Way Down Yonder: A TikTok Beginners’ Guide to Charcuterie Boards

Way down Yonder on the Charcuterie Boards - or whatever Alan Jackson was singing about! Charcuterie boards, cheese boards, grazing table, fancy Lunchables, or even the "shark coochie" board, there's no denying how popular this form of entertaining the hungry masses has gotten!

With lovely salami roses and luscious displays of cheese, crackers and nuts they are just as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

But, uh, what are they? The good folks over at eatcuredmeat.com (the finest in cured meat websites of course) tell us a little bit about the history:

"In the 15th Century, the French created charcuterie, which involved using offal and all aspects of the meat. The traditional process of using salt to cure meats dates back to the Roman empire nearly 2,000 years ago like for salumi such as prosciutto."

So that tells us a little, but what do you mean "all aspects?"

"This is inclusive of the animal’s organs as well as its more traditional sources of meat like the hindquarters and underbelly. The development of this practice came from the desire to not let a single portion of the animal go to waste. Instead of using only the “good” portions of meat, butchers and cooks were able to practice the art that became known as charcuterie."

Oh. I see. Well then.

History aside, don't be intimated by these complex looking edible works of art, I've gathered some helpful TikTok videos to get you started in the right direction with your Charcuterie Boards.

Where to begin? Well, with the basics of course! HEB has provided us with a Charcuterie Board 101 tik tok to get us prepared and inspired.

One of the hallmark touches to any impressive grazing board are the florals crafted with various sliced meats.  While they may look impossible, by following these steps you will be whipping out salami and pepperoni roses in no time!
https://www.tiktok.com/@thatcheeseplate/video/7029313084527217967?_t=8Tjoo36k7GY&_r=1

The rose garden doesn't stop with sliced meats! These refreshing cucumber roses add a lovely pop of green and a veggie balance.

Delightful to the eye and adding to depth of flavor to any display is the Mozzarella Blossom. Add as many as you like and watch your cheesy garden grow.

The more shapes and color one adds to their board, the more visually appealing it will be ( que the Instagram love!) The Star Cut method adds just that, using anything vaguely round in shape. Think hard boiled eggs, kiwi, oranges....
https://www.tiktok.com/@theboardloon/video/7050579044118596910?_t=8TjmHUFVijT&_r=1

To really personalize a charcuterie board, use large container forms of letters and numbers to spell out a name or indicate a birthday!

If you are catering to the vegan crowd, if can seem like charcuterie may not be a viable option with all the meats and cheeses.  But we've got you covered for vegan inspiration!

Ah, cutting the cheese. We've all been accused of it and now it's time to become an expert at it! The way your cheeses are cut and displayed on your board impact the overall topography of your display so cut out this tiktok on the best ways to cut the cheese!
https://www.tiktok.com/@ugotmecheesin/video/6987559164222393605?_t=8Tjs3ffCbS2&_r=1

This tiktoker explains the common mistakes folks make when assembling their grazing boards and how to avoid them:

It's not all meat, cheese and veggies if you please! Bring on the dessert options with these two chocolate inspired masterpieces, sure to get you invited back to the next pot luck!

If time isn't on your side and you still want to wow your guests your fancy skills, check out this shortcut our pals at Wendy's put together for you.  I'm sure no one will never know.