This Easy Summer Charcuterie Board is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewel-Osco. All opinions are 100% mine.

Crafting the Ultimate Easy Summer Charcuterie Board for Effortless Entertaining

With an Easy Summer Charcuterie Board, entertaining becomes an absolute breeze! Imagine stress-free gatherings where delicious finger foods and gourmet bites are beautifully arranged, ready for your guests to graze upon. This season, simplify your hosting with a stunning spread that’s as delightful to create as it is to devour.

Why Charcuterie Boards are Perfect for Summer Entertaining

Creating charcuterie boards is one of my absolute favorite culinary endeavors. Not only are they incredibly fun to assemble, but they also serve as some of my most cherished snacks and meals. There’s a certain therapeutic quality to starting with your favorite meats and cheeses, then thoughtfully adding in vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, crunchy nuts, and freshly baked bread, arranging them into a cohesive and appealing display.

Charcuterie boards truly shine when it comes to entertaining, and in our household, summer and entertaining are practically synonymous. We embrace outdoor living during the warmer months, making casual, graze-friendly food a must. A quick and simple charcuterie board perfectly fits this lifestyle, offering a variety of flavors and textures that cater to every palate without requiring you to be stuck in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate solution for stress-free backyard parties, spontaneous get-togethers, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening under the stars.

Discovering Quality Ingredients at Jewel-Osco: Featuring Primo Taglio®

For this particular charcuterie masterpiece, I sourced all my ingredients, including the exquisite Primo Taglio® products and other seasonal delights, from my local Jewel-Osco. This makes building a beautiful board incredibly convenient, as everything I need is available in one easy stop.

Primo Taglio, meaning “first cut” in Italian, promises that every slice you enjoy tastes as fresh and delicious as the very first. This premium quality line of meats and cheeses is crafted with the finest ingredients and available at an exceptional value. In the Chicago area, you can find Primo Taglio products exclusively at Jewel-Osco and other Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons. Primo Taglio is dedicated to delivering superior taste and quality, using traditional, time-honored preparation methods. Their products are made without artificial flavors, colors, or MSG**, with the exception of some classic items like American cheese and certain value meats. This commitment to quality ensures that every bite enhances your charcuterie board experience.

HOW TO BUILD A SPECTACULAR SUMMER CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Crafting an impressive charcuterie board is an art, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a stunning and delicious spread:

1. Start with a Theme and Vision:

Begin by choosing a theme for your charcuterie board. For a summer board, I focus on seasonal abundance, vibrant colors, and fresh, light flavors. I love heading to the produce department and looking for a rainbow of colors – this automatically makes the board visually appealing and reflective of the season. Don’t overthink it; the goal is to create a stress-free snack board that everyone will enjoy, regardless of specific pairings.

2. Select Your Meats:

Head to the packaged meat area for high-quality deli options. Many Primo Taglio meats are crafted from whole muscle meat with no binders or fillers, ensuring authentic flavor and texture. For my board, I chose a delicious variety: thinly sliced Primo Taglio prosciutto, savory pan-roasted turkey breast, and robust salami. Consider offering a mix of cured and cooked meats to provide diverse flavors and textures.

3. Curate Your Cheeses:

Next, select a range of cheeses that offer different profiles – from soft and creamy to firm and sharp. Primo Taglio cheeses are made with the highest quality milk and old-world recipes, often naturally aged for up to two years to develop rich, complex flavors. For this board, I picked up tangy crumbled feta cheese, nutty manchego cheese, and a creamy goat cheese log. While shopping, I also grabbed a luxurious brie wheel and delicate shaved parmesan to use in other recipes later in the week, showcasing the versatility of Primo Taglio.

4. Embrace Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:

Summer is all about fresh produce! For the fruits, I chose sweet blueberries, juicy grapes, vibrant cherries, and ripe peaches. Other fantastic summer additions could include bright raspberries, luscious strawberries, refreshing watermelon, sweet cantaloupe, or tropical mango. For vegetables, think crisp cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, colorful mini bell peppers, or crunchy snap peas – anything that adds freshness and a delightful crunch.

