The Best Charcuterie Board Sauces

Serve up your next charcuterie board with a selection of some of the best charcuterie board sauces. A sauce can take your board to the next level.

Below you can see suggestions for charcuterie board sauces from sweet to spicy to add some fun to your next board.

Scroll down for suggestions on how to serve sauces on a board and the top tips for creating the best charcuterie board.

You can also find suggestions for the Best Charcuterie Board Dips.

Types of Charcuterie Board Sauces

• Dijon Mustard: A classic French mustard with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Mustard seeds suspended in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, adding texture and depth of flavor.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy combination of honey and mustard, perfect for dipping.
• Fig Jam: Sweet and slightly earthy jam made from ripe figs, offering a delicious fruity contrast.
• Apricot Jam: Sweet and tangy jam made from apricots, providing a bright and fruity flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Tart and slightly sweet sauce made from cranberries, adding a festive touch to the board.
• Balsamic Glaze: Thick, sweet and tangy reduction of balsamic vinegar, perfect for drizzling over meats and cheeses.
• Pesto: A flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, adding a fresh and herbaceous element.
• Olive Tapenade: A savory spread made from olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil, offering a briny and umami-rich flavor.
• Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant green sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, adding a zesty and herbaceous kick.
• Red Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy jelly made from red bell peppers, providing a delightful balance of flavors.
• Truffle Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli infused with the luxurious aroma of truffles, perfect for adding richness and depth.
• Horseradish Cream: Creamy sauce with a spicy kick from grated horseradish, adding a sharp and pungent flavor.
• Sriracha Mayo: Creamy mayonnaise mixed with spicy Sriracha sauce, offering a balance of heat and creaminess.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy aioli infused with garlic, providing a bold and aromatic flavor.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt sauce flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill, offering a refreshing and tangy taste.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for adding a burst of flavor.
• Mango Chutney: Sweet and spicy condiment made from mangoes, vinegar, and spices, providing a tropical twist.
• Raspberry Chipotle Sauce: Sweet and smoky sauce made from raspberries and chipotle peppers, offering a unique blend of flavors.
• Whipped Goat Cheese with Honey: Creamy whipped goat cheese drizzled with honey, providing a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Pairing Sauces with Meats and Cheeses

Finding the best charcuterie board sauce is just part of the fun – the real fun comes in pairing sauces with the other ingredients on the board – you can either choose complementary or contracting flavors:

Complementary Flavors:

1. Pairing mustard with cured meats: Mustard’s tangy and slightly acidic profile perfectly complements the rich and savory flavors of cured meats like prosciutto or salami. The sharpness of mustard can cut through the fattiness of these meats, enhancing their taste.
2. Fruit preserves with soft cheeses: The sweetness and subtle tartness of fruit preserves, such as fig or apricot, beautifully balance the creamy texture of soft cheeses like brie or camembert. This pairing creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among charcuterie enthusiasts.
3. Honeycomb with aged cheeses: The natural sweetness of honeycomb pairs wonderfully with the nutty and complex flavors of aged cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda. The juxtaposition of the sweet honey and the sharpness of the cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both satisfying and sophisticated.

Contrasting Flavors

1. Spicy jam with creamy cheeses: The heat from spicy jam, such as jalapeño or chili, adds a kick to the creamy richness of cheeses like goat cheese or triple cream brie. This unexpected combination creates a dynamic flavor experience, with the heat of the jam cutting through the cheese’s richness, leaving a tantalizing sensation on the palate.
2. Aioli with savory meats: Aioli, a creamy garlic-infused sauce, provides a flavorful contrast to savory meats like roast beef or turkey. Its garlicky undertones and creamy texture enhance the meat’s natural flavors while adding a satisfying richness to every bite.
3. Balsamic glaze with salty meats: The sweet and tangy notes of balsamic glaze complement the salty intensity of cured meats like prosciutto or pancetta. The glaze adds depth and complexity to the meats’ flavor profile, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Tips for Serving Sauces on Charcuterie Boards

Presentation Techniques

1. Using small bowls or ramekins: Presenting sauces in small bowls or ramekins not only adds an elegant touch to your charcuterie board but also helps in portion control. Guests can easily dip their meats and cheeses into the sauces without making a mess, enhancing the overall dining experience.
2. Drizzling sauces over meats and cheeses: For a visually appealing presentation, consider drizzling some sauces directly over the meats and cheeses on your charcuterie board. This not only adds flavor but also creates an artistic presentation that showcases the diversity of flavors and textures on your board.

Quantity Considerations

1. Providing enough sauce for each guest: Ensure that you have an ample amount of each sauce to accommodate the number of guests you’re serving. As a general rule of thumb, provide enough sauce so that each guest can generously dip or drizzle their preferred condiment without worrying about running out.
2. Refilling sauces as needed: Keep an eye on the sauce levels throughout your gathering and replenish them as needed. Guests will appreciate having a constant supply of sauces available, ensuring they can enjoy their charcuterie experience to the fullest.

Maintaining Freshness

1. Storing sauces properly: To maintain the freshness and quality of your sauces, store them in airtight containers or jars in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Avoid leaving sauces out at room temperature for extended periods, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like dairy or eggs.
2. Using fresh ingredients: When preparing your sauces, opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and other ingredients will contribute to the vibrant flavors and aromas of your sauces, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your charcuterie board. Avoid using ingredients that are past their prime, as they may compromise the taste and quality of your sauces.

Looking for more ideas? Follow Amazing Charcuterie Boards on Pinterest.