How to Make a Summer BBQ Charcuterie Board

A summertime charcuterie board embodies the essence of connection — a delightful medley of tastes and textures that reflects the diversity and unity of your family.

Follow along as we create a BBQ summer board, featuring a tantalizing combination of smoky BBQ beef, sharp white cheddar cheese, and the refreshing crunch of gooseberries.

Step 1: Choose a thick and sturdy board

Start by selecting a board that is thick and sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients. This will provide a solid base for building your charcuterie board. We chose a small board made for two but if you’re serving your whole family, you’ll need to size up.

Step 2: Place BBQ beef roast or other meat on the board

Begin by arranging pieces of BBQ beef or other cooked meat of your choice (hotdogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken), on the board. This will serve as the main protein for your charcuterie board. We used a chuck roast prepared with a slow cooker. 

To make the slow cooker chuck roast: 

1. Choose a 2-3 pound chuck roast (depending on how many people you're serving) and trim off any excess fat. Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Place the seared roast into the slow cooker and add 1 cup beef broth or stock, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 onion diced, 2 carrots peeled and chopped, 2 stalks celery chopped,1 teaspoon dried thyme.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender.
5. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent with foil to rest for 10-15 minutes
6. Mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the cooker juices. Replace lid and cook on high for 15 minutes, until thickened

Step 3: Add French bread

Next, add some slices of French bread to the board. French bread is a classic choice for charcuterie boards and provides a delicious base for pairing with meat and sides (children love using this bread to make their own sandwiches). 

Step 4: Add kalamata olives or other garnishes to a small dish

Place a small dish on the board and fill it with kalamata olives or any other garnish you prefer. The olives will add a tangy and salty flavor to complement the meat. Other side ideas include gherkin, sauerkraut, and grilled corn. 

Step 5: Add sharp white cheddar cheese

Place chunks or slices of sharp white cheddar cheese on the board. The sharpness of the cheese will complement the BBQ meat and add a rich, savory element to the board.

Step 6: Add roasted or grilled red potatoes

Add roasted or grilled red potatoes to the board. These potatoes will provide a hearty and satisfying element to the charcuterie board, adding some substance to the meal. 

To grill potatoes:

1. Cut your potatoes into bite-sized pieces
2. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated
3. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and/or rosemary
4. Place the potatoes on a sheet of tin foil and fold it up, enclosing the potatoes completely
5. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill, directly over the heat. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes
6. Flip the packet once or twice during cooking to ensure even heat distribution

Step 7: Add sauces and dips

In small bowls, add sauces and dips to your board. We used slightly spicy Harissa mayonnaise, which we spread on our French bread and topped with roast beef. It also made a great dipping sauce for potatoes and roasted vegetables. Other great choices include BBQ sauce, herb-infused aioli, or yogurt and herb dip. 

Step 8: Fill in the gaps with cheese, vegetables, and nuts

Fill any remaining gaps on the board with additional cheese, such as a milder cheddar, bleu cheese, or gouda, and a variety of vegetables (such as roasted corn and zucchini). For a refreshing twist, you can use gooseberries, which have a tomato-like flavor that complements BBQ well. Also, scatter a few nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for some added crunch and texture.

Step 9: Serve hot

Finally, serve your charcuterie board while the BBQ meat and roasted potatoes are still warm. The heat will enhance the flavors and make the experience even more enjoyable. As you gather around the board, passing plates and exchanging stories, let the sumptuous flavors ignite conversations and create lasting memories.