Whether it is as dessert for a regular meal, a family gathering, a holiday platter, or a full-blown celebration, a charcuterie board can add fun to any and every mealtime. Let us begin by understanding what a charcuterie board is and more, followed by some brilliant ideas to try out this summer.
What Is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie is originally a french tradition, and so is the word “charcuterie,” translating to “pork butcher shop.” Charcuterie, in traditional terms, is a form of art that deals with preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products, including sausage, ham, bacon, and other pork products.
However, the idea of charcuterie today is no longer just a part of French tradition. Still, it has become widely popular all around the globe, leading to the evolution of the term “charcuterie” to include a variety of other foods, not just meat. A modern charcuterie board is most likely to be an assortment of good cheese, meat, olives, fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, dips, etc., all creatively arranged on a serving board. However, limitless freedom in what and how one chooses to arrange a charcuterie board, the only limitation is your imagination and food preferences.
Below are some of the best summer board ideas you must look at to build the perfect charcuterie experience.
Grilled Steak Charcuterie Board
Hot summers are well spent on the lake, away from the kitchen, with some grilling on the menu. This grilled steak charcuterie board is all about grilling outside with family and having a dreamy summer evening.
Total time – 65 minutes (cooking + prepping)
Servings – 8
Ingredients
- 4 NY Strip Steaks (1-inch thick and 10-12 ounces each)
- Sliced orange, red, and yellow bell peppers (2 each)
- A bunch of trimmed asparagus ends
- Three sliced zucchinis
- Four corn ears (each cut in half)
- Pineapple and watermelon slices (8 each)
- Garlic powder (1 tbsp)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for the grill
- Fresh herbs for garnish
For steak marinade
- Oil (¼ cup )
- Balsamic vinegar (¼ cup )
- Worcestershire Sauce (¼ cup )
- Garlic cloves minced (2)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to it. Pour this marinade into a plastic bag along with steaks and refrigerate for an hour or half.
- Season the vegetables with salt and pepper and set aside. Turn the grill to medium to high heat and oil the grates well. Place fresh fruits and vegetables on the grate and frequently rotate to avoid overcooking. Cook the fruits for 2-3 minutes until heated through, and grill marks become visible. Cook the vegetables for about 15 minutes until tender.
- After removing the fruits and veggies, turn the grill to medium, place the steaks on it, cook for 10-15 minutes, or until your desired doneness.
Arranging The Charcuterie Board
Begin by arranging grilled fruits and vegetables around the board corners, followed by steak in the middle. Fill the rest of the board space with fresh herbs, sauces like pesto, or compound butter.
