On this season of Hollywood & Football on E!, I went to Solvang, California to visit vineyards and learn what it takes to operate a winery. As you can imagine, we had a lot — and I mean a lot — of wine on our trip! We also had our fair share of cheese and charcuterie. In this episode of the show, you’ll see my struggle with the word “charcuterie.”  “Shar-cuchi” just rolls off the tongue so much easier than the actual word! Come on now — admit that it’s a tough one to pronounce!

Despite the fact that I can’t quite articulate the word “charcuterie,” I can prepare one bangin’ cheese and charcuterie platter! These plates are one of my favorite things to prepare because they’re delicious, easy, and perfect for almost any occasion — holidays, game days, girls’ nights, dinner parties, YOU NAME IT! (Pastor Shirley Caesar Voice).

I’ll show you how I put this quick and easy cheese and charcuterie platter together using fresh ingredients from one of my favorite grocery stores, Trader Joe’s. You don’t have to get your items from Trader Joe’s, but I recommend doing so because they have a lot of unique flavorful meats, cheeses, and jams that make an amazing cheese plate at a very affordable price.

 

For this platter, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cheeses –

  • For this platter, I used supreme brie, caramelized onion cheddar, california mild cheddar, italian truffle, and one more. Try to incorporate a good balance of cheeses onto the platter — soft, hard, strong, sweet, and smoky varieties.

 

• Meats –

  • This is the “charcuterie” part of the platter. By definition, charcuterie consists of “cold cooked meats.” My favorites are cured sausages like calabrese salami, del duca prosciutto, Citterio salami sticks, and summer sausage — yum!

• Accompaniments-   

  • nuts, seeds, berries- if possible, pick up the omega blend from Trader Joe’s.
  • Also, I usually use an assortment of different crackers, any type will work!
  • And my personal favorite accompaniment is honey- this sweet taste adds flavor to any cheese!
  • Lastly, Fig Jam- the unsung hero of the cheese and charcuterie platter. You have to try it!
  • I also usually use a couple fruits- grapes, pear, apple are among my favorites that are not pictured here.

Make sure that you also have a cutting board, platter, bowls and ramekins, and serving utensils. Then, once you’ve gathered everything, follow these easy steps to create a beautiful, delicious platter!

Step 1:

Grab a cutting board, serving tray, and a few bowls and ramekins. Don’t forget serving spoons and a serving knife!

 

Step 2:

Now all you have to do is slice everything up and arrange your fixings nicely on the platter.

 

Step 3:

Enjoy! Pair your cheese and charcuterie platter with a nice glass of wine! I recommend Trader Joe’s Brut Rose sparkling wine. It’s a really nice pour and is super affordable at only $9.99 per bottle!

***Bonus Tip – My favorite pairing combo? Try crackers with brie, nuts, berries, prosciutto, and honey. 

It’s that simple! I encourage you all to try it at home, it’s so easy, super affordable, and most of all delicious and filling! Feel free to add more things, or take things out, it’s totally customizable. 

 

Enjoy!