Aussie summers are the best, especially with the smell of barbies in the air. If you’re planning a fun backyard BBQ, why not add a charcuterie board?

We’ve broken down the process into straightforward steps for the perfect charcuterie board for your next barbie. These big plates, filled with yummy food, look and taste great!

1. Starting with the right board and tools

First, you need a good board. Wooden and ceramic are popular choices for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Depending on what you fancy, there are many shapes and materials to choose from.

Here are a few wooden options:

• A 20 cm Octagon Wooden Acacia Food Serving Tray Charcuterie Board found in Woolworths for $40.90 is ideal for a bigger spread.
• A 6-inch Round Premium Wooden Pine Food Serving Tray Charcuterie Board Paddle Home Decor for $19.90 in rich brown colour.
• And a 30 cm Rectangle Premium Wooden Oak Food Serving Tray Charcuterie for $22.50.

For those who love dips, Coles offers the 3-pack Cook & Dine Dip Bowls for $5.60. But if you have some lovely bowls at home, they'd work just as well.

And, of course, you’ll need cheese knives to make cutting and serving cheese a breeze. At Coles, you can find the 2-pack Cook & Dine Cheese Knife Set at $8.00.

A charcuterie board with white cheese, a jar of gherkins, mixed nuts, slices of bread, crackers, bacon, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries. Image source: Pixabay

2. Adding yummy extras

The first step in building an eye-catching charcuterie board is to add structure to your arrangement.

Place a range of dips, spreads, and items like nuts and stuffed olives into small bowls or similar vessels and spread them around the board.

Here are some guides to help you choose the best options:

• Dips and olives: Kick off with some delightful dips and olives. You might want to try the Coles Tasty Cheese Bites And Garlic Chilli Green Olives for $2.30. Woolworths also has Olives Pitted Mediterranean priced per kg for $24.00 and Green Stuffed Olives 450g for $1.95.
• Nuts: Add a bit of crunch and texture to your board.

• Pecans: Choose them plain or spiced, whichever you like.
• Almonds: With a hint of sweetness, they go well with Swiss and brie cheeses.
• Cashews: Known for their creamy texture, they are a match made in heaven with tangy cheeses.

Woolworths provides a mix of these with their Snack Pot Cashew, Almond & Pecan Mix 200g for $7.00 ($38.89 / 1KG).​

• Gherkins: The Deutsche Küche German Gherkins from ALDI is a tangy addition to consider. These gherkins are packed with flavours and seasoned with unique spices. They’ve been gaining popularity for their distinctive peppery and garlicky taste.

Remember to distribute these items evenly on your board to create a visually appealing spread that tempts every guest.

3. The main stuff: cheese and meats

It’s really about personal choice when it comes to cheeses and meats. But if you're unsure where to start, here's a tip: aim for a diverse selection.

Incorporating brie, blue cheese, aged cheddar, and goat’s cheese offers a well-rounded assortment that will appeal to many palates.

As for the meats, popular choices are prosciutto and salami. While fresh deli meats are the go-to, don’t be afraid to spice things up with a jerky for an extra meaty kick.

Here are some product options to consider:

For cheese:

• Woolworths Cheese Cubes 500g for $10.50 ($21.00 / 1kg)
• Woolworths Extra Tasty Cheese Block 500g priced at $7.70 ($15.40 / 1kg)
• Thomas Dux Danish Blue Cheese 100g available for $4.40 ($44.00 / 1kg)
• If you fancy a medley of flavours, there’s the Thomas Dux 12 Days Of Cheese Advent Calendar 240g from Woolworths priced at $28.00 ($116.67 / 1KG). Read more about it here.

For meat:

• From Coles Primo's Charcuterie Collection:

• Salami Classic Hot With Australian Bush Spices | 80g for $6.00
• Beechwood Smoked Prosciutto | 80g for $6.00

• Coles Australian Hand Crafted Honey Leg Ham From The Deli | approx 100g at $2.80
• Coles Provedore Italian Style Charcuterie | 150g for $12.00 ($80.01 per 1kg) – this is a mix of Prosciutto, Copa, and Italian-style salami
• Woolworths Hans Striker Salami Sticks 15g at $1.00 ($66.67 / 1KG)

And for those who love good jerky, you might want to consider Woolworths Local Legends Beef Jerky Original 55g, priced at $4.00.

