The Explosion of Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are one of those foods that have recently filled social media feeds and dinner tables all over America.

Although some foods have always been and will continue to be popular, there are others that follow trends, exploding in popularity seemingly out of nowhere. But have they always been popular, with their name being the only new thing? And why is everyone suddenly so charcuterie-obsessed?

Food is a basic need for survival, but as we have learned through hundreds of years of history, that doesn’t mean food has to be basic. Food has become an essential part of global cultures all around the world, so much so that some foods are inseparable from a particular country or culture. (Think pasta and pizza with Italy, or hamburgers with the United States.)

What is a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board has a fancy name, but it’s really a quite simple dish. Some even like to poke fun at the food by calling it a “glorified Lunchable.” Typically served as an appetizer or shareable dish, a charcuterie board is a display of meats, jams, cheeses, nuts, fruit, vegetables, crackers, bread, and other small snacks. All the food is arranged on a wooden board and served with the intention of being paired together (For example, cheese going on crackers, and jams being spread on bread.)

While a charcuterie board as a formal name and dish has only become popular recently, it’s hard to argue that the entire concept is new. After all, cheese and crackers have been a popular snack for years. And while it seems kind of silly to be so excited about putting together the same foods we always eat and giving it a different name, the fancy appetizers are appealing for a number of reasons.

Why Are Charcuterie Boards So Popular?

Charcuterie Boards Work for Everyone

One of the best things about charcuterie boards is that there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. The dish has so many different elements that are chosen by the creator that no matter food allergies, dietary restrictions, or food preferences, everyone will be able to find something they can eat and enjoy. There are many unique and creative combinations of cheeses, meats, and other foods, a fact that ensures making a charcuterie board will never get boring. Charcuterie boards’ versatility transfers into the event type, and the person making them.

It’s great if you’re someone who can carve out time to spend on a charcuterie board, pairing together the food and carefully, artfully arranging it. But this dish also works for someone who’s in a rush and needs to throw together an appetizer to take to a party.

Speaking of parties, charcuterie boards are the perfect food for entertaining at any kind of party or event. The elements of the dish are easy to grab and eat quickly, and, as mentioned, are always a crowd-pleaser. It’s delicious, versatile, and simple, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven.

The Artistic Aspect

Perhaps what is, even more, to credit for charcuterie’s explosion in popularity than its flexibility is its aesthetically pleasing looks, and the opportunity it offers for artistic expression. A popular saying in cooking is that we eat with our eyes before we physically eat with our taste buds, so food needs to be visually appealing. Charcuterie boards, often beautiful works of art, check this box easily. It may seem difficult to make sliced meat and cheese cubes look pretty, but if you take care in arranging the foods and let your creative juices flow, charcuterie boards can really be quite stunning.

Arranging the boards can be tricky, though. It’s best to carve out big spaces for any bowls you may be using (such as one for a jam, or one for olives). Then put on your cheese and meats, arranging them in rows, circles, and stacks, or even turning them into shapes like hearts and flowers. You can then fill in the rest of the space with crackers, bread, and bunches of grapes, and other groups of fruits and nuts until you have the perfect work of art. Who would’ve thought that making roses out of pepperoni would be one of the biggest trends of the year?

Next time you’re in charge of appetizers, break out the snacks and your art skills to create the perfect charcuterie board.