Everyone loves a good charcuterie board. The beautiful platters loaded with different kinds of meats, cheeses, and all sorts of tasty treats are everyone’s favorite. But do you know that there is a little hero on the charcuterie board that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: Yes you are right, I am talking about pickles.
Pickles! Those zingy, crunchy bites give a nice, refreshing balance to the rich flavors on the board. But not all pickles are the same. The right ones can seriously up your charcuterie game, making it look and taste even better.
So, Let’s find the best pickles for your charcuterie board. I promise, by the end of this, you’ll see how these simple jarred goodies can turn your board from yum to wow!
Best Pickles for Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards have grown in popularity over the years. They are a perfect way to showcase a variety of meats, cheeses, and other bite-sized snacks. But choosing small pickles for charcuterie can be overwhelming.
There are many options ranging from sweet, hot, and sour. However, not all pickles are created equal when it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment for your cheese and meat board.
Below are some best pickles to elevate your charcuterie boards.
1- Dill Pickles
Dill pickles are a classic choice and a natural fit for any charcuterie board. With their tangy, savory flavor, dill pickles are a great addition to pungent cheeses and cured meats to balance out the saltiness.
You can pair dill pickles with salami, smoked meats, aged cheddar, and gouda to achieve a perfect balance of flavors. Similarly, dill pickles add a nice crunch to a creamy soft cheese like goat cheese and brie.
If you are getting confused with different dill pickle varieties then continue reading:
Claussen:
When it comes to adding pickles to your charcuterie board, Claussen pickles are an excellent choice. Known for their crisp texture and exceptional flavor, Claussen pickles bring a refreshing and tangy element to your board. These pickles are made using carefully selected ingredients and traditional methods, resulting in a high-quality product that is sure to impress your guests. With their signature snap and balanced brine, Claussen pickles perfectly complement the richness of cured meats and cheeses, adding a delightful contrast to every bite.
Vlasic
Vlasic is a well-known and trusted brand that offers a wide range of pickles, including options that are perfect for charcuterie boards. Vlasic pickles are known for their classic taste and crunchy texture, making them a popular choice among pickle enthusiasts. Whether you prefer dill pickles, bread, and butter pickles, or spicy pickles, Vlasic has a variety of options to suit different flavor preferences. The brand’s attention to quality and flavor ensures that their pickles add a delicious tanginess to your charcuterie board, balancing the flavors of cured meats and cheeses. Vlasic pickles are readily available in most grocery stores, making them a convenient choice for enhancing your charcuterie experience.
Mt. Olive
Mt. Olive is another reputable brand that offers a range of pickles suitable for charcuterie boards. Mt. Olive pickles are known for their quality and delicious flavor, making them a popular choice among pickle enthusiasts. Their dill pickles, in particular, are well-suited for charcuterie boards due to their traditional taste and crisp texture.
Mt. Olive dill pickles have a robust dill flavor with just the right amount of tanginess and brininess. Their pickles come in various cuts, including whole pickles, spears, and slices, allowing you to choose the presentation that best suits your charcuterie board aesthetic. These pickles add a refreshing and palate-cleansing element to the board, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
2- Sweet Pickles
While dill pickles are a popular choice for charcuterie boards, sweet pickles can also be a delightful addition that brings a unique flavor profile to the spread. These pickles offer a more subtle, tangy sweetness that balances the saltiness of cured meats and cheese. Some excellent pairings include turkey and mild cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack. Here’s why sweet pickles pair well with charcuterie boards:
- Sweet-Savory Balance: The sweetness of pickles adds a contrasting element to the savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses. This combination creates a well-rounded flavor profile on the board, satisfying both sweet and savory cravings.
- Palette Cleanser: Sweet pickles provide a refreshing and palate-cleansing effect. Their sweet and tangy taste helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich, salty meats and cheeses, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of each component.
- Versatility: Sweet pickles can be paired with a variety of charcuterie options. They complement different cured meats, such as ham, turkey, or even roast beef, adding a touch of sweetness and enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Texture and Visual Appeal: Sweet pickles offer a crunchy texture similar to their dill counterparts. Their vibrant colors, ranging from bright green to deep red, add visual interest and make the charcuterie board more visually appealing.
If you are looking for a sweeter pickle option, consider the Wickles, Bubbies, Grillo’s, or other sweet pickles varieties.
Wickles
Wickles is a well-known brand that offers a unique twist on traditional pickles, making them an exciting choice for charcuterie boards. Wickles pickles are known for their distinctive flavor profile that combines sweetness, heat, and tanginess, creating a flavorful and zesty experience.