Once you’ve chosen your selection, place your cheeses and meats around the bowls.

This charcuterie board features bread as an alternative to crackers. Image source: Pixabay.

4. The crunchy part: crackers

Obviously, you’ll need crackers as vessels for all your cheese, meats, and dips.

It’s best to have two to three different kinds to add depth to your charcuterie board. Try a mix like crispy breadsticks or classic Jatz, and round it out with something flavoured, like rosemary and sea salt crackers.

For those not keen on deciding, there's always the option to go for a cracker variety pack. Here are some choices to consider:

• Coles Original Breadsticks Cracker | 125g at $2.50
• Coles Sunbites Sea Salt Snack Crackers | 105g at $1.65
• Coles Arnotts Jatz & Tasty Cheese | 33g at $3.40
• Coles Rosemary Crackers | 170g priced at $2.20

Whichever crackers you choose, spread them around the board in between your cheese and meats. They not only provide a crunchy contrast but also a platform for your guests to pile up their desired toppings.

5. Fresh fruits and veggies

Last but not least, fresh fruits and veggies bring a burst of colour, freshness, and balance to your charcuterie board. Here's a diverse mix that not only looks good but also complements the other elements:

• Strawberries: Their vibrant red colour pops out, and their sweetness pairs wonderfully with cheeses.
• Grapes: An age-old accompaniment for cheese. They add a burst of juiciness.
• Raspberries: These can give a tangy edge and a pop of colour.
• Orange wedges: They offer a citrusy freshness that can cleanse the palate.
• Figs: Their natural sweetness is a delightful match for many cheeses.
• Cherries: A juicy treat that contrasts nicely with salty meats.
• Halved and pitted apricots: They have a unique tang that stands out.
• Pineapple: Its tropical flavour and juicy nature complement many kinds of cheese.
• Mango: Its rich sweetness is a welcome counter to salty elements.
• Kiwi: Its tartness can balance out the richness of cheeses.
• Star fruit: Beyond its unique flavour, it's also a visual treat!

Don't forget the staples initially recommended:

• Green apple slices: Their tartness and crispness are an excellent foil for creamy cheeses.
• Carrot sticks: They bring a pleasant crunch and earthiness.

This charcuterie board showcases various crackers, cheeses, salami, ham, and fruits such as kiwis, oranges, bananas and blueberries, complemented by olives and pickles. Image source: Pixabay

By having a range of colours and flavours, your board isn’t just a feast for the tastebuds but also the eyes!

Now, your charcuterie board is all set! It's perfect for any BBQ in the Aussie sun. And remember, a cold glass of juice or wine goes great with it. Have fun and enjoy your meal with friends and family!

Key Takeaways

• Charcuterie boards are a delightful addition to Aussie summer BBQs, combining aesthetics and diverse flavours.
• Originating from France, the term ‘Charcuterie’ refers to preparing and assembling cured meats.
• Essential components for a diverse charcuterie board include a mix of cheeses (like brie, blue cheese, and aged cheddar), meats (prosciutto, salami, and jerky), crackers, and fresh fruits and veggies.
• Coles and Woolworths offer a variety of suitable products for charcuterie boards, making it easy for shoppers to find and select their preferred items.
• Incorporating a vibrant mix of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and kiwi not only elevates the taste but also adds visual appeal to the charcuterie board.

Members, have you eaten or prepared a charcuterie board before?

If so, are there ingredients we missed here that you think would add more to a charcuterie board? And on the other hand, are there those you’d think a charcuterie board would do better without?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[featherfour]

well now I'm just hungry. That all looks so yummy

 

[Brody]

Very yummy but also expensive. I personally would struggle to have enough of those items on the table all at once being on a tight budget.

