What is the Difference Between Charcuterie and Cheese Board

The main difference between charcuterie and cheese board is their ingredients; charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while the cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together. However, it’s important to note that the words charcuterie board and cheese board are interchangeable in modern cuisine.

Both charcuterie and cheese board refer to an assortment of finger food arranged on a slate or tray. Meat products and cheese take the most prominent place among this board, but charcuterie and cheese boards also contain food items like crackers, dips, fruits and nuts.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Charcuterie
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
2. What is a Cheese Board
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
3. Difference Between Charcuterie and Cheese Board
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Charcuterie, Charcuterie Platter, Cheese Board

What is a Charcuterie

Charcuterie refers to the culinary art of preparing various meat products like sausage, bacon, salami, ham, terrines, galantines, pâtés, ballotines, and confit. It’s a combination of cured meat and meat products. The word charcuterie comes from a French word referring to a pork-butcher shop. Moreover, we call a person who prepares charcuterie as a Charcutier. Although the original meaning refers to pork, today, the word charcuterie refers to many types of meat, and charcuterie platters contain various food items, including cheese, fruits, nuts, crackers, and dips. A good charcuterie board involves a balanced combination of flavours and textures and contain food items that contrast and complement each other.

When tracing the history of charcuterie, it can be observed that this culinary art developed from necessity. This was a way of preserving meat, just like pickles, kombucha, broth, and other preservation methods. In the recent past, charcuterie boards have regained their popularity. Modern restaurants often present charcuterie as an appetizer on a board alongside artisan cheese and nuts.

What is a Cheese Board

Cheese board typically refers to a selection of cheeses served as a course of a meal. It’s important to note that the words charcuterie board and cheese board are interchangeable in modern cuisine.

Cheese boards should ideally include cheese from various families: soft cheese, aged cheese, firm cheese, and blue cheese. Some of the cheese varieties you can use are gouda, white cheddar, aged cheddar, parmesan, provolone, Havarti, brie, camembert, gruyere, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and goat cheese. Out of these, blue cheese goes well with dried fruits like dates, and gouda tastes best with cured meats, while goat cheese goes well with nuts and olives. Moreover, brie goes well with sweet treats. Since cheese boards are the same as charcuterie boards, they also contain meat products.

In addition to meat and cheese, these boards also contain savoury food like pickles, roasted peppers, olives, almonds, spicy mustards, and cashews; sweets like honey, chutney, dried fruits, preserves, and even chocolates; and a variety of artesian bread such as sliced baguette, breadsticks, and types of crackers.

Difference Between Charcuterie and Cheese Board

Charcuterie refers to the culinary art of preparing various meat products like sausage, bacon, salami, ham, terrines, galantines, pâtés, ballotines, and confit, while cheese board typically refers to a selection of cheeses served as a course of a meal. In modern cuisine, charcuterie boards and cheese boards are the same; in addition to meat and cheese, they also contain an assortment of artesian breads, crackers, dips, fruits, and nuts.

Conclusion

The main difference between charcuterie and cheese board is their ingredients; charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together. However, it’s important to note that the words charcuterie board and cheese board are interchangeable in modern cuisine.