How to make a Father's Day charcuterie board

As I thought about the perfect gift for Father's Day, I couldn't help but consider my dad's deep connection to Boston, his hometown. So, I decided to create a charcuterie board that celebrates the flavors and nostalgia of Boston. 

Thinking about your dad’s own style, I'd like to invite you to follow along and create a board that celebrates a special dad in your life. 

Choose a meal or theme that your dad will love

This could be anything from their favorite comfort food to a new dish that they've been wanting to try.

Make sure it’s easy to prepare or arrange it ahead of time. We want something that doesn’t require so much prep that we spend all our time away from Dad. 

It's also nice when it's easy enough to be manageable for those who aren't gourmet chefs. Non-cooks, kids, and chefs looking for time away from the kitchen can all participate in charcuterie. 

For my Boston board, I selected simple ingredients that represent the city’s culinary heritage. Here's what I included:

• Meats: I chose New England-style smoked ham, reminiscent of the delicious ham commonly found in Boston sandwiches and seafood chowder.
  
  
• Cheeses: I opted for a sharp Vermont cheddar, paying homage to the neighboring state that shares a passion for exceptional cheeses with Massachusetts.
  
  
• Bread and Crackers: I included slices of crusty Italian bread, reminiscent of the iconic Italian-American culture that thrives in Boston's North End. I also added crispy Boston soda crackers for a touch of local nostalgia.
  
  
• Condiments: To accentuate the flavors, I added a jar of tangy cranberry sauce—a quintessential New England staple. Additionally, I included a jar of locally made grainy mustard, representing the city's love for bold flavors.
  
  
• Seafood: Boston's connection to seafood is undeniable. I added smoked oysters, paying homage to the city's renowned oyster bars and maritime history.
  
  
• Fresh Produce: To balance the flavors and add freshness, I included sliced apples, which are commonly found at the farmers' markets in Boston, and fresh sprigs of rosemary—a nod to the city's beautiful public gardens.

Charcuterie meal ideas for Father’s Day 

If you’re serving charcuterie for lunch or dinner, consider any of these warm meal ideas for Dad: 

• Grilled burgers and hot dogs
• Steak and potatoes
• BBQ ribs
• Fried chicken
• Pasta salad
• Grilled salmon
• Roasted chicken

BBQ Charcuterie Board Recipe for Father’s Day

If you’d like more inspiration, here is a recipe for a charcuterie board using steak or barbecue ribs:

Ingredients

• Steak or barbecue ribs, cooked and sliced
• Cheeses: cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, brie, goat cheese
• Fruits: grapes, berries, apples, pears, melon
• Vegetables: pickles, roasted potatoes, corn, coleslaw, cucumbers, carrots, celery, peppers
• Crackers: rye crackers, wheat crackers, pretzels, breadsticks
• Hummus, guacamole, salsa, marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Gather all of your ingredients.
2. Cook the steak or barbecue ribs according to your preferred method. (see Notes)
3. Slice the steak or ribs into thin strips.
4. Place a large piece of parchment paper on a charcuterie board.
5. Arrange the steak or barbecue ribs on the parchment paper.
6. Add cheeses, fruits, vegetables, crackers, and dips.
7. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you are using steak, sear it in a pan or grill it before slicing it.
• If you are using barbecue ribs, you can cook them in the oven or on the grill.

Here are some additional tips for making a charcuterie board using steak or barbecue ribs:

• You can use any type of steak or barbecue ribs that you like.
• If you are using steak, you can marinate it in your favorite marinade before cooking.
• If you are using barbecue ribs, you can cook them in your favorite barbecue sauce.
• Use small bowls for condiments.
• You can also add flowers or other decorations to make your charcuterie board more festive.

More tips for your Father’s Day board

• Add more! You can add other ingredients to your charcuterie board, such as nuts, dried fruit, and pickled vegetables. By choosing a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, crackers, and dips; you will increase the chances that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• Get creative! Arrange the ingredients on the board in an appealing way. You can use different shapes and sizes of ingredients to create a visually interesting presentation. You can also use different types of bowls to display on your charcuterie board.
• Choose a sturdy board: If you’re serving heavy items, make sure your board is sturdy and thick enough to transport it safely. Alternatively, arrange it on the board, directly on the serving table. 
• Be personal. Add your own personal touch to the charcuterie board arrangement. You can write a message to your father on the parchment paper or even add a small gift to the board. You can also treat the board itself as a gift. 

As we craft our Father's Day charcuterie boards, remember the reasons behind this special day. We are honoring our fathers, expressing our love and appreciation for the wonderful memories they've given us and the continued support they provide.

Remember, it's not about how extravagant the board looks or how rare the ingredients are; it's about the intention, the memories, and the love you put into it. It's about creating a dish that reflects your dad's character, likes, and history. By personalizing the board, you're not just providing nourishment but also creating a connection – a culinary bond that he'll appreciate and enjoy.

To everyone preparing a charcuterie board for Father's Day, may your kitchens be filled with laughter, love, and good food. Here's to celebrating our fathers in the most delicious way possible - Happy Father's Day!