Psst: want to know the secret to a great charcuterie board that many people forget? The dips! Read on to learn about the best charcuterie board sauces and dips for any occasion.
Charcuterie is always a hit in our house! We love the combination of easy to grab finger foods. There’s just something about a snack board that includes a little bit of everything: meat, cheese, crackers, fruit, veggies and more.
When you’re building a traditional charcuterie board, there’s an important piece that’s easy to overlook: the right sauces, jams and dips!
Having the right options on your board that complement the food you’ve chosen will take your charcuterie board skills from good to great. In this article we’ll be covering everything you need to know when it comes to charcuterie board sauces.
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What sauces go on a charcuterie board?
When it comes to crafting the perfect charcuterie board, the options for sauces are endless. Having the right spread not only adds taste to your charcuterie, but it also helps to even out the dryness or saltiness of crackers while complimenting the flavor profiles of the meat and cheese.
Most traditional charcuterie boards include meat, soft cheeses, hard cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, veggies, and nuts. You’ll want to look at sauces spreads that compliment that.
Popular charcuterie board sauces include BBQ sauces, chocolate sauce, yogurt, olive oil, mustard and tahini sauce.
What are popular spreads for a charcuterie board?
Traditionally, the most popular spreads for a charcuterie board are jam, jelly, hummus, pesto, preserves, tapenade and pate.
Nearly any kind of jam or jelly can be used! Think about the flavors that are represented in the food you’ve chosen for your board. Are you aiming for sweet, savory or spicy?
Popular sweet options are apricot jam, fig preserves and strawberry jam. Spicy include red pepper jelly or pimento cheese with jalapeños. Basil pesto and Olive Tapenade are popular savory choices.
It’s important to note that not all jellies and spreads go with all kinds of cheese! Here are a few flavors and the cheeses they go best with:
Blackberry Jam: Feta cheese and Manchego
Red Pepper Jelly: Cream cheese, Manchego, Aged Cheddar, Goat cheese
Apricot Jam: Blue cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Brie
Raspberry Jam: Cream cheese, Havarti, Parmigiano Reggiano
Fig Jam: Mozzarella cheese, Cream cheese
Strawberry Jelly or Jam: Goat cheese, cream cheese, brie
Whether you put together a smaller board or a huge epic charcuterie board, don’t forget to arrange your chosen sauces or spreads in small bowls with utensils that make it easy to spread or serve. Cheese knives that include serving tongs like these are a great idea.
Crackers and Breads to Pair with Sauces and Spreads
Now to decide what delicious crackers and breads to include with your chosen sauces and spreads. It’s always a good idea to choose more than one, as your guests might have varying preferences.
Crostini: An Italian word meaning “little crusts,” crostini is a toasted baguette slice.
Round Butter Crackers: Buttery and lightly toasted, you probably know these best as Ritz crackers.
Multigrain Crackers: Multigrain crackers go with a variety of flavor profiles, but have a more pronounced flavor than saltines or other plain crackers (which are also known sometimes as water crackers).
Herbed Crackers: Herbed crackers are crackers that usually have bold flavors on their own, like rosemary or truffle.
Pita Bread: Pita is a leavened bread that is soft and spongy. It’s prefect for dips like tapenade and hummus as it rolls and folds easily. Pita bread is different from pita chips (another great option!), which are crispy.
Fresh Bread: There are multiple fresh bread options that would make a delicious accompaniment for your sauces. Cornbread, pumpernickle and sourdough bread compliment different types of cheese.
Keep in mind that certain types of breads and crackers go better with certain types of foods. You can find all of these at your local grocery store!
If you want to add other dishes with your charcuterie, it’s good to keep things light. During the warmer months I love to serve a summer board with fresh seafood, like ceviche de camaron.
You might also enjoy these posts:
Unique Charcuterie Board Ideas
The Right Spread Levels Up Your Charcuterie Board
If you want to take your next charcuterie board from a basic appetizer to a delicious dish your friends will rave over, don’t forget about the sauces, spreads and dips!
Consider both the size of your party as well as if your charcuterie board ingredients will be eaten as a main course or as an appetizer. Creating a charcuterie board together is one of my favorite date ideas! If you’re having a Super Bowl party, you’ll probably need even more options! Check out this Beginners Guide to NFL before you start planning.
Modern charcuterie boards come in all shapes and sizes, and can include savory flavors, sweets, a variety of meats or no meats at all, fresh veggies and more. With the wide variety of options, choosing the perfect dips for your personal preference is a great way to tie the flavors together.
I hope this article helps you choose the perfect charcuterie board sauces for your next party!
