A good meat platter – or charcuterie board – doesn’t need to be complicated. A few well-chosen products, put together with a bit of thought, will always work better than overloading the board.
Starting with quality is key. Using a reliable deli meat supplier like Gmi-Trading makes a noticeable difference, particularly if you’re putting boards together regularly.
Choosing meats for a charcuterie board
The best platters tend to mix textures and flavours. Something soft, something firmer, something with a bit more depth. Thinly sliced ham alongside a more robust salami is a good place to start.
A balanced selection might include:
- Cooked sausages
- Garlic salami
- Turkey ham
- Smoked beef
- Chicken rolls
It doesn’t need to be excessive, just varied enough to keep things interesting. Slicing matters too – thinner cuts tend to work better, both for texture and presentation.
Charcuterie board accompaniments
Meat might be the focus, but it rarely works on its own. Cheese, fruit and a few simple extras help round things out without overloading the board.
Consider adding:
- A choice of cheeses
- Grapes and/or seasonal fruit
- A handful of nuts
- Crackers or bread
- Olives or a little honey
- Pickle or chutney
The idea is to keep things balanced. A bit of salt, a bit of sweetness, something creamy, something with crunch – everything you’d expect from a well-built charcuterie board.
Seasonal inspiration
Seasonality can also shape how a charcuterie board comes together. Rather than sticking to the same combinations year-round, it’s worth taking cues from what’s available — lighter cheeses, fresh herbs and crisp fruits in spring and summer, then richer flavours, cured meats and more robust accompaniments as the weather turns. It keeps things feeling considered without overthinking it, and often leads to better pairings overall. If you’re looking for ideas, I’ve shared a few seasonal takes already, including my spring charcuterie board, autumn cheese platter and festive winter cheeseboards.
A well-put-together meat platter – or charcuterie board – comes down to good ingredients, balance and a considered approach to how everything is arranged. Get that right, and it becomes something people naturally gather around, returning to throughout the evening.
What are your favourite ingredients for a meat platter or charcuterie board? Let me know by leaving a comment below.