5. Add “Fills-Ins” and Accompaniments:

These small additions truly complete your board, adding depth of flavor and visual interest. I included delicate figs, buttery cashews, crunchy almonds, a drizzle of golden honey, and a flavorful roasted red pepper spread. The sky’s the limit here! You could also add briny black olives, tangy green olives, cornichons, various jams or chutneys, or even a dollop of whole-grain mustard. These elements provide fantastic opportunities for flavor exploration and pairing. For example, I adore pairing salty prosciutto with sweet peaches and a touch of honey, the creamy feta cheese with the rich roasted red pepper spread, and the robust goat cheese with hearty salami.

6. Don’t Forget the Carriers:

Next, consider what your guests will use to scoop up or pile their chosen ingredients. I went with a classic French bread loaf, wholesome wheat crackers, and some cheesy crackers for variety. Other excellent choices include artisanal bread, crunchy crostini, sourdough slices, or gluten-free crackers to accommodate different dietary needs.

7. Choose Your Board:

Finally, select the perfect canvas for your culinary creation. You can use a large wooden cutting board, an elegant serving tray, a rustic wooden snack board, or, as I did, a round pizza stone. The size and shape of your board will depend on the number of guests and the amount of food you plan to display.

EXPERT TIPS FOR A FLAWLESS CHARCUTERIE BOARD

• Bring Cheese to Room Temperature: This is a crucial step! Allow your cheeses to sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This loosens their texture and allows their full, nuanced flavors to shine. Remember to return any uneaten cheese to the fridge within two hours to ensure food safety.
• Prep Ahead: Wash and cut all fruits and vegetables, portion out nuts and spreads, and arrange smaller items in bowls before you start assembling on the main board. This makes the final setup quick and enjoyable.
• Vary Textures and Colors: Aim for a diverse visual and tactile experience. Arrange items with different textures (crunchy, creamy, chewy) and a spectrum of colors to make the board inviting and appetizing.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Overlap: A truly abundant charcuterie board often has items overlapping slightly. This creates a lush, bountiful look that’s incredibly appealing. Fill in every little gap!
• Provide Utensils: Include small cheese knives, spreaders, and mini tongs for easy and hygienic serving.
• Garnish for Flair: A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or mint can add a beautiful aromatic touch and a pop of green to your finished board.

STORING LEFTOVER MEATS AND CHEESES

It’s highly likely you’ll have some delicious charcuterie leftovers, especially if you’ve followed the “abundance” rule! Proper storage is key to enjoying them later.

• Cheese Storage: To store leftover cheese, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper (this allows the cheese to breathe better than plastic wrap) and then place them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the type of cheese and the date, then place it in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator. Soft cheeses, like goat cheese, can last up to 3 weeks, while hard cheeses, like manchego or parmesan, can last for several months (up to 8 months) when stored properly.
• Meat Storage: Leftover deli meats like prosciutto, turkey, and salami should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. They typically remain fresh for 3-5 days after opening.
• Fruit and Vegetable Storage: Store any leftover fresh fruits and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume them within a few days for the best quality.

Beyond the Backyard: Versatile Summer Snack Boards

Summer snack boards aren’t just for backyard entertaining; they’re incredibly versatile! Often, we’ll pack a few of our favorites into a portable container, grab a blanket, and enjoy a delightful picnic outdoors. They’re also perfect for pool parties, beach days, impromptu gatherings at the park, or even a sophisticated spread for a boating trip. The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in its adaptability – you can tailor it to any occasion, big or small, making it an indispensable part of your summer repertoire.

Simplify Your Summer with Jewel-Osco & Primo Taglio

This meat and cheese board offers an easy, breezy way to entertain this summer. With a convenient one-stop shop at your local Albertsons banner stores, putting together such a feast is a cinch! The quality and value of Primo Taglio products make gourmet entertaining accessible to everyone.

How do you plan to simplify your summer entertaining this season? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Don’t forget to stock up on all your premium meat and cheese needs this summer from Jewel-Osco and any of these Albertsons Companies family of stores: Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons. Make your summer entertaining effortless and unforgettable!