How to Create a British Charcuterie Board

Are you looking to create a British Charcuterie Board?

You’re in luck – we’ve created a beautiful British board and will share exactly what we did and all the options for creating your own English charcuterie board. There are many option for making a charcuterie board distinctly British – for this board, we selected British cheese, a selection of meats, fruit and other traditionally British food.

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What is a British Charcuterie Board?

A British charcuterie board is based on a traditional charcuterie board which was made first in France (see the history of the charcuterie board) but is loaded high with British cheeses and typically British foods. Choose your favorite English food for this board and assemble it all for a perfect snack or appetizer.

For us – we started with the cheese as there are so many amazing British Cheese:

1. Cheddar: Cheddar cheese is one of the most famous British cheeses and comes in various types, including mild, medium, and mature cheddar. It has a firm texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
2. Stilton: Stilton is a classic blue cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy texture and a distinctive blue-green veining. Stilton is known for its strong and tangy flavor.
3. Red Leicester: Red Leicester is a hard, orange cheese with a mild and slightly nutty taste. It is often used for melting in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Double Gloucester: This cheese is made from cow’s milk and comes in two varieties, one with a creamy, mild flavor and a second with added herbs and spices, known as “Red Double Gloucester.”
5. Lancashire: Lancashire cheese is a crumbly white cheese with a mild, tangy taste. It can be eaten young or allowed to mature for a stronger flavor.
6. Wensleydale: Wensleydale cheese is a crumbly, white cheese that can have a slightly sweet and fruity flavor. It is sometimes blended with ingredients like cranberries for added flavor.
7. Caerphilly: Caerphilly is a crumbly white cheese with a fresh and slightly salty taste. It’s often enjoyed as a sandwich or cracker cheese.
8. Cheshire: Cheshire cheese is a crumbly and moist cheese with a slightly crumbly texture. It has a tangy, slightly salty flavor.
9. Shropshire Blue: This cheese is similar to Stilton but is orange in color and has a slightly milder flavor. It is often characterized by its striking appearance and creamy texture.
10. Cornish Yarg: Yarg is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk, often wrapped in nettle leaves. It has a creamy, slightly tangy taste and a distinctive appearance.
11. Dorset Blue Vinny: This blue cheese is creamy and crumbly with a strong and salty flavor. It’s a traditional cheese from Dorset.
12. Isle of Mull Cheddar: Produced on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, this cheddar cheese has a robust flavor with nutty and fruity notes.
13. Orkney Smoked Cheddar: This cheddar cheese is infused with a smoky flavor, giving it a unique taste and aroma.
14. Stinking Bishop: Stinking Bishop is a washed-rind cheese with a strong, pungent odor and a creamy texture. It is made from cow’s milk.
15. Blue Monday: Blue Monday is a British blue cheese with a creamy and rich texture. It has a milder flavor compared to some other blue cheeses.

Below you can see some suggestions of the best ingredients for a British Charcuterie board.

Ingredients for a British Cheese Board

A British charcuterie board, also known as a British charcuterie platter, is a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments that are typically served as an appetizer or snack. It is a variation of the traditional charcuterie board, which has its origins in France and features a variety of cured and preserved meats.

A British charcuterie board typically includes the following elements:

Cured Meats: These can include a variety of British-made cured meats such as salami, chorizo, bresaola, ham, or venison. Some may be flavored with herbs, spices, or other seasonings.

Cheeses: A selection of British cheeses is an essential component. These can range from soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert to hard cheeses like Cheddar, Stilton, or Red Leicester. The cheese choices may vary to provide a diverse flavor profile.

Condiments: Various condiments are often included to complement the meats and cheeses. This can include items like chutney, pickles, mustard, and honey, which add sweetness, tanginess, and contrasting flavors.

Bread and Crackers: Slices of baguette, rustic bread, or an assortment of crackers are typically served alongside the meats and cheeses. These provide a vehicle for enjoying the charcuterie items.

Fresh Fruit: Sliced or whole fruits like grapes, figs, or apple slices can provide a refreshing and slightly sweet contrast to the savory meats and cheeses.

Nuts: A handful of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, may be included for added texture and flavor.

Olives: Some versions of British charcuterie boards may include a selection of marinated or stuffed olives for a briny and salty element.

Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or basil, and garnishes like edible flowers can be used to enhance the visual appeal of the board.

Presentation: Presentation is key to a charcuterie board’s appeal. Ingredients are often arranged artfully on a wooden board, platter, or slate, with attention to color, texture, and balance.

While charcuterie boards traditionally have French or Mediterranean origins, a British charcuterie board showcases the flavors and products of the United Kingdom. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a variety of British meats and cheeses in a visually pleasing and social setting. The specific ingredients and combinations can vary widely based on personal preferences and regional influences.

For this charcuterie board we selected some of our favorite ingredients and assembled a small board:

• Salami
• Biscuits/Digestives
• Grapes
• Cucumbers
• Cheddar Cheese
• Blackberries
• Pears
• Blueberry Cheese
• Shortbread
• Rosemary Spriggs
• Biscotti

How to Assemble a British Charcuterie Board

Assembling a British charcuterie board doesn’t need to be complicated. The board we made shown in these photos is a small board easy to make, but of course you can make this into a much larger board.

Start by selecting a few cheeses and build your board around the typically British foods. After collecting your ingredients consider the following things:

• Variety in Textures and Flavors: Ensure that your charcuterie board has a variety of textures and flavors. Include a mix of soft and hard cheeses, cured meats with different levels of spiciness or smokiness, and a selection of accompaniments like pickles, nuts, and fruits. This diversity creates an exciting tasting experience for your guests.
• Balance and Composition: Aim for a visually appealing balance and composition on your board. Distribute the ingredients evenly, and pay attention to color contrasts. Place different items next to each other to create visual interest and make it easier for guests to access a variety of flavors in each bite.
• Use Complementary Serving Utensils: Provide appropriate serving utensils for each item on your charcuterie board. Cheese knives, small tongs for olives or pickles, and spreaders for soft cheeses make it easier for guests to serve themselves without mixing flavors or making a mess.
• Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences. If you know some of your guests are vegetarian, for example, include a variety of meat-free options like vegetarian cheeses or vegan charcuterie.
• Add Garnishes and Fresh Herbs: Elevate the visual appeal and freshness of your charcuterie board by adding garnishes and fresh herbs. Sprigs of rosemary, basil leaves, or edible flowers can not only make the board more attractive but also enhance the aroma and taste of the ingredients.

Serving an English Charcuterie Board

There are many ways to serve a British Charcuterie Board. Create the perfect board and serve it up at lunch, snacktime, dinner or take it on a picnic. A British Charcuterie Board is also perfect served with a pot of tea of a glass of wine in the evenings.

Add some British flare onto your board with fresh english flowers or other other edibles. We used spriggs of rosemary to finish off this board.

Recipe for a British Charcuterie Board