4th of July Appetizer } Charcuterie Board

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons and Safeway store.  The opinions and text are all mine.

The perfect 4th of July Appetizer is a patriotic charcuterie board.  Gather together  your favorite red and blue fruits and add meat and cheese.

Next to Christmas, my favorite holiday is the 4th of July!  I love the opportunity to celebrate our amazing country but I also love a good red, white and blue color scheme.  Not only do I like to decorate with it and wear it but I love to match my food to the color scheme.  A patriotic charcuterie board is the perfect way to do that!  It will be the hit of your party and not only will your guests love eating it but it will be a festive and colorful addition to your table.

How to make a Patriotic Charcuterie Board

Pick an appropriate board.

You don’t have to use a board made specifically for charctuerie, although there are lots of lovely ones out there. You can use a wooden cutting board you already have in your cupboard.  I have used a cookie sheet, a large piece of tile leftover from a remodel and a plate.  For my 4th of July appetizer I used a white enamel pan with a red edge to add to the color scheme.

Start your board with your meats and cheeses.

They are the backbone and centerpiece of any good charcuterie board.

Select your cheeses.

Use a mixture of soft and hard cheeses. For this board I used Manchego Cheese,  Double Cream Brie and a soft goat cheese all from Primo Taglio®  which I are available exclusively at my local Albertsons and Safeway store.  You will find it in the deli section. The Primo Taglio products are all made with the best ingredients and you will find a nice assortment of  cheeses  that are perfect for your patriotic cheeseboard.  The cheeses have no artificial flavors or colors and are made with high quality ingredients, old world recipes and are naturally aged for up to 2 years which gives you great flavor and texture.

Select your meats.

Charcuterie is a French word for meat. Two of my favorite meats to use on a cheeseboard are salami and prosciutto.  But you can also use turkey, roast beef or any other thinly sliced meat.  I love that Primo Taglio prosciutto has no msg or fillers.

You want a combination of sweet and savory items on your charcuterie board.

Since this is a 4th of July appetizer, I used an assortment of red and blue fruits for the sweet.  Red grapes, cherries, raspberries, blueberries and some delicious strawberry salsa worked perfectly.  An addition of some chocolate is always a good idea too!  For my savory items I always include some kind of nut, marcona almonds are one of my favorites but almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios are great too.

Something to dip into.

I like to include something like a hummus or salsa that people can dip their cracker into or add a spoonful of with their meat and cheese.  To go with the red, white and blue theme, I used a bowl of my yummy Strawberry salsa.

Add a variety of breads, crackers and chips. 

Of course, you need something to put that meat and cheese on so I always fill in around everything else with sliced baguette, crackers and chips.  Use a variety of shapes and colors for interest.  Blue corn chips worked great with my color scheme and were perfect for dipping into the strawberry salsa.

How much meat and cheese do I need?

• I suggest 3 different cheeses when you are serving 4-6 people.  If you are serving more add an additional cheese for every 2-3 people.
• I use 2 meats for 4-6 people adding in an additional meat for every 2-3 additional people.
• Plan on 2 oz. of meat and 2 oz. of cheese per person.

Variety is the key to a good cheeseboard.  A variety of flavors, textures and shapes make it not only visually pleasing but delicious too.

A patriotic cheeseboard or charcuterie board is a fun way to dress up your holiday celebration.  I love the effect it has on people as they gather around, enjoying all the yumminess but also visiting and sharing conversation.  It is the perfect gathering place for your party.

Discover savings on Primo Taglio® items now through just for U® at local Albertsons and Safeway stores.  You can pick up a great selection of meats and cheeses as well as other great ingredients for your patriotic charcuterie board.  Note: Offer valid through campaign dates 6/16-7/8

Check out these other fun snack board ideas:

• Fall Snack Board
• After School Snack Board
• Hummus Snack Board
• How to Make the Perfect Relish Tray
• Quick and Easy Cheese Board