When it comes to charcuterie boards, Wickles pickles bring an extra layer of excitement and complexity. Their sweet and spicy flavor adds a bold kick to the spread, enhancing the taste of cured meats and cheeses. The combination of sweetness and heat creates a delightful contrast that can be especially appealing to those who enjoy a touch of spice.
Wickles pickles are available in various cuts, such as spears or slices, allowing you to choose the presentation that suits your charcuterie board best. Their vibrant color and visually appealing appearance contribute to the overall aesthetics of the spread.
Bubbies
Bubbies pickles are a top choice for charcuterie boards due to their authentic flavor, a diverse range of options, crisp texture, and high-quality ingredients. Made using traditional fermentation methods, Bubbies pickles deliver robust flavors that perfectly complement cured meats and cheeses. There’s something for everyone’s taste with options like dill, bread and butter, and spicy pickles. The satisfying crunch of Bubbies pickles adds a delightful texture contrast to the charcuterie spread, enhancing the overall eating experience. Made with non-GMO cucumbers and natural ingredients, Bubbies pickles ensure a premium quality addition to your charcuterie board.
Grillo’s
Grillo’s pickles are a standout choice for elevating your charcuterie board with their commitment to freshness and simplicity. Made from freshly harvested cucumbers, Grillo’s pickles boast a crisp and satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the rich flavors of cured meats and cheeses. What sets Grillo’s apart is their dedication to using clean and simple ingredients, ensuring a pure and authentic pickle taste. Whether you opt for their classic dill pickles or explore their range of innovative flavors, Grillo’s pickles bring a burst of freshness and quality to your charcuterie board, making it an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Cornichon Pickles
Cornichon pickles originated in France and are a popular choice for charcuterie boards. They are much smaller compared to other pickles, but perfect to fill the gaps on your cheese board. These pickles have a tangy, acidic taste and offer a unique flavor profile when paired with meat and cheese. Some popular pairings are prosciutto, brie, and pâté. Cornichon pickles also enhance the flavors of creamy blue cheese.
These small, tart pickles are typically made from gherkin cucumbers, which are picked while still young and crunchy. Here’s why cornichon pickles are a fantastic choice for your charcuterie spread:
- Tangy and Briny Flavor: Cornichon pickles have a distinct tanginess and brininess that adds a burst of flavor to your charcuterie board. Their acidic notes balance the richness of the cured meats and cheeses, providing a refreshing and palate-cleansing element.
- Small and Bite-Sized: Cornichons are small in size, making them easy to handle and enjoy in one or two bites. Their petite shape allows for convenient pairing with other charcuterie ingredients without overpowering the overall presentation.
- Versatility: Cornichon pickles pair well with a variety of charcuterie components. They work wonderfully with thinly sliced cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, and provide a bright and zesty flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant green color and unique shape of cornichon pickles add visual interest to your charcuterie board, making it even more visually appealing and enticing.
When selecting cornichon pickles, you can choose from different brands or even explore homemade options. Consider your preferred level of tartness and crunch when making your selection, as these factors can vary between brands.
Small Pickles for Charcuterie
Small pickles are convenient and perfect for pairing with cheese and meat on a charcuterie board. They save you the hassle of slicing larger pickles into bite-size pieces. Besides, if you have guests that do not like pickles, having small ones with a mild flavor on your cheese board is always a safe bet.
Try to look for mild or garlic-flavored small pickles from your local grocery store.
Spicy Pickles
Spicy pickles offer an exciting twist to traditional pickles. They offer a welcome kick that is both spicy and tangy, making them an ideal choice to pair with spicier meats, such as chorizo or pepperoni. Some luscious and bold spicy pickle varieties you might want to try include McClure’s, Rick’s Picks, and Talk O’ Texas. They also pair well with creamy and tangy cheese like feta or goat cheese.
McClure’s
McClure’s pickles are an exceptional addition to any charcuterie board, bringing robust and vibrant flavors that elevate the overall taste experience. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, McClure’s offers a range of pickles that cater to different taste preferences. From their classic dill pickles with a tangy and briny kick to their spicy pickles that pack a fiery punch, McClure’s pickles are sure to impress. The combination of their fresh ingredients, unique brine recipes, and attention to detail results in pickles that are bursting with flavor. Adding McClure’s pickles to your charcuterie board will provide a delightful and flavorful accompaniment to the cured meats and cheeses, taking your charcuterie experience to new heights.
