Of all the tasty bites we enjoyed over the weekend, the Italian Charcuterie Board is the one big bite I longed to repeat, immediately!
We spent some glorious days in Boston this past weekend celebrating a milestone birthday along with some highly anticipated family time. Our daughter Chelsea turned 25 and we had the luxury of spending it with her.
Of course we can’t be in Boston without fine dining as part of the agenda. And when I say fine dining, I mean everything from street food to steakhouses. We even made our way to the nation’s newest branch of Eataly. Have you been? With its multiple restaurants, wine shop, gelato counter, fresh produce stands, homemade breads, pastas and sweets, plus, pantry staples, kitchenware, and cookbooks – it feels as close to being in Italy as it can without a passport and a plane ticket.
We nibbled our way through the marketplace before settling in for dinner. And then we enjoyed a meal that included warm breads and olive oil, pastas and pork ragus, and a tasty Italian charcuterie board. With Italian meats, mozzarella, basil pesto, roasted beets and cherry tomatoes, pickled sunchokes and artichoke hearts, it was all we could do to keep our mouths from falling open as the waiter delivered the enticing board to our table.
My Italian Charcuterie Board is comprised mainly of components that I already keep in my refrigerator and pantry. You might discover that you have everything you need, as well.
One of the few things I did not have, however, was fresh burrata. Oh my gahhhh. Have you guys had it?
What is it, you might be asking?
An Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. (Yes, I said cream.) The outer surface of the ball is mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella, a super soft fresh cheese, and cream. I have to say, cutting into this cheese is as satisfying as, ohhhhhh, speedily popping bubble wrap (but with far less noise).
Because charcuterie boards are best-tasting when loaded with ingredients that impart texture, color, and flavors that complement one another – I couldn’t resist adding a fine drizzle of sweet honey over our creamy burrata.
My recommendation is to assemble your favorite Italian inspired ingredients on a large beautiful board, enjoy it with a glass of your favorite wine, and invite your favorite people to join in.
Include as many of the following items as you and your party of friends like:
- Meat – Salami, Prosciutto, Andouille Sausage, Pork Pâté
- Cheese – Burrata, Mozzarella, Ricotta Salata, Parmesan
- Bread – Italian, Artisan, Baguette, Flatbread, Crackers, Grilled Crostini
- Savory Complements – Kalamata Olives, Almonds, Roasted Red Peppers, Artichoke Hearts, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
- Sweet Complements – Grapes, Pears, Cherries, Figs, Berries
- Finishers – Honey, Fruit Preserves, Spicy Mustard
It’s no accident that I’m sharing this Italian Charcuterie Board just before Father’s Day!
Buon Appetito!
One year ago: Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos
Two years ago: Lemon Cake with Blueberry Drizzle & Sweetened Whipped Cream
Three years ago: Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Four years ago: Coconut Cupcakes
And don’t forget to check out Ciao Chow Bambina on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter!
PrintItalian Charcuterie Board
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Burrata
- Parmesan
- Basil Pesto
- Italian Bread, sliced
- Spicy Kalamata Olives
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Artichoke Hearts
- Grapes
- Pears
- Cherries
- Honey
Instructions
- Assemble the Italian meats and cheeses on a large beautiful board then fill in the rest of the board with the accompaniments.
Forgot to pin? Here you go!
CIAO!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Food boards are the best! I love each one of those dishes! Excellent idea!
Annie says
Thank you so much! I love these, especially in the summer!
Cindy says
Oh how lovely to celebrate birthdays and mark the occasion with Boston, family, and love. Love this Italian charcuterie board. Nailed it!
Annie says
It was a very special weekend! Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Haha,whenever I go anywhere I always go for the street food 😉
This board looks amazing! Totally getting hungry again
Annie says
You have to!! Our favorite truck is Clover out of Boston…OH MY!! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
This is one of my favorite ways to eat in the summer, Annie. On a warm night, simple to put together, a little something for everyone – just add a cold glass of white wine and it’s perfect!
Annie says
You can never go wrong with a charcuterie board! 🙂
Katie Crenshaw says
This is a beautiful Italian Charcuterie Board. I am drooling over EVERYTHING. That Mozzarella looks AMAZING! Thank you for the lovely inspiration.
Annie says
Thank you for stopping buy with a kind word, Katie! Have a nice day!
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
This board is just gorgeous, from the colors, the arrangement and the choices to fill it! I have not heard of burrata but will now be on the look out for it at my favorite market. Have a great weekend. Take care.
Annie says
Be on the lookout! You’ll be happy! It’s a very special cheese experience! 🙂
Gaila says
I love this!! and everytime I put together a charcuterie table is always a success! it seems like you had a blast in Boston, I am glad to hear! Have a nice weekend!
