Introduction
The art of charcuterie dates back to 15th century France, where the term 'chair cuite' (cooked flesh) originated among guild-protected meat merchants. Today, this tradition has evolved into the modern charcuterie board, which has found new life within the keto community as a perfect marriage of luxury and low-carb living. What was once a preservation method for meats has transformed into an elegant entertaining option, with careful attention paid to the selection of keto-friendly components. This particular arrangement pays homage to both Mediterranean and French traditions, featuring a thoughtful balance of cured meats, aged cheeses, and briny olives that would make any traditional charcutier proud.
Ingredients
• 8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces salami (preferably Italian dry-cured), thinly sliced
• 4 ounces chorizo, sliced
• 8 ounces aged cheddar cheese, cubed or sliced
• 6 ounces brie cheese, room temperature
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, and Castelvetrano)
• 1/2 cup marcona almonds
• 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 4 ounces sugar-free dried meat (like biltong or jerky), optional
Step 1:
Remove cheeses from refrigerator 30 minutes before assembly to reach room temperature
Step 2:
Pour olives into a small serving bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step 3:
Place whole grain mustard in a small serving dish
Step 4:
Arrange brie in the center of the board as a focal point
Step 5:
Create flowing curves with prosciutto slices, folding each piece gently for height and texture
Step 6:
Arrange salami and chorizo in fan patterns at different points around the board
Step 7:
Place cheddar cubes and blue cheese crumbles in separate areas, creating visual balance
Step 8:
Fill empty spaces with marcona almonds and fresh raspberries
Step 9:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and drizzle remaining olive oil over cheese
Q: How long can the board sit at room temperature?
A: The board can safely remain at room temperature for up to 2 hours
Q: How do I calculate portions per person?
A: Plan for 2-3 ounces of meat and 2 ounces of cheese per person
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Components can be pre-sliced and stored separately up to 24 hours ahead, but assemble the board no more than 30 minutes before serving
• Choose high-quality, minimally processed meats without added sugars or fillers.
• Let cheese come to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
• Opt for imported aged cheeses when possible for lower carb content.
• For nut allergies, substitute with pork rinds or keto crackers.
• Store-bought mixed olives work well, but avoid those with added sugars.
• Fresh berries can be swapped for blackberries or strawberries in moderation.
Serve at room temperature with small plates and cocktail picks. Provide cheese knives for soft cheeses and small spoons for condiments
Store individual components separately in airtight containers. Meats and cheeses will keep up to 5 days refrigerated. Consume fresh berries within 2 days
Begin assembly 45 minutes before serving to allow cheese to reach room temperature and create optimal presentation
- Roll meat slices instead of laying them flat for more appealing presentation
- Create height variation on the board for visual interest
- Leave some space between items to prevent flavors from mixing
Create a Spanish-themed board by using only Spanish meats and cheeses, or an Italian version with Italian-specific cured meats and aged cheeses
Pair with dry red wine, sparkling water with lemon, or unsweetened iced tea
Year-round, with fresh berry garnish adaptable to seasonal availability
Contains dairy (cheese), tree nuts (marcona almonds). May contain traces of wine (in cured meats) and egg (in some cured meat processing)