 

[Jest]

Aussie summers are the best, especially with the smell of barbies in the air. If you’re planning a fun backyard BBQ, why not add a charcuterie board?

We’ve broken down the process into straightforward steps for the perfect charcuterie board for your next barbie. These big plates, filled with yummy food, look and taste great!

1. Starting with the right board and tools

First, you need a good board. Wooden and ceramic are popular choices for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Depending on what you fancy, there are many shapes and materials to choose from.

Here are a few wooden options:

• A 20 cm Octagon Wooden Acacia Food Serving Tray Charcuterie Board found in Woolworths for $40.90 is ideal for a bigger spread.
• A 6-inch Round Premium Wooden Pine Food Serving Tray Charcuterie Board Paddle Home Decor for $19.90 in rich brown colour.
• And a 30 cm Rectangle Premium Wooden Oak Food Serving Tray Charcuterie for $22.50.

For those who love dips, Coles offers the 3-pack Cook & Dine Dip Bowls for $5.60. But if you have some lovely bowls at home, they'd work just as well.

And, of course, you’ll need cheese knives to make cutting and serving cheese a breeze. At Coles, you can find the 2-pack Cook & Dine Cheese Knife Set at $8.00.

View attachment 33557

A charcuterie board with white cheese, a jar of gherkins, mixed nuts, slices of bread, crackers, bacon, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries. Image source: Pixabay

2. Adding yummy extras

The first step in building an eye-catching charcuterie board is to add structure to your arrangement.

Place a range of dips, spreads, and items like nuts and stuffed olives into small bowls or similar vessels and spread them around the board.

Here are some guides to help you choose the best options:

• Dips and olives: Kick off with some delightful dips and olives. You might want to try the Coles Tasty Cheese Bites And Garlic Chilli Green Olives for $2.30. Woolworths also has Olives Pitted Mediterranean priced per kg for $24.00 and Green Stuffed Olives 450g for $1.95.
• Nuts: Add a bit of crunch and texture to your board.

• Pecans: Choose them plain or spiced, whichever you like.
• Almonds: With a hint of sweetness, they go well with Swiss and brie cheeses.
• Cashews: Known for their creamy texture, they are a match made in heaven with tangy cheeses.

Woolworths provides a mix of these with their Snack Pot Cashew, Almond & Pecan Mix 200g for $7.00 ($38.89 / 1KG).​

• Gherkins: The Deutsche Küche German Gherkins from ALDI is a tangy addition to consider. These gherkins are packed with flavours and seasoned with unique spices. They’ve been gaining popularity for their distinctive peppery and garlicky taste.

Remember to distribute these items evenly on your board to create a visually appealing spread that tempts every guest.

3. The main stuff: cheese and meats

It’s really about personal choice when it comes to cheeses and meats. But if you're unsure where to start, here's a tip: aim for a diverse selection.

Incorporating brie, blue cheese, aged cheddar, and goat’s cheese offers a well-rounded assortment that will appeal to many palates.

As for the meats, popular choices are prosciutto and salami. While fresh deli meats are the go-to, don’t be afraid to spice things up with a jerky for an extra meaty kick.

Here are some product options to consider:

For cheese:

• Woolworths Cheese Cubes 500g for $10.50 ($21.00 / 1kg)
• Woolworths Extra Tasty Cheese Block 500g priced at $7.70 ($15.40 / 1kg)
• Thomas Dux Danish Blue Cheese 100g available for $4.40 ($44.00 / 1kg)
• If you fancy a medley of flavours, there’s the Thomas Dux 12 Days Of Cheese Advent Calendar 240g from Woolworths priced at $28.00 ($116.67 / 1KG). Read more about it here.

