Charcuterie Board Ideas
Made Possible by Illinois Agriculture
Due to our central location in the country and our rich, fertile soil, Illinois is a leading producer of agricultural products for the country and world. The agriculture industry in Illinois is a primary contributor to our state’s economy, contributing $51.1 billion in value-added. Seventy-six percent of Illinois land is farmland, and of those acres, 89% are used for cropland to grow valuable crops like corn and soybeans.
In addition to corn and soybeans, Illinois is also a top producer of hogs for pork products, cattle and calves for beef products as well as the number one producer of horseradish in the nation.
Agriculture brings with it rich family traditions and history, and Illinois farmers are proud to carry out the legacy of a state with deep roots in this great industry.
Try some of our favorite charcuterie board options that highlight Illinois agriculture.
Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board
Winter Charcuterie Board
Recipe courtesy of Charlotte Autry, EatingWell.com
Total prep time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces aged sheep's-milk cheese, such as manchego or pecorino
- 4 ounces smoked Cheddar or smoked Gouda cheese
- 4 ounces aged Cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 2 ounces fresh goat cheese
- 2 ounces blue-veined cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort or Stilton
- 4 ounces thinly sliced Italian cold cuts, such as capicola, prosciutto or bresaola
- 1 small baguette, thinly sliced
- ½ pound fresh fruit, such as grapes, pomegranate, figs, pears and/or apples
- 1 cup raw vegetables, such as carrot sticks, thinly sliced golden beets, sliced fennel, sliced bell pepper, sugar snap peas, radishes and/or Belgian endive leaves
- 6 ounces dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- ½ cup dried fruit, such as apricots or figs
- ¼ cup almonds, preferably Marcona almonds
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup olives
Instructions:
- Arrange cheeses on the board.
- Pinch cold-cut slices into ruffle shapes and arrange them on the board.
- Add baguette slices.
- Tuck fresh fruit, raw vegetables, chocolate, dried fruit, and almonds into any openings.
- Place honey and olives in small bowls and nestle the bowls into any open spaces on the board. 6. Don't forget to set out cheese knives, a honey dipper, and a bowl for olive pits.
Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board
Recipe courtesy of Alyssa Rivers, The Recipe Critic
Total prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package Italian Dry Salami
- ½ cup grape jam
- 1 bag cherries
- 1 package blueberries
- 1 package strawberries
- 1 package raspberries
- 1 package red grapes
- 1 package garlic and herb Boursin cheese
- 1 wedge Wensleydale with cranberries
- 1 brick Sharp cheddar
- 8 oz. plain goat cheese with pink food coloring
- 1 package chocolate truffles
- 1 bag conversation hearts
- 1 bag cinnamon hearts
- 1 package chocolate hearts
Instructions:
- Cut strawberries in half.
- Roll salami into rosettes.
- Over the heart shape charcuterie board, start assembling your board by adding the cheeses.
- Next, add the salami. I used a small cup and arranged the salami like a flower.
- Add in your fruits and fruit jam.
- Fill the board with candies and chocolates.
- Add roses for an extra touch!
Party Charcuterie Board
Recipe courtesy of Alida Ryder, Simply Delicious
Total prep time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- salami
- Parma Ham / Prosciutto I wrapped the prosciutto around the breadsticks but you can also just add to the platter as is.
- Coppa
- chorizo sliced into coins
- blue cheese Gorgonzola, Stilton, etc.
- Brie
- Hard cheese Gruyere, Havarti, Parmesan, etc.
- 3 cups fruit of your choice berries, cherries, grapes, melon
- 2 cups pickles
- 1 cup olives
- preserves of your choice
- 1 baguette sliced
- breadsticks/crackers of your choice
Instructions:
- Place the ingredients onto a large serving board or platter.
- Pile each ingredient together to create a more visually appealing end result. Place fruit in between for color and texture.
- Add serving knives or spoons and serve immediately.