Best Charcuterie Wood Board | Choosing Best Charcuterie Board Guide

by Mevell Kitchen
26 July, 2023
8 min read

Best Charcuterie Wood Board

If you're a fan of charcuterie, then you know that having the perfect board can make all the difference. From the type of cheeses and accouterments you choose to the knife you use, every detail matters when it comes to creating the perfect snack board.

Choosing the right charcuterie board can be overwhelming, with so many options available on the market. Should you go for wood and marble or something else? What size and shape should you choose? And how can you make sure that your board is both functional and beautiful?

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about choosing the best personalized charcuterie wood board for your needs. We'll cover everything from the best materials and design options to the perfect knife and accouterments to use on your board.

So, if you're ready to elevate your charcuterie game and create the ultimate snack board, read on to discover our what things to consider when choosing the best charcuterie wood board of 2023!

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Cheese Boards

Shape

When choosing a cheese board for your next gathering or event, there are several factors to consider, with the shape of the board being a crucial element. The right shape can not only enhance the presentation of your cheese selection but also make it easy to serve and enjoy. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting the ideal shape for your cheese board:

Wood for a charcuterie board: A classic and popular choice for charcuterie boards is wood. Wooden boards are not only durable and stylish but also easy to maintain. They can come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for any occasion.
Round charcuterie: Round cheese boards are a popular choice due to their eye-catching and symmetrical design. These boards create a visually appealing spread, allowing you to arrange cheese, meats, fruits, and other accompaniments in a radial pattern.
Standard charcuterie board: A rectangular or square-shaped board is considered a standard charcuterie board. This shape provides ample space for arranging your cheese selections and accompaniments, making it a versatile choice for various types of events and gatherings.
Slab: A slab-shaped board is typically made from a thick, single piece of wood, stone, or slate. This shape gives a rustic and natural feel to your cheese presentation, making it ideal for outdoor events or casual gatherings.
Slate charcuterie board: A slate cheese board is a sleek and elegant option, with its dark color and smooth surface. The slate material allows you to label your cheeses using chalk, providing a unique and interactive experience for your guests.

Material Used

When selecting a cheese board, the material used is an essential factor to consider, as it can impact the board's durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Here are some popular materials for cheese boards and their unique features:

Wood, which is the best overall choice for its durability, warmth, and versatility
Marble, for an elegant and sophisticated appearance
Bamboo, for an eco-friendly and practical option
Glass, for a sleek and modern look
Ceramic, for a unique and colorful presentation

Wood:Wooden cheese boards make a great, classic choice, as they are not only durable but also provide a warm, natural appearance. Common types of wood used for charcuterie boards include cherry wood, olive wood, and acacia wood. Olive wood, sourced from olive trees that no longer bear fruit, is particularly sought after for its beautiful dark wood grain patterns. We recommend getting a wood cutting board, as it is the best overall option for most occasions.
Marble:Marble charcuterie boards are known for their elegance and sophistication. The best marble boards are not only visually stunning but also provide a cool surface that helps keep cheese and other items fresh. Marble boards often come in various colors (white marble, green, burgundy, and more) and patterns, adding a touch of luxury to your presentation.
Bamboo:Bamboo cheese boards are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, as bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly. These boards are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them a practical option for cheese serving.
Glass:Glass cheese boards are sleek, modern, and easy to clean. They often feature a smooth surface that makes it easy to cut and serve cheese. However, be cautious with glass boards, as they can be prone to chipping or cracking if not handled carefully.
Ceramic:Ceramic cheese boards are available in various colors, designs, and finishes, including lacquer, which can add a unique touch to your cheese presentation. These boards are great for serving a variety of cheeses and accompaniments, but they can be fragile and prone to chipping or breaking if dropped.

Size

The size of your cheese board is another important aspect to consider when making your selection, as it will determine the amount of space you have for arranging your cheeses, meats, fruits, and other accompaniments. Here are some key points to consider when choosing the size of your cheese board:

Standard size: A standard cheese board size is approximately 12 x 12 inches, providing a sufficient area for serving a variety of cheeses and accompaniments without taking up too much space on your table.
Oversized boards: For larger gatherings or events, we recommend getting a 20 x 13 inch board or even larger. These best oversized boards in the market offer ample space to accommodate a more extensive selection of items, making them ideal for hosting big parties or events.
Multiple boards: If you have limited space or prefer a more flexible serving arrangement, consider using two boards. This allows you to divide your cheese selection and accompaniments between the two boards, making it easy to rearrange or move them as needed.
Market-bought wood charcuterie: When looking for the best wood cheese board size, consider the dimensions of the available wooden boards on the market. Wood charcuterie boards are easy to find in various sizes, making it simple to select the perfect size for your needs.

