Your Charcuterie Board Is Begging For Truffle Honey

Charcuterie boards, although they may have been popularized thanks to social media, are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they've been around since the Renaissance period, when they held mostly cured meats and other tasty pairings. Today, you'll find a variety of ingredients on your board, whether that's sweet jams, an assortment of unique cheeses, or even chocolate.

While those may be some of the more common fixings, there's a charcuterie board ingredient you may not have thought of  — truffle honey. This condiment has a noticeable aroma and an earthy taste to it, thanks to the truffles that are imbued into it. Those tasting notes work perfectly with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and other goodies that you'll commonly have on your charcuterie board. Plus, this rare ingredient's presence on your spread elevates the entire array of items and makes for a snack that feels like a feast fit for a king.

When pairing truffle honey, the key is to think about a balance of flavors. If it's cheeses you want to pair with, salty and savory flavors such as blue cheese or a sharp cheddar can work well against the rich, earthy, and sweet notes of the honey. You can also go for aged varieties or sheep's cheeses which help accentuate the unique subtleties of this sweet condiment.

For those who prefer meats with their honey, you can go for rich, umami-forward meats. Prosciutto, for instance, fits this bill as does bresaola. They have a fatty flavor and salty finish that makes them perfect for pairing with a sugary topping. You could also try salty picks like pancetta, which can offset its sweetness.

Finally, if it's just bread and crackers you want to stick with, there are options there too. A rich, buttery croissant can be a good fit. Just chop it into smaller pieces or go with mini croissants as part of your charcuterie. You could also pair the honey with another rich bread, such as brioche, or even small flaky pastries.

The easiest option is to simply set out a jar of the sweet condiment and allow guests to drizzle it over their choice of meats, cheeses, and bread. This way, they're in control of how much or how little they use. Just make sure to organize your ingredients around the container of honey, using it as a centerpiece for the spread. 

Another option is to put it directly on a block of cheese. This is a good way to ration the honey since it's so rare, this helps stretch it while still ensuring your guests can take advantage of the flavors. If you go this route, a round of creamy brie could work well thanks to its earthy flavors.

You can also play with other forms of this sugary topping and mix it with additional items. Create a unique, earthy honey mustard with it, or stir it into a spicy sriracha for a bit of a bite. Another choice might be to use a version that comes with the honeycomb, allowing for an extra pop of texture and flavor when guests add it to their snacks. No matter how you display it, using this charcuterie board tip and incorporating truffle honey is a surefire way to take your spread to the next level.