For meat:

• From Coles Primo's Charcuterie Collection:

• Salami Classic Hot With Australian Bush Spices | 80g for $6.00
• Beechwood Smoked Prosciutto | 80g for $6.00

• Coles Australian Hand Crafted Honey Leg Ham From The Deli | approx 100g at $2.80
• Coles Provedore Italian Style Charcuterie | 150g for $12.00 ($80.01 per 1kg) – this is a mix of Prosciutto, Copa, and Italian-style salami
• Woolworths Hans Striker Salami Sticks 15g at $1.00 ($66.67 / 1KG)

And for those who love good jerky, you might want to consider Woolworths Local Legends Beef Jerky Original 55g, priced at $4.00.

Once you’ve chosen your selection, place your cheeses and meats around the bowls.

View attachment 33559

This charcuterie board features bread as an alternative to crackers. Image source: Pixabay.

4. The crunchy part: crackers

Obviously, you’ll need crackers as vessels for all your cheese, meats, and dips.

It’s best to have two to three different kinds to add depth to your charcuterie board. Try a mix like crispy breadsticks or classic Jatz, and round it out with something flavoured, like rosemary and sea salt crackers.

For those not keen on deciding, there's always the option to go for a cracker variety pack. Here are some choices to consider:

• Coles Original Breadsticks Cracker | 125g at $2.50
• Coles Sunbites Sea Salt Snack Crackers | 105g at $1.65
• Coles Arnotts Jatz & Tasty Cheese | 33g at $3.40
• Coles Rosemary Crackers | 170g priced at $2.20

Whichever crackers you choose, spread them around the board in between your cheese and meats. They not only provide a crunchy contrast but also a platform for your guests to pile up their desired toppings.

5. Fresh fruits and veggies

Last but not least, fresh fruits and veggies bring a burst of colour, freshness, and balance to your charcuterie board. Here's a diverse mix that not only looks good but also complements the other elements:

• Strawberries: Their vibrant red colour pops out, and their sweetness pairs wonderfully with cheeses.
• Grapes: An age-old accompaniment for cheese. They add a burst of juiciness.
• Raspberries: These can give a tangy edge and a pop of colour.
• Orange wedges: They offer a citrusy freshness that can cleanse the palate.
• Figs: Their natural sweetness is a delightful match for many cheeses.
• Cherries: A juicy treat that contrasts nicely with salty meats.
• Halved and pitted apricots: They have a unique tang that stands out.
• Pineapple: Its tropical flavour and juicy nature complement many kinds of cheese.
• Mango: Its rich sweetness is a welcome counter to salty elements.
• Kiwi: Its tartness can balance out the richness of cheeses.
• Star fruit: Beyond its unique flavour, it's also a visual treat!

Don't forget the staples initially recommended:

• Green apple slices: Their tartness and crispness are an excellent foil for creamy cheeses.
• Carrot sticks: They bring a pleasant crunch and earthiness.

View attachment 33560

This charcuterie board showcases various crackers, cheeses, salami, ham, and fruits such as kiwis, oranges, bananas and blueberries, complemented by olives and pickles. Image source: Pixabay

By having a range of colours and flavours, your board isn’t just a feast for the tastebuds but also the eyes!

Now, your charcuterie board is all set! It's perfect for any BBQ in the Aussie sun. And remember, a cold glass of juice or wine goes great with it. Have fun and enjoy your meal with friends and family!

Key Takeaways

• Charcuterie boards are a delightful addition to Aussie summer BBQs, combining aesthetics and diverse flavours.
• Originating from France, the term ‘Charcuterie’ refers to preparing and assembling cured meats.
• Essential components for a diverse charcuterie board include a mix of cheeses (like brie, blue cheese, and aged cheddar), meats (prosciutto, salami, and jerky), crackers, and fresh fruits and veggies.
• Coles and Woolworths offer a variety of suitable products for charcuterie boards, making it easy for shoppers to find and select their preferred items.
• Incorporating a vibrant mix of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and kiwi not only elevates the taste but also adds visual appeal to the charcuterie board.

Members, have you eaten or prepared a charcuterie board before?

If so, are there ingredients we missed here that you think would add more to a charcuterie board? And on the other hand, are there those you’d think a charcuterie board would do better without?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

coles off my list, woollies off my list due to their anti sematic ways, now if aldi buggar up i am buggared.