A Spanish charcuterie board, or “tabla de embutidos,” is the ultimate way to bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your table. Whether hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a quiet evening, creating a charcuterie board is a fun and easy way to impress your guests while savoring Spain’s finest delicacies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Spanish charcuterie board.
spanish charcuterie board
Step 1: Choose the Base of Your Charcuterie Board
Start with a large, flat surface to display your ingredients. A wooden board, slate tray, or marble platter works best. The board should have enough space for the items to shine without looking overcrowded.
Step 2: Select Your Spanish Meats
The heart of a Spanish charcuterie board is the selection of cured meats, or “embutidos.” Include a variety of textures and flavors for a balanced experience:
- Jamón Ibérico or Jamón Serrano: Thinly sliced and arranged in folds for easy serving. The rich, nutty flavors of jamón are a must-have.
- Chorizo: A smoky, paprika-spiced sausage that adds boldness.
- Salchichón: A milder, peppery cured sausage that balances the stronger flavors.
- Lomo: Tender cured pork loin with subtle spices.
Pro Tip: At Spanish Deli, we offer a wide variety of premium Spanish cured meats perfect for your board.
Step 3: Add Spanish Cheeses
Cheese adds creaminess and variety to your board. Select 2-3 Spanish cheeses with different textures and flavors:
- Manchego: A classic, nutty sheep’s milk cheese with a firm texture.
- Tetilla: A soft, buttery cheese from Galicia.
- Cabrales: A bold, blue-veined cheese for adventurous palates.
Pro Tip: Pre-slice harder ones like Manchego cheese into triangles for easy serving, and leave soft cheeses whole with a knife for spreading.
Step 4: Incorporate Spanish Accompaniments
Add a variety of accompaniments to complement the meats and cheeses. Here are some authentic Spanish options:
- Olives: Include green olives like Manzanilla or Gordal, and black Arbequina olives.
- Pickled Vegetables: Peppers, artichokes, and guindilla chili peppers add tanginess.
- Canned Seafood: A unique Spanish touch with tinned anchovies, mussels, or sardines.
- Fruits: Fresh figs, grapes, or melon slices pair beautifully with jamón.
- Nuts: Almonds (marcona almonds are perfect) or hazelnuts for crunch.
Step 5: Add Spanish Breads and Crackers
No charcuterie board is complete without a base to enjoy the toppings. Add a variety of:
- Fresh Bread: Crusty baguettes or rustic Spanish bread (pan rústico).
- Breadsticks: Thin, crunchy “picos” or “reganás” are traditional.
- Crackers: Choose neutral-flavored crackers to highlight the flavors of the meats and cheeses.
Step 6: Arrange Everything Like a Pro
Now it’s time to assemble your board! Follow these tips for a beautiful presentation:
- Start with Larger Items: Place the meats and cheeses first, spreading them out across the board.
- Add Bowls for Small Items: Use small bowls for olives, nuts, or pickled vegetables.
- Fill in the Gaps: Use fruits, nuts, and breadsticks to fill empty spaces and add color.
- Layer and Overlap: Arrange items in overlapping layers for a visually appealing, abundant look.
Step 7: Pair with Spanish Drinks
Complete your charcuterie experience with Spanish beverages:
- Wine: Serve a robust Rioja or a crisp Albariño.
- Cava: Spanish sparkling wine for celebrations.
- Sherry: A glass of dry Fino or nutty Amontillado pairs beautifully.
Why Choose Spanish Deli for Your Ingredients?
At Spanish Deli, we bring the authentic flavors of Spain to your doorstep. From premium jamón and artisan cheeses to authentic accompaniments like olives and canned seafood, we have everything you need to create the ultimate Spanish charcuterie board. Visit our online store to explore our selection and start building your perfect board today!
With this guide, you can confidently craft a stunning Spanish charcuterie board that delights your guests and transports them to the sunny coasts of Spain. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual treat, the flavors of Spain are always a good idea!