15 Best Meats for a Charcuterie Board

Welcome to the world of charcuterie boards! If you’re looking to make the perfect board, you’ll need the perfect meats. We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down the options to the 15 best meats for a charcuterie board.

From classic Italian salami to the more exotic cured duck, you’re sure to find something for every taste. So whether you’re a meat lover or just looking for an impressive appetizer, these meats for a charcuterie board will be sure to please. Get ready to load up that board!

15 Best meats for a Charcuterie board

1. Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a type of Italian dry-cured ham that is typically thinly sliced and served uncooked. It is known for its sweet, salty, and slightly nutty flavor, as well as its tender texture. Prosciutto is made by rubbing the meat with salt and spices and then allowing it to cure for several months in a cool and dry environment. The curing process helps to preserve the flavor, color, and texture of the meat. Prosciutto is often served as an appetizer with melon or other fruits, or as a main ingredient in salads, sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas.

2. Salami

Salami is a cured, fermented and air-dried sausage originating from Italy. It is made from pork or beef, and is seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, black pepper, fennel, and paprika. Salami is a great addition to any charcuterie board. It adds a delicious salty and savory flavor that pairs well with other meats, cheeses, crackers, olives and pickles. Salami also has a long shelf life, making it a great item to have on hand for entertaining. Salami can be sliced thinly and enjoyed as part of an appetizer or snack, or added to sandwiches or salads for extra flavor.

3. Calabrese

Calabrese is a type of salami that originated in the southern region of Italy known as Calabria. It is made from a combination of pork, beef, and spices and is characterized by a strong flavor and bold, spicy taste. This type of salami is perfect for adding to a charcuterie board. It can be paired with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and other cured meats for a perfect combination of flavors. The bold flavor will stand out against the other elements on the board, making it a great addition to any gathering.

4. Bresaola

Bresaola is another Italian air-dried cured meat that is made from the top round of beef. It has a deep red color and a distinct flavor that comes from being salted and then aged for several months. Bresaola is often served as an antipasto, or appetizer, with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice. It can also be served as part of a salad, in a sandwich, or on top of pizza. Bresaola is a great source of protein and iron, making it a healthy option for anyone looking for lean meats. It’s also an excellent addition to any Italian meal and can even be enjoyed all on its own.

5. Finocchiona

Finocchiona is a classic Italian salami made with pork, pepper, garlic, fennel, and spices. It has a distinctively sweet and savory flavor that makes it a favorite among salami lovers. Finocchiona is usually served as an appetizer, but can also be used to add flavor to sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and other dishes. The salami’s high fat content gives it a soft texture and creamy taste. Finocchiona is also popular in charcuterie boards and as a topping for crostini. Its rich flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of wines.

6. Capocollo

Capocollo is an Italian cold cut made from the dry-cured muscle of the neck or shoulder of a pig. It is usually thinly sliced and served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. It is also known as coppa and is one of the most popular Italian cured meats. Capocollo has a unique flavor, with a hint of smokiness and sweetness, that comes from the curing process. It is typically eaten raw, but can also be cooked. Capocollo pairs well with other Italian dishes like pasta, salads, and pizza and can also be used to make sandwiches, subs, and paninis.

7. Sopressata

Sopressata is an Italian dry-cured salami that is a staple of Italian cuisine. It is made from pork, salt, spices, and various other ingredients depending on the region it is made in. The pork is cut into large pieces and then cured with salt and spices. After curing, it is hung to dry for several weeks or months before it is ready to eat. Sopressata has a bold flavor and a slightly chewy texture that makes it perfect for adding to sandwiches or as part of an antipasto platter. It is also often used as a pizza topping or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes.

8. pepperoni

Pepperoni is a type of salami, usually made from cured pork and beef. It is a popular topping for pizzas, as well as sandwiches and salads. Pepperoni has a spicy flavor, thanks to the addition of red chili pepper flakes, paprika, and garlic powder. It is available in different sizes and shapes, ranging from small slices to large chunks. The most popular pepperoni is the traditional red color, but it can also be found in other shades such as green and black. Its texture varies from soft to hard and its flavor can range from mild to very spicy. Pepperoni is a great way to add an extra burst of flavor to your favorite dishes!

9. Speck

Speck is a type of cured ham that has been smoked and is usually found in the deli or specialty food section of the grocery store. It is made from pork shoulder or ham, and is typically salt-cured and then lightly smoked. This gives it a unique flavor that is both salty and smoky. Speck can be enjoyed as a snack, an ingredient in recipes, or as part of a charcuterie board. It makes a great addition to sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta dishes, and more. The flavor of speck pairs well with other savory ingredients like cheese, mustard, pickles, and olives.

10. Mortadella

Mortadella is a type of Italian cold cut made from finely ground pork and beef that is flavored with spices like black pepper, myrtle berries, nutmeg, and coriander. It also includes cubes of pork fat and sometimes pistachios or olives. It is a popular deli meat enjoyed on sandwiches or as part of an antipasto platter. Mortadella has a soft texture and mild flavor that makes it a great addition to any meal. It is most often served thinly sliced and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even as an ingredient in pasta dishes.

11. Duck Prosciutto

Duck Prosciutto is a delicious and decadent cured meat made from the leg or breast of ducks. It has a deep, savory flavor that is reminiscent of traditional prosciutto, but with its own unique twist. The process for making Duck Prosciutto involves salt curing the legs, then air-drying them for several weeks. The result is an intensely flavorful and versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of dishes. With its delicate texture and rich flavor, Duck Prosciutto is an excellent choice for charcuterie boards or as an appetizer. It can also be used to add a unique touch to salads, pastas, sandwiches, and more.

12. Pancetta

Pancetta is an Italian cured meat made from pork belly, and is a type of bacon. It is seasoned with black pepper, salt, and sometimes other spices such as nutmeg or fennel, and then cured for several weeks or months. Pancetta has a delicious flavor that is slightly sweet and salty, with a slightly smoky taste. It can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta sauces, salads, soups, and fried rice. Pancetta is also great for adding flavor to dishes like omelets, sandwiches, and pizza. Pancetta is a great addition to any meal and can be used in many different recipes.

13. Pâté

Pâté is a type of food made from a mixture of cooked and finely chopped or pureed meats, vegetables, and spices. It is typically served spread on crackers or toast as an appetizer or snack, but can also be served as part of a main course. Pâté can be found in many different varieties and flavors from around the world, and is often seen as a delicacy. It can be made from a variety of ingredients including chicken, duck, fish, pork, or even vegetarian options such as mushrooms or beans. Pâté is typically made with liver as the base ingredient, which gives it its signature richness and flavor. It is known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite amongst many foodies.

14. Chorizo

Chorizo is a type of spiced pork sausage originating from Spain and Portugal. It is usually made with smoked and cured pork, garlic, paprika, and other spices. Chorizo can be eaten fresh or cured and is often used to flavor dishes such as stews, soups, omelets, and sauces. It can also be added to a variety of dishes to give them a smoky, spicy flavor. Chorizo is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes to add a delicious depth of flavor.

15. Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked turkey breast is a popular item to add to a charcuterie board. It has a rich smoky flavor that pairs well with many other items such as cheeses, crackers, and fruits. The texture of smoked turkey breast is slightly firmer than other types of deli meat, which makes it ideal for slicing thin and adding to sandwiches. It can also be served cold or heated up and served warm as an entrée. Smoked turkey breast is a versatile item that adds a unique flavor to any type of charcuterie board.