Rick’s Picks
Rick’s Picks is a standout brand that brings artisanal flair to your charcuterie board with its unique and flavorful pickles and relishes. With a dedication to quality ingredients and small-batch craftsmanship, Rick’s Picks products are bursting with deliciousness. From their zesty garlic dill pickles to their tangy pickled beets or spicy pickled jalapenos, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that perfectly complement the cured meats and cheeses on your charcuterie board. Rick’s Picks adds a touch of creativity and gourmet flair to your spread, ensuring a memorable and flavorful experience for you and your guests.
Talk O’ Texas
Talk O’ Texas offers zesty pickled jalapenos that add a touch of heat and excitement to your charcuterie board. Their products, known for their perfect balance of tanginess and spiciness, enhance your charcuterie spread by pairing excellently with both cured meats and cheeses. The vibrant green color and satisfying crunch of their jalapenos not only add visual appeal but also introduce a bold flavor profile that elevates every bite. With Talk O’ Texas, your charcuterie board becomes a more exciting culinary adventure, enriched by the top-notch quality of their pickled jalapenos.
Other Types of Pickles for Charcuterie Boards
In addition to dill pickles and sweet pickles, there are several other types of pickles that can enhance your charcuterie board. Here are some other popular types of pickles to consider:
Bread and Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles are sweet and tangy, making them a popular choice for cheese and charcuterie boards. Some popular brands of bread and butter pickles include Wickles, Bubbies, and Grillo’s. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Pickled red onions with salami and aged cheddar
- Bread and butter pickles with gouda and prosciutto
- Pickled asparagus with goat cheese and prosciutto
Pickled Vegetables
While cucumbers are the most commonly pickled vegetable, there are several others that can add a unique element to your charcuterie board. Consider adding pickled carrots, radishes, or even green beans. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Pickled carrots with aged gouda and soppressata
- Pickled radishes with blue cheese and prosciutto
- Pickled green beans with brie and salami
Small Pickles for Charcuterie
Small pickles like gherkins and cornichons are convenient for charcuterie boards because they can be easily eaten in one bite. Cornichon pickles are a popular choice for charcuterie boards because of their origin in France, where they are commonly paired with pâté and other charcuterie meats. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Gherkins with brie and salami
- Cornichon pickles with pâté and French bread
- Small pickles with cheddar and pepperoni
Adding different types of pickles to your cheese board can make it more interesting and add a variety of flavors and textures. Try experimenting with different types of pickles to find the perfect combinations for your charcuterie board.
How to Select the Best Pickles for Your Charcuterie Board
When it comes to creating a perfect charcuterie board, the right selection of pickles can make all the difference. While there are many varieties of pickles available in the market, not all of them are a good match for your charcuterie board. In this section, we will guide you through the factors to consider when selecting your pickles for a cheese board and small pickles for a charcuterie.
Consider the Flavors
When it comes to selecting the best pickles for your charcuterie board, it’s important to consider the flavors. Ideally, you want to choose pickles that enhance and contrast the flavors of the meats and cheeses on your board. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- For mild cheese, choose pickles with stronger and more acidic flavors like cornichon pickles
- For strong cheese, choose pickles with bold and complex flavors like spicy pickles
- For lean meats like turkey, chicken, or ham, choose sweet pickles
- For fatty meats like salami, chorizo, or bacon, choose tart and acidic pickles like dill pickles
Consider the Aesthetics
Pickles not only play an important role in flavor but also in the overall aesthetic of your charcuterie board. Here are some tips to consider when selecting and presenting pickles:
- Choose pickles in different colors and textures to add visual interest to your board.
- Arrange pickles in a visually appealing pattern, such as around the edges or in a diagonal line.
- Use small bowls or jars to contain different types of pickles.
- Add pickled vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or radishes for an extra pop of color.
By considering the flavors and aesthetics, you can ensure that the pickles you choose for your charcuterie board will enhance both the taste and appearance of your board. With these tips in mind, experiment with different types of pickles, such as cornichon pickles, sweet pickles, dill pickles, and spicy pickles to find new and unique flavor combinations that will impress your guests.
Pairing Pickles with Cheese and Meats
When planning a charcuterie board, selecting the right pickles to pair with your meats and cheeses is crucial. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect pairings:
Pairing with Cheeses
1. Dill Pickles: Dill pickles are a classic accompaniment to cheeses, especially cheddar, and gouda. Their strong flavor works well with sharp cheeses and can cut through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast.
2. Cornichon Pickles: These small pickles, originating in France, are perfect for pairing with soft cheeses, such as brie and camembert. Their tart and acidic flavor complements the creamy texture of the cheese, while their small size adds a visually appealing element to the board.
