Charcuterie Board with Honey and Walnuts: Wine Pairing Guide

Charcuterie Board with Honey and Walnuts: The Ultimate Wine Pairing Experience

There’s something magical about gathering friends and family around a beautifully arranged charcuterie board. The mix of savory cured meats, creamy cheeses, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts creates a sensory delight that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply want to elevate your weekend snacks, a charcuterie board with honey and walnuts is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And let’s not forget the wine—pairing the right bottle with your board can turn a simple spread into a memorable dining experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a charcuterie board that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy, plus share expert wine pairing tips to help you find the perfect match.

About This Dish

The charcuterie board is a celebration of culinary diversity, bringing together flavors and textures from around the world. Originating in Europe, the concept of a charcuterie board has evolved in the United States to reflect our multicultural food culture. Today, it’s not just about cured meats and cheeses; it’s about creativity, personalization, and sharing. The addition of honey and walnuts adds a touch of sweetness and crunch that balances the saltiness of the meats and cheeses, making this board a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, a charcuterie board with honey and walnuts is a versatile and elegant choice.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

The magic of a charcuterie board lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and satisfying experience:

Cured Meats: These provide the savory, umami-rich backbone of the board. Popular choices include prosciutto, salami, and lomo. Their saltiness and richness pair beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the nuttiness of walnuts.
Cheeses: A variety of cheeses adds creaminess, tang, and depth. Soft cheeses like burrata and goat cheese contrast with the sharpness of aged cheddar and the nuttiness of Gouda. The creaminess of the cheeses also helps to mellow out the saltiness of the meats.
Honey: This natural sweetener adds a floral, golden touch that complements both the meats and cheeses. Its viscosity also makes it a perfect drizzle for the board.
Walnuts: These add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that ties everything together. Toasted walnuts, in particular, bring out their natural oils and enhance their aroma.

When it comes to wine pairing, these ingredients offer a range of flavors and textures to work with. The saltiness of the meats and cheeses calls for wines with good acidity to cut through the richness, while the sweetness of the honey and the nuttiness of the walnuts pair well with wines that have a touch of fruitiness or nuttiness themselves.

Recipe: Charcuterie Board with Honey and Walnuts

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8-10 people

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1 (4 oz) ball burrata cheese
1 (4.23 oz) bag garlic-parsley toast rounds
1 (5.3 oz) package fresh goat cheese (in pyramid shape)
¼ cup creamy unfiltered honey
16 cracked pepper water crackers
1 (4 oz) wedge triple crème soft-ripened Brie cheese
¼ cup fig spread
¼ cup Marcona almonds
1 (5.3 oz) wedge Gouda cheese
¼ cup apricot spread
8 pecan shortbread cookies
1 (6 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup hot jalapeño pepper jelly
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
Fresh mint, chopped for garnish
Bread for serving (optional)

Instructions

Drain the burrata and pat it dry. Place it on a large serving platter or cutting board. Arrange the garlic-parsley toast rounds around the burrata.
Remove the goat cheese from its packaging, keeping the pyramid shape intact. Place the goat cheese pyramid on the platter. Put the honey in a small bowl and place it next to the goat cheese. Surround both with water crackers.
Cut the Brie into ¼-inch-thick wedges and fan them out next to the toast rounds. Put the fig spread in a small bowl and place it next to the Brie. Put the Marcona almonds in a small bowl and place them next to the fig spread.
Cut the Gouda into ¼-inch-thick slices and fan them out on the platter. Halve the pecan shortbread cookies. Put the apricot spread in a small bowl and place it next to the Gouda. Arrange the cookies next to the apricot spread.