What Woods to Avoid When Choosing Charcuterie Wooden Board?

What Woods to Avoid When Choosing Charcuterie Wooden Board

When choosing a wooden charcuterie board, it's essential to select a high-quality and safe material to ensure the best possible experience for you and your guests. Some woods should be avoided when making your selection, as they might not be suitable for food presentation or could potentially release harmful substances onto your food.

First and foremost, it's crucial to choose a charcuterie board that has been finished with food-safe oils or other materials that won't transfer any harmful substances onto your food. Boards treated with non-food-safe finishes can contaminate your cheese, meats, and other accompaniments, posing a risk to the health of your guests.

One thing to avoid is wood boards that have been varnished or lacquered. These finishes can release chemicals into your food, especially when they come into contact with moisture or oils from the items on the board. Instead, opt for boards that have been treated with food-safe oils, such as mineral oil or beeswax, which provide a protective layer without introducing harmful substances.

Another consideration is the type of wood used for the board. Some wood species, such as pine or cedar, have strong flavors or odors that can transfer onto your food, affecting the taste and quality of your cheese and other items. It's best to stick with hardwoods known for their durability and neutral flavors, such as maple, cherry, or walnut.

Finally, avoid using softwoods or porous woods for your charcuterie board. These types of wood can be prone to scratching, dents, or absorbing moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria or mold. Hardwoods, on the other hand, are more resistant to these issues and provide a long-lasting, safe surface for your food presentation.

Tips for Serving Meat and Cheese on Your Wooden Cutting Board

When it comes to creating an enticing and delicious charcuterie platter, presentation is crucial. A well-curated selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments can make all the difference in your guests' experience. Here are some tips for serving meat and cheese on your wooden cutting board and ensuring a successful and enjoyable spread:

Choose the Right Pairings of Cheese and Meat

The key to a great charcuterie board is finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Pair soft, creamy cheeses, like brie, with robust, cured meats, and contrast sharp, aged cheeses with milder meat options. Experiment with various combinations to create a harmonious and diverse cheese plate that caters to different tastes and preferences.

Avoid Woods that Absorb Flavors

As mentioned previously, it's essential to choose a wooden board that doesn't absorb flavors or odors. Opt for hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut, which are durable, resistant to scratches and moisture, and don't impart any unwanted flavors onto your cured meats and cheeses.

Choose a Cheese Board that Suits Your Style of Cuisine

When selecting a cheese board, consider the overall aesthetic and theme of your event or gathering. For a rustic, casual affair, a wooden cutting board or slab might be the ideal choice. If you're hosting a more upscale or modern event, a sleek slate or marble board could be a better fit. You can find the best round, rectangular, or custom-shaped boards to suit your needs and preferences.

Preparation and Presentation Tips

Slice and arrange: Before serving, slice your cured meat and cheeses into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This not only makes it easy for your guests to enjoy but also enhances the visual appeal of your charcuterie platter.
Add accompaniments: Fresh fruit, like grapes, figs, and berries, can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your meats and cheeses. Additionally, include a variety of crackers and bread to offer different textures and tastes.
Cheese knives: Provide a set of four cheese knives to accommodate different types of cheese, ensuring that your guests can easily cut and serve themselves.
Placement: When building a charcuterie board, arrange the items directly on the board in a visually appealing and accessible manner. Place larger items, like cheese wheels and cured meat, towards the center of the board, and fill in the gaps with smaller accompaniments.
Create a main board and satellite boards: If you have a large selection of items or a considerable number of guests, consider creating a main board with a variety of cheeses and meats, and smaller, satellite boards with accompaniments like fruit, nuts, and olives.

When looking for a charcuterie board that meets your needs and complements your cuisine, consider the type of wood, size, and shape of the board, as well as the pairings of meat and cheese you plan to serve. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a visually stunning and delicious charcuterie spread that will impress and delight your guests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best charcuterie boards of 2023 involves considering factors such as the material, shape, and size of the board, as well as the pairings of meat, cheese, and crackers you plan to serve. The best slate and wooden boards offer a balance of style, durability, and functionality, making them ideal for large crowds or small gatherings. When choosing a charcuterie board, keep in mind the type of meat, cheese, and accompaniments you'll be serving, and tailor your selection to complement your event's overall theme and style. By doing so, you'll create a memorable and delectable experience for your guests.

Related Products You Might Like

If you are looking for the best wood for a charcuterie board, Mevell offers a variety of high-quality wooden cutting boards perfect for serving meats, cheeses, and other delicacies. Our boards are not only beautiful but also durable and resistant to moisture.

To protect the wood, we also offer wooden board care products, including wood board oils and oil applicators. If you are looking for related products, the links we provide will redirect you to our collection page where you can explore the different types of wood boards we offer, along with our other products and services.