3. Sweet Pickles: If you prefer a sweeter pairing, try pairing your cheeses with bread and butter pickles or sweet gherkins. These pickles work well with tangy and fruity cheeses like blue cheese and goat cheese.
Pairing with Meats
1. Small Pickles for Charcuterie: Small pickles are convenient for pairing with sliced meats such as salami and prosciutto on charcuterie boards. You can wrap the small pickles around the meats and secure them with toothpicks for an easy and elegant presentation.
2. Dill Pickles: Dill pickles are a versatile pairing with all types of meats, from turkey and ham to roast beef and pastrami. They provide a tangy and flavorful addition to the meats and help balance the richness of the charcuterie.
3. Spicy Pickles: If you’re looking to add some heat to your charcuterie board, try pairing your meats with spicy pickles. The heat and tanginess of the pickles complement savory meats like salami and pepperoni.
Experimenting with different pickle and cheese and meat pairings is half the fun of creating a charcuterie board. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different flavors and textures to see what works best for you.
Storing and Serving Pickles
While pickles may seem like a low-maintenance addition to a charcuterie board, proper storage and presentation can make all the difference in taste and appearance. Here are some tips for storing and serving pickles:
Storing Pickles
- Store pickles in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and maintain their crispness.
- Avoid storing pickles with raw meats in order to prevent cross-contamination.
- Consider keeping pickles in their original packaging or container in order to preserve their flavor and texture. Some pickles, like small pickles for charcuterie, come in convenient resealable bags that can be easily stored and accessed.
- Keep pickles away from light and heat, both of which can cause them to spoil more quickly.
- If pickles have been left out of the refrigerator for an extended period of time, check for any signs of spoilage, such as a cloudy appearance or bad smell, before serving.
- If you’re using a combination of pickles, be sure to keep them separate in order to preserve their individual flavors and textures.
Serving Pickles
- Arrange pickles on the board in small groups, leaving enough space between each group to make them easily accessible to guests.
- Use small bowls or jars to contain pickles and prevent them from rolling around on the board.
- Consider using a variety of pickle types and colors to add visual interest to your board. For example, pairing bright yellow cornichon pickles with dark green dill pickles can make for a striking presentation.
- If you’re using large pickles like cornichon pickles, consider cutting them into smaller pieces for easier handling and eating.
- Be sure to include a good balance of pickles and other items on your cheese board to avoid overwhelming your guests with too much of one flavor.
By following these tips for storing and serving pickles, you can ensure that your charcuterie board is not only delicious but visually appealing as well. And remember, the right pickle can make all the difference in complementing the flavors of your meats and cheeses, so don’t be afraid to experiment with new types of pickles like cornichon pickles, and find your perfect pairing for a cheese board or charcuterie board!
Final Thoughts
After exploring the world of pickles and their various flavors and textures, it’s clear that pickles are an essential component of any well-crafted charcuterie board. In this article, we’ve discussed the best pickles for charcuterie boards and how they can enhance both the flavors and the aesthetic of your board.
When it comes to selecting the best pickles for your cheese board, it’s important to consider both the flavors and the aesthetics of your board. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of pickles with various meats and cheeses to find your perfect pairing. And remember, presentation is everything! Take the time to arrange your pickles in an attractive pattern on your board, and use small bowls or jars to contain them. By following these tips, you’ll create a delicious and visually appealing charcuterie board that’s sure to impress your guests.
FAQ
What are the best types of pickles to pair with creamy cheeses?
Cornichon pickles are a great option for pairing with creamy cheeses like brie and camembert. Their tart and acidic flavor complements the creaminess of the cheese and adds a nice contrast. Additionally, small pickles like gherkins are versatile and pair well with most kinds of cheese, including creamy cheese.
Which pickles go well with spicy meats?
Spicy pickles are a great choice to balance the heat of spicier meats like chorizo, pepperoni, or even jalapeno-flavored cheese. Some spicy pickle varieties that go well with such meats are McClure’s, Rick’s Picks, and Talk O’ Texas. Spicy pickles have a tangy and bold flavor that complements well with spicy foods and cuts through their heat.
How can I store pickles to keep them fresh?
Pickles should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness and extend their shelf life. Avoid storing them with raw meats to prevent cross-contamination. To preserve their continue this flavor and texture, always use a clean utensil when removing pickles from the jar. This prevents bacteria from entering the jar and spoiling the pickles. Once opened, pickles can last for up to a year in the refrigerator if stored properly. Unopened jars can be kept in a cool, dark place like a pantry. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as a foul smell, discoloration, or mold, discard the pickles immediately.
