It’s like the adage goes: Give a man a fish, and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to make a charcuterie board, and he’ll be the envy of all his friends and neighbors. (Did we get that right?)
As centerpieces at all kinds of get-togethers—from glitzy holiday parties to Netflix nights with friends—charcuterie boards are as functional as they are beautiful. Easily customized to any occasion, charcuterie boards bring people together over simple, elegant food, providing a truly unique experience for tastebuds everywhere.
Well before charcuterie reached influencer status, however, it served a much humbler purpose. Derived from the French words for flesh (chair) and cooked (cuit), charcuterie was invented in the 15th century when people used all parts of an animal to reduce waste. The meat was put through a curing process (which itself dates back nearly 2,000 years), and voila—a new culinary experience was born.
Charcuterie for The 21st Century
Spoiler alert: We’re no longer living in the Middle Ages, and charcuterie today is defined by more than just meats. Scroll through just about any social media feed, and you’ll discover charcuterie boards that feature an eye-popping array of meats, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and condiments that please a variety of palates — think honeys, jellies, mustards, and more.
At Made In Washington, our selection of locally-sourced meats, cheeses, condiments, and fun extras can help you level up your charcuterie game. And from DIY charcuterie boxes to expertly curated spreads, there’s something for established and aspiring foodies alike.
Build Your Own Charcuterie Box
You have a vision, and we have the goods to make it a reality. Our custom gift boxes are the perfect vessels for a charcuterie spread that, well, checks all the boxes. From meats and seafoods to dips and sweet treats, we’re proud to bring you the best that the PNW has to offer. (Seriously — our selection of salamis and sausages can take your charcuterie spread from good to great.)
And who knows: Our specialty items may be just what you’re looking for. Puget Sound wildflower honey? Sign us up!
When you’re done designing your charcuterie box, sit back and leave the rest to us. Whether it’s a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself, your custom charcuterie box will be packed with care and delivered right to your door.
After that? Arrange, snap a photo (#cameraeatsfirst), nom, and enjoy.
Purchase a Ready-Made Charcuterie Box
If you’re in a pinch, leave the charcuterie-ing to us and our Happy Hour in a Box. This ready-made kit includes the basics for a charcuterie board worthy of any foodie: smoked salmon, onion mustard, salami, black truffle almonds, crackers, and a handcrafted Wag & Wood cutting board. (Pro tip: Use the cutting board as your charcuterie board for a practical way to prepare and display your spread. With its rich grains and hand-branded SeaBear logo, this stunning artisan piece is sure to be a conversation starter!)
Small Charcuterie Boards to Swoon Over
If you couldn’t tell already, we’re big fans of Wag & Wood. Based out of Carnation, Washington, Wag & Wood specializes in handcrafted wooden home and pet goods. Whether you include one of their boards in your custom charcuterie boxes or add one to your cart just because, we know you won’t be disappointed.
And for a truly one-of-a-kind display, don’t sleep on Wag & Wood’s Washington state charcuterie board. Nab one for yourself and become the host with the most, or gift one to a special friend, teacher, sports lover, or foodie in your life.
Uniquely PNW Box Addition: Fish Jerky
Yep, you read that right. Made with Wild Alaska Pollock or Wild Pacific Rockfish, Neptune Fish Jerky is the dangerously delicious snack you didn’t know you needed. Choose from Cracked Pepper, Spicy Cajun, Sweet Citrus Ginger, or Sea Salt and Juniper varieties—or don’t choose at all! 10/10 would recommend all four flavors.
Style tip: Arrange small nibbles like fish jerky, nuts, and olives in ramekins or decorative bowls to add some pizzazz to your charcuterie spread.
BONUS POINTS: How to Make Salami Roses
Okay, extra credit, ladies and gents, this section is for you: If you want to impress your people by putting out the spread before their arrival AND make it look extra fancy, try making salami roses.
As with many things, it’s all in the wrist:
- Grab a glass with a small opening (champagne flutes work wonders).
- Layer sliced salami around the lip of the glass, folding it over the edge. Depending on the size of your glass, you’ll need anywhere from 15-30 pieces of thinly sliced salami to achieve the full rose effect.
- Carefully flip the glass upside down to display the salami rose. Press down and twist the glass slightly to help set the petals in place.
- Arrange the petals for max prettiness.
If your first attempts are a bit sad looking, worry not: Wilted salami roses are just as tasty as their picture-perfect counterparts.
We can’t wait to see the boards you build with all of this food for thought. Tag us in your social media posts! We are @madeinwashington_ on Instagram and @Made.In.Washington on Facebook.