Make the Perfect Holiday Party Charcuterie Board
Making a holiday charcuterie board is a great way to share delicious food, featuring South Dakota products. Many of the local meats, cheeses, and condiments used in these boards are made possible by South Dakota soybean farmers.
Soybeans provide high-quality feed for livestock, helping produce the flavorful meats and cheeses we enjoy during the holidays. Here’s how to put together a holiday-themed charcuterie board inspired by local favorites, with a connection to the farmers who grow the soybeans behind these products.
Our Favorite South Dakota-Made Food Products
Specialty Meats
Cured meats from The Meat Lodge or Lee’s Meats & Sausages, add a lot of variety to your holiday charcuterie board. Rolled slices of their meats give the board a neat and festive look.
Flavorful Cheeses
Cheese is essential for any charcuterie board. Dimock Dairy’s cheese blocks, such as blue cheddar or garlic and parsley, add exciting flavors to the spread. Stensland’s Farms cheese curds also add a fun option with a range of flavors.
Artisan Breads
Breadico’s fresh artisan loaves, like French bread or raisin bread, pair well with the meats and cheeses, giving plenty of options for building the perfect bite.
Hand-Crafted Condiments
Prairie Berry’s spiced orange cranberry jam bring a touch of sweetness to balance the savory meats and cheeses.
How to Style Your Holiday Charcuterie Board
Here are five tips for building a standout holiday charcuterie board with South Dakota-made products:
Vary Textures and Flavors
Use a mix of soft and firm cheeses, such as blue cheddar and cheese curds, along with mild and spicy meats. Rolled meats from The Meat Lodge add a clean look to the board.
Balance Salty with Sweet
Fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds, grapes, and berries lighten up the rich, salty meats and cheeses. Jams and honey add sweetness and another layer of flavor.
Use Bread and Crackers
Add crunchy crackers and toasted slices of Breadico’s loaves to give guests plenty of choices for building their snacks.
Garnish with Seasonal Accents
Seasonal herbs like rosemary or thyme, dried cranberries, and spiced nuts add color and flavor, making the board feel festive.
Pair with Local Drinks
Finish the board with Prairie Berry wine or Miner Brewing beer. For something different, add deviled eggs made with eggs from Dakota Layers.
Bonus Tip: Keep the charcuterie board in the fridge until about 20 minutes before serving. Meats and cheeses taste better closer to room temperature.
A Holiday Charcuterie Board That Supports Local
Building a holiday charcuterie board with South Dakota products is not only a delicious way to celebrate the season but also a chance to support the farmers who grow soybeans and raise livestock.
Soybeans play a key role in feeding the animals that provide many of the meats and cheeses found on your holiday board. Visit local shops like The Meat Lodge, Breadico, and Carrot Seed Kitchen to find these ingredients, and enjoy supporting South Dakota farmers and businesses.
