Who says charcuterie is only for warm, summery days? Make the most of the last weeks of the cool weather with these ideas for a winter-friendly charcuterie board at your next get-together or night in with friends.
1. The sweet and spicy charcuterie board
It’s cold out there, so why not introduce a little heat?
Spicy chicken wings go well with some great dipping sauces like sour cream and chives or tzatziki to balance the flavours. Spicy salami, jalapeño poppers and cheese balls add some colour and a little more spice. To balance things out, add dried fruit like dried mango and fresh fruits like pineapple, some lovely soft cheese, and a few cashews and dried banana chips for crunch.
Drink pairing: Try this amazing rooibos beer that blends the rich, malty flavours of traditional beer with the distinct nutty and herbal notes of rooibos tea, creating a delightful and refreshing brew with a South African twist.
Who doesn’t love some melted cheesy goodness? Start up the fireplace and serve your guests a charcuterie board they’ll never forget, paired with fondue!
Arrange an assortment of cured meats, like smoked sausages and prosciutto, alongside bite-sized cubes of artisan bread and blanched, crunchy vegetables like green beans, carrots and corn. Add fruit like apples and pears, as well as roasted nuts and pickles for some extra crunch. Get a mini fondue pot and fill it with rich, velvety cheese and let your guests dip to their heart’s content.
Drink pairing: Serve up a classic mulled red wine spiked with cinnamon, cloves and orange zest. The warm spices and fruity undertones perfectly match the hearty flavours of the charcuterie.
If you and your guests love seafood or you’re going with an ocean-themed party, then this board is perfect!
Start with a variety of smoked fish, like salmon and trout, along with mussels, mini prawns and grilled calamari. Add sweet chilli-flavoured cream cheese (or whatever flavour you prefer), cottage cheese or tartar sauce, capers, and thinly sliced red onions. Serve with a selection of crackers and crispbread for a refreshing and luxurious twist.
Drink pairing: A glass of sparkling or white wine would go very well with this board – the effervescence and acidity of these wines cut through the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious pairing. But if you want to be really fancy, try this champagne cocktail.
This can be served on its own, or you can make this with a savoury board as an accompaniment if you’re worried that not all your guests have a sweet tooth. Focus on the sweeter things in life with a dessert-focused charcuterie board featuring chocolate truffles, dried fruits, nuts and mini pastries. Add fudge, salted caramels and nougat too. For balance, grapes and apple slices are still sweet, but will complement the board nicely.
Drink pairing: Offer your guests some of this delicious Amarula coffee. This decadent treat harmonises with the dessert-centric board, providing a heartwarming finish.
If you’re having a party on a day when there’s some beautiful winter sunshine, why not have a board that celebrates winter’s beauty while you sit in the sun?
Arrange roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and caramelised onions on a board with marinated artichoke hearts and grilled peppers alongside herbed goat’s cheese and hummus. Include an array of roasted crunchy nuts and seeds for a satisfying crunch, and serve with crackers.
Drink pairing: Serve with homemade ginger beer, try this elderberry syrup as a winter warmer, or this fruit punch with ale.