components of the charcuterie board so that everyone can sample something a bit different at the end of their meal.
So, what to serve with the Charcuterie board for dinner?
All these sides provide an excellent combination of flavors and textures while complementing the wide variety of meats, cheeses and nuts typically served on charcuterie boards.
Pickles, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, roasted bell peppers, and cornichons are excellent palate cleansers.
Various mustards, from spicy to mild, can give an extra kick to the main course. Some of the best sides to complete your meal include roasted vegetables, olives, grain-based salads such as quinoa, potato dishes like French fries or mashed potatoes, seasonal fruits, pickles and chutneys for a bit of tanginess, focaccia or ciabatta bread with olive oil dip, and finally crunchy chips or crackers.
With so many delicious side dishes to consider, assembling the perfect charcuterie board for dinner will be sure to impress any guest.
FAQs
Is a charcuterie board enough for dinner?
Charcuterie boards are a delicious and visually impressive way to enjoy a meal. Combining a variety of meats and cheeses, plus desserts like fresh fruit and crackers for dipping, charcuterie boards offer something for everyone to enjoy.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why many people opt for a charcuterie board as dinnertime fare. It’s simple yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. It can also be adjusted for dietary needs without sacrificing any tastes or textures.
What spreads do you put on a charcuterie board?
There’s no more perfect complement to the sumptuousness of a charcuterie board than adding spreads. To top it off, you can always include something sweet like jams or honeycomb!
Crucial components to any charcuterie spreadsheet are savory jams, pickled vegetables, honey, chutneys, and nut-based spreads such as almond butter.
Mango chutney is an excellent addition that can be used with several meats and cheeses on the board.
Several kinds of mustard will add a pop of flavor if mixed in with a favorite jam or preserves for the perfect condiment for salami or prosciutto.
Garlic oil is an excellent dip for bread and crackers available on the board. There’s no limit to your imagination when assembling the ideal spread for a delicious charcuterie menu!
Is a charcuterie board a meal or appetizer?
Typically Charcuterie board is an Appetizer. Since charcuterie board offers a wide range of flavors and textures, making it versatile enough to serve as either a meal or an appetizer.
It’s versatile and unique, and its ingredients can be customized to fit just about any occasion. Composed of meats, cheeses, crackers, pickles, olives, and other items like toasted nuts and fruit preserves, a charcuterie board offers something for everyone’s taste buds. It can easily be customized to fit both scenarios.
A larger charcuterie board with added side items can satisfy even the heartiest appetite as the main course, while a more concise version is perfect for stimulating conversation before dinner.
