Recommended Meat and Cheese Assortments
When I first entered the charcuterie industry, I had no idea what salami flavors were, aside from pepperoni and summer sausages. I was familiary with cheddar, mozzarella and parmesean cheese, but that was the extend of knowledge.
Over the years, I have come to learn about all the different varieties of meats and cheeses on the market, but especially, which kinds are considered true charcuterie worthy flavors. For example, if I filled my board with cheddar cheese cubes, mozarella balls, pepperoni pizza slices and summer sausage slices, it might be a crowd pleaser at my house, but anyone with an ounce of experience with artisan cheeses and fine salamis would think it a disgrace to the industry and shun me. Save those types of boards for football night with the guys.
An authentic charcuterie board is filled with delicious and exciting cheese varities like triple creme brie, aged manchego, and rosemary asiago with garlic. Or flavorful salamis like soppresetta, prosciutto or chorizo.
I know it can be overwhelming to figure out which of the million different meat and cheese flavors to choose, so that is why I love these preselected gourmet assortments. You can’t go wrong with any of them. All you need to do is add some fresh fruit like grapes, figs or berries with some crackers and spreads. Voila! Your board looks like it was done by a professional.
Featured Gourmet Cheese Assortment
European Cheese Assortment (4 pack) – A variety of French, English, Italian and Spanish Cheese
Gourmet Meat and Cheese Assortments
Italian Classic Gourmet Box Set by igourmet
The varieties of gourmet meats and cheese on the markets is endless. If you don’t believe me, just go to a specialty grocery store like Traders Joe’s or AJ Fine Foods and you will see that there are varieties of cheese there that you have never even heard of. And with their high price tags, its not practical to get one of every flavor to see which ones you like best for your board.
That is why I like the gourmet meat and cheese assortments. They take out the guess work and provides you with a sampling of the more commonly used meats and cheese for charcuterie. Prepackaged meat and cheese assortments are also a great way to ensure a balanced flavor and texture profile for your board.
My favorite brand for gourmet assortments is igourmet. They have the best selection of european meats and cheese that I have found online.
Other recommended gourmet meat & cheese assortments
Individual Gourmet Meat or Cheese Assortments
Ultimate Cheese Lover’s Sampler Set w/ 9 Unique Flavors
Did you know that your charcuterie experience doesn’t necessarily have to have meat and cheese on your board. If you are a vegetarian you may only include cheese assortments, or if you are lactose intolerant or just don’t like cheese (like 3 of my 4 kids) you could fill your board with meats from all over the world.
Here are a few assortments that I think contain a well balanced variety of flavor and textures of either meats or cheese.
Other recommended individual gourmet meat or cheese assortments
Meat & Cheese Gift Sets
Swiss Colony Grande Spring Charcuterie Sampler (26 spring favorites)
Charcuterie gift baskets make the perfect gift for really anyone. Whether you need the perfect housewarming gift, christmas present, client thank you gifts, those hard to buy for parents, or really anything, you can’t go wrong with meat and cheese.