Best Chocolates for a Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and what better way to connect with your loved one than with a romantic charcuterie board filled with delectable chocolates?

A chocolate charcuterie board is a fun and creative way to show your loved one how much you care, and it's a perfect way to indulge in some sweet and savory treats together.

When it comes to choosing chocolates for your Valentine's Day charcuterie board, it's important to choose a variety of flavors and textures to keep things interesting.

Here is our rundown of the best chocolates for your next board (with a quick cheat sheet at the end). 

No matter what chocolates you choose, be sure to pair them with complementary flavors and textures, which we delve into below.

Download Our Chocolate Pairings Guide

How to Balance Out a Chocolate-Rich Board 

Although chocolate is a major draw of a Valentine's Day board, it needs to be balanced by complementary flavors. Here are our top non-chocolate options for a Valentine's Day board. 

1. Fresh fruit can add a bright and refreshing taste to your chocolate experience. Try pairing dark chocolate with cherries, raspberries, or blackberries, or pair milk or white chocolate with strawberries, oranges, or mangoes.

2. Although technically not on the board itself, coffee is a classic complement to chocolate. Try pairing dark chocolate with a bold coffee like espresso or French roast, or pair milk or white chocolate with a milder coffee like a latte or cappuccino.

3. Similarly, Wine is another solid complement to a Valentine's Day board. Dark chocolate pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot. The tannins in these wines help cut through the richness of the chocolate, while the fruit flavors complement its intensity.

4. Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty contrast to a creamy, sweet board.

5. A charcuterie board is rarely complete without a selection of cheeses, Valentine's Day boards included. Try pairing dark chocolate with a sharp, salty cheese like a tangy blue cheese. Pair milk chocolate with a softer, creamier cheese like brie. 

List of best chocolates and their pairings for a charcuterie board

Here is a list of some delicious chocolates that would make a great addition to your Valentine's Day charcuterie board, along with suggested pairings:

• Dark chocolate: This classic chocolate option has a rich, intense flavor and smooth texture. The tangy and salty flavor of blue cheese can balance the bitterness of dark chocolate. Stronger blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola are ideal for this pairing.
  
  
• Milk chocolate: Creamy, sweet, and smooth, milk chocolate is a popular choice for a charcuterie board. It pairs well with softer, creamier cheeses like brie or mascarpone. And camembert has a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of milk chocolate.
  
  
• White chocolate: With its sweet, milky flavor and smooth, creamy texture, white chocolate can be a great addition to your charcuterie board. Try pairing it with a fruity jam or spread for a fruit-and-cream combination.

• Artisanal chocolates: These high-quality chocolates, made with single-origin cocoa beans, have a more complex and nuanced flavor than mass-produced chocolates. They can make a special addition to your charcuterie board. Try pairing them with wine to bring out the nuances and complexity. For example, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can pair well with single-origin dark chocolate. 
  
  
• Chocolate truffles: These small, round balls of chocolate ganache, often coated in cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, are a decadent treat. They come in a variety of flavors and make a fancy addition to any charcuterie board. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert are a good match for milk or white chocolate truffles, while tangy blue cheeses like Roquefort can pair well with dark chocolate truffles.
  
  
• Chocolate-covered fruit: A sweet and refreshing addition to a charcuterie board, chocolate-covered fruit is a delicious and visually appealing option. Try chocolate-covered strawberries, cherries, or even sliced apples for a unique twist.

Have fun mixing and matching these chocolate and pairing options to create a well-rounded and enjoyable charcuterie board. Happy Valentine's Day!