Fancy Snacking: Building Slate Charcuterie Plates for Your Guests

charcuterie
noun | (shahr-cute-uh-ree) | origin: French
a delicatessen specializing in dressed meats and meat dishes¹

Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines charcuterie plates as a delicatessen; Whole Foods defines them as one of the top 10 food trends of 2019. But no matter which way you slice it, slate charcuterie plates sound delicious.

Experts Agree

According to Forbes², 26 experts from Whole Foods have done a study to determine the top 10 food trends of this year. On the list, snacking is getting a fancy redefinition this year. Experts expect to see a rise in charcuterie and cheese boards. Platters are said to present “high-quality snacks that take us back to our childhoods.” Therefore, upgraded snacks are said to include classics like peanut butter or cheese cracker sandwiches.

So what’s goes into (and on) Charcuterie Plates?

Although the definition specifies meats and meat dishes, the possibilities are endless. Guests are usually offered cured meats, paired with toast, fruit, and cheese. Meats can range from salami and prosciutto, duck, goose and chicken. They can be sliced, shredded, moussed, or made into a pâté. Spreadable meats are often served with thick toasts or even with fruit. Sliced and shredded meats are often eaten alone, as a sandwich, or with fruits and cheeses.

Presenting Slate Charcuterie Plates

For a high-end presentation, natural wood and stone platters are recommended. Hosts commonly use wood serving boards, however can absorb food oils and be difficult to clean. Slate charcuterie plates provide an upscale, rustic look. They don’t hold liquid, making them easy to clean and reuse. And by oiling them before creating your plates, you give them a high-class polished look to impress your guests.

It’s up to you to create individual plates for each of your guests, or large size platters for a buffet style snack. We offer a variety of slate board platter sizes to meet your needs. Guests can be offered an individual serving with the small boards. Medium size plates are great for guest tables to share the snacking. And large platters are perfect for an array of foods for your guests to pick at.