Decadent Mini Charcuterie Boards: 

Bite-Sized Perfection

These mini charcuterie boards are the perfect way to impress your guests with a gourmet appetizer that's both beautiful and delicious. They're ideal for parties, potlucks, or even a romantic date night in. Plus, they're small enough for portion control and social media-worthy thanks to their elegant presentation.

Ingredients (for 4 mini charcuterie boards):

For the Boards:

• 4 small slate boards, wooden boards, or small plates
• Parchment paper (optional)

For the Meats:

• 2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 2 ounces salami, thinly sliced
• 2 ounces bresaola (air-dried beef), thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Cheeses:

• 2 ounces goat cheese log
• 2 ounces blue cheese crumbles
• 2 ounces brie cheese wedges

For the Accompaniments:

• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and marinated (variety of flavors encouraged)
• 1/2 cup red grapes
• 1/4 cup sliced marcona almonds
• 2 tablespoons fig jam or chutney (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
• Crackers of your choice (variety recommended)

Instructions:

1 - Prepare the Boards (Optional):

• If using wooden boards, consider lining them with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Cut the parchment paper to a size slightly larger than the board and fold the edges over to create a decorative border.

2 - Arrange the Meats:

• Start by creating a base layer on each board with folded slices of prosciutto or salami.
• Drape or arrange the remaining slices of meat artistically across the board, leaving some space for the other components.
• Scatter a few dried cranberries throughout the meat for pops of color and sweetness.

3 - Add the Cheeses:

• Place a dollop of goat cheese on each board. You can leave it plain or drizzle with a touch of honey for added sweetness.
• Crumble the blue cheese and scatter it over another section of the board.
• Arrange wedges of brie cheese on a corner of each board.

4 - Incorporate the Accompaniments:

• Fill in any empty spaces on the boards with green olives, red grapes, and marcona almonds.
• If using fig jam or chutney, place a small dollop in a decorative spoon or ramekin on the board.
• Garnish each board with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of elegance.

5 - Serve:

Arrange the mini charcuterie boards on a serving platter or tray. Surround them with your favorite crackers for guests to create their perfect bites.

Tips:

• Get creative with your ingredients! You can substitute different types of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts based on your preferences and what's available.
• Consider adding a touch of sweet with dried figs, dates, or honey-roasted nuts.
• If you're short on time, pre-sliced meats and cheeses are a great option.
• Prepare the boards in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
• Make it a vegetarian option! Swap cured meats for marinated artichoke hearts, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tofu cubes.

These bite-sized charcuterie boards are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful variety of textures and flavors in every bite.