Charcuterie

Build a board from one cart: dry-cured salami, farmstead cheese, fig preserves, olives and spreads from the makers who cure, age and jar them. Pick a cheese and a jam from the same maker and they ship together.

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Madeline's charcuterie collection gathers everything for a board in one place, from cured meats and artisan salami by makers like Vermont Salumi to farmstead cheeses by Smith's Country Cheese, plus jams and jellies, savory spreads and relish, dips, and antipasti and marinated vegetables. The mix spans sliced salami in flavors like fennel and caraway beef, aged and smoked cheeses, and the sweet and briny accompaniments that round out a spread. Whether you are assembling a board for two or a party platter, you can shop meats, cheeses, and accompaniments together here.

How to choose

  • Build around three roles. Pick a few cured meats, two or three cheeses, and a mix of sweet and briny accompaniments like jam, spreads, and marinated vegetables.
  • Vary the meats. Combine a mild salami, an aromatic one such as fennel, and a beef option so each bite tastes different.
  • Mix cheese textures. Pair a soft or creamy cheese with a firm aged one and a smoked or spiced choice for contrast.
  • Add sweet and acidic notes. Jam, honey, and pickled or marinated vegetables cut the richness of meat and cheese.
  • Plan amounts. A rough guide is about two to three ounces of meat and two to three ounces of cheese per person for a starter board.

Frequently asked questions

How do I build a good charcuterie board? Start with two or three cured meats, add two or three cheeses with different textures, then fill in with crackers, a sweet element like jam or honey, and something briny such as olives or marinated vegetables. Aim for variety in flavor and texture.

How much meat and cheese should I plan per person? For a starter or appetizer board, plan about two to three ounces of meat and two to three ounces of cheese per person, and more if the board is the main event.

What goes well with cured meats and cheese? Sweet and acidic accompaniments work best: fruit jams, honey, mustard, pickles, marinated vegetables, nuts, and crackers or bread all balance the salt and richness.

How far ahead can I assemble a board? You can prep components a few hours ahead and refrigerate, but assemble close to serving and let the board sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes so the cheeses show their flavor.

Related guides

Read our guides to How to Build a Charcuterie and Cheese Board, The Best Cured Meats for a Charcuterie Board, and The Best Cheeses for a Holiday Cheese Board.

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