When it comes to building a charcuterie board that impresses, you don’t have to know everything about food—just a little more than your clients. There are all the usual go-to meats and cheeses, but thoughtfully curating some unique ones shows you care and it's an easy way to change things up.
Here's where it makes a difference - taking time to add some stand-out selections creates new content for you to promote as we go into the holiday season. Feel free to steal our list and our email template at the bottom of the blog.
Fancy Cheeses Add To Your Charcuterie Boards This Season
Manchego
One of Spain’s finest exports, Manchego is a crowd-pleaser with its firm texture and nutty flavor. Made from sheep’s milk and aged anywhere from 3 to 12 months, it offers complexity without being overpowering.
Brie de Meaux
The king of French cheeses, Brie de Meaux is the ultimate indulgence. Its buttery, creamy interior and bloomy rind make it a must-have on any charcuterie board. Pair with honey or fruit for an unforgettable bite.
Gorgonzola Dolce
If you want to offer a blue cheese that’s approachable, Gorgonzola Dolce is perfect. This soft, creamy Italian blue cheese has a milder flavor with sweet, creamy undertones—perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with pears.
Midnight Moon
This firm, aged goat cheese from California is a showstopper. Midnight Moon has a slightly caramel-like sweetness and nutty flavors, giving it a complex yet accessible profile that pairs beautifully with dried fruits or nuts.
Truffle Gouda
Fancy without being pretentious, Truffle Gouda combines the smooth, slightly sweet flavor of Gouda with the luxurious earthiness of black truffles. This cheese will add a decadent twist to any board.
Humboldt Fog
Known for its signature line of edible ash, Humboldt Fog is a creamy, tangy goat cheese with a soft, bloomy rind. Its visually striking appearance makes it a great centerpiece, and its flavor pairs beautifully with honey or fig jam.
Aged Comté
For something with a bit of bite, Aged Comté is a must. Aged for over a year, this French alpine cheese offers nutty, toasty flavors with hints of brown butter. Its firm texture makes it perfect for slicing.
Robiola
If you want something soft and spreadable, Robiola is a creamy Italian cheese made from a blend of cow, sheep, and goat’s milk. Its mild yet tangy flavor is perfect when paired with crackers or fresh fruit
Pecorino Romano
This hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk is perfect for adding texture and contrast to a board. Its sharp, bold flavor cuts through richer meats and cheeses, making it an excellent pairing option.
Taleggio
Don’t let the pungent aroma fool you—Taleggio’s soft, creamy interior offers a surprisingly mild, fruity flavor that works well with crusty bread and fresh grapes.
Fancy Meats to Impress Your Charcuterie Clients
Prosciutto di Parma
No charcuterie board is complete without Prosciutto di Parma. This Italian dry-cured ham is thinly sliced and melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Bresaola
Looking for something leaner? Bresaola, an air-dried, salted beef from northern Italy, has a tender texture and a deep, slightly salty flavor. It’s perfect for clients who prefer beef over pork-based cured meats.
Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico is the ultimate in luxurious cured meats. Made from free-range Iberian pigs that feast on acorns, this Spanish ham is famous for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Soppressata
For a bit of spice, Soppressata is the way to go. This coarse-ground Italian salami is full of bold flavors and spices, providing a satisfying kick to your charcuterie board. Its rustic appearance and flavor make it an ideal pairing with sharp cheeses.
Duck Prosciutto
For something truly unique, try Duck Prosciutto. Cured duck breast offers a rich, gamey flavor with a touch of sweetness. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional pork prosciutto and adds an unexpected element to your board.
Market Your New Selections!
One of the easiest ways to generate repeat business for your charcuterie brand is to refresh your offerings with some exciting, new selections and share the update with your existing clients. Curate a few unique cheeses, meats, or seasonal accompaniments, and put together a great email highlighting these additions. A simple, well-crafted message showcasing your updated menu will remind customers of your business and create buzz around the “new” items you’re offering. Make sure the products you’re adding are accessible and in stock, so you can consistently deliver the new selections you’re promoting. It’s a quick, low-effort way to re-market your product while keeping things fresh and enticing for your clients.
7. Repeat as Needed, but Don’t Overdo It
You can use this strategy multiple times, especially when introducing new products or services. However, be careful not to overdo it. Posting too frequently or being too obvious can make the group’s members skeptical. The key is to space out your posts and maintain a balance between asking for advice and providing it to others.
Using Facebook groups for subtle, anonymous marketing is a clever way to spread the word about your charcuterie business. By joining local foodie groups, making anonymous posts to spark recommendations, and leveraging your network to share photos and testimonials, you can organically grow your business without spending a fortune on ads. Remember, it’s all about engaging with the community and letting others promote your brand in an authentic and trusted way.
This strategy is a low-pressure, high-impact way to build brand awareness and drive sales in the local market. So, next time you’re looking for a creative way to promote your charcuterie business, think about turning to Facebook’s local foodie groups and letting your products speak for themselves. Need some help? I'm always willing to comment if it helps you out -
elisa@charcuteriecity.com.