Annie says
That is no surprise! Charcuterie = Happiness! Thanks, friend!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
I”ve never been to Boston, but look forward to visiting at some point! I love a good board like this but wouldn’t have thought to add honey! What a great idea…. and that Burrata… OMGggg, I’ve had it once. ONCE! And I can’t find it again! No one carries it around here and when I ask, they look at me as if I’m from another planet! I’ve gotta get my hands on some. Now, have you tried Ricotta con Latte? I’m obsessed. So happy you were able to celebrate Chelsea’s 25th! Oh my Annie… time goes so fast. xo
Annie says
Ricotta con latte? I have not! Now I’m on a mission! My hubby is the hugest fan of ricotta, so this is something we’ll want to find asap! Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend! Fast is an understatement…. We were just 25, right?! XO
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time in Boston for your daughter’s 25th. And what a delicious looking board Annie. At any party you can always find me hovering around the charcuterie board! All my faves! And that burrata! My all time favorite!
Annie says
Everyone would find us hovering together if we were at the same party! Thanks so much, dear! 🙂
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Happy belated birthday to your daughter! And what a fantastic way to spend time together! I miss Eataly SO MUCH! I just love it there, I’ve never been to the one in Boston, but of course to the one in Rome. I usually do my shopping there and then with my family we stay for lunch or supper in one of the many wonderful dining spots. You recreated the perfect charcuterie board, and the burrata…oh yes! Once you’ve had it, it’s hard to forget 🙂 . Lovely post and beautiful photos!
Annie says
Well, that’s a bucket list item for me – Eataly in Rome! I can imagine the beautiful times and meals you’ve had there! Thank you for your kindness, my friend! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I’m dying over here! Burrata is one of my favorite things ever. I could make a meal just out of that and some crusty bread :). I’m loving these beautiful board! So glad you had fun in Boston!
Annie says
I am never NOT in the mood for a meal like this! Thank you, my friend!
Shashi at Savory Spin says
I must live under a toadstool as I haven’t been to Eataly nor have I had burrata! Gosh am so missing out on life eh?! Cos in my opinion life=good food 🙂 Annie – Happy 25th birthday to your daughter and 22nd birthday to your son! And, your Italian Charcuterie Board is making me wish I had it for breakfast!
Annie says
You are so sweet, Shashi! Thank you so much for your happy birthday wishes to the kids! Okay – now you have two new things to look forward to! How wonderful is that?!!! Have a great day, dear!! xo
Sues says
This is gorgeous and I want to eat the entire thing for breakfast ASAP!! Also, I’m glad you had fun in Boston!! I am so ashamed that I live here and have still not been to Eataly 🙁 🙁 I’m actually in the process of planning an outing there with some friends, so hopefully that will change very soon! In the meantime, I might just have to make this board!
Annie says
Ohhh, Sues! I hope you get there soon! It’s quite the foodie experience! It feels like one massive party going on! Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Have a great day! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
It sounds like you had an absolutely wonderful time in Boston, Annie! So thrilled to hear that! I’ve never been to Eataly, but I haven’t been to Boston since I was teeeeeny-tiny. I’m making a mental note I need to go there! This board is just FILLED with all the things delicious! You know I love me some burrata, so I’m glad to see TWO huge balls here! I could make a meal out of this for sure! Cheers, doll! XOXO
Annie says
We’ve never had a bad time in Boston! It’s absolutely one of my favorite places…for so many reasons! I thought you might like this one, my friend! Thank you!! Cheers! XOXO
Diane P. says
OMG!!! I’m drooling all over my desk. Charcuterie is not an appetizer or a snack—–for me it’s a meal!! Great post, Annie!
Annie says
I hear you! For me too!! Thanks, Diane!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I think -I did – just swear when I saw this charcuterie board. Boy, oh, boy, I could live on this. And burrata? Oh ma geeeeeeeeeeee. Every so often hubby and I will whip one of this up for dinner, particularly on a Friday night. I get so excited and usually make too much. But, I just want to add everything, ya know? I really wish this was in front of me right now. You’re making me want to visit Boston to check out all he foodie places. I have to visit one day!! So happy that you guys had a wonderful celebratory weekend too! Hope you have another awesome one, my friend! XOXO
Annie says
Hahaha! That’s okay! It’s allowed in cases like this! 😉 I hear you, though, about knowing when to stop! It’s easy to add too much! But for some reason, no matter how much I add, it always goes! Thanks for stopping by, my dear! Hope your weekend is as beautiful as ever! XOXO
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Yeeeeeeessssss!! Yes! Yes! Yes! I have had burrata and OMG it is heavenly. The cheese and charcuterie board is all I need for a meal. Heavenly tastes and really simple to make. Great ingredients, friends and family, some nice wine, and that is all you need. I’m giving your photos 10+ drools (that is much better than stars!) Un abbraccio!
Annie says
Yep! On more than one occasion we have made a cheese & charcuterie board our dinner! It’s one of my favorite meals! Thank you for the 10+ drools, my friend! 😉 I appreciate that! 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Perfection! I just love charcuterie (and a glass of wine :). It’s my favourite way to snack.
Annie says
I can’t think of a better way to snack, either! Cheers!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Sound like you had a great time in Boston! My husband was just there for a business trip, and I can’t wait to go with him next time for all of the FOOD! And yay for cheeseboards! Those are always a favorite of mine, and this one looks perfect!
Annie says
You must go! Boston is so beautiful and the food scene is incredible! If you have the chance I recommend taking a stroll through the North End! Cheese & Charcuterie Boards are the best! Thanks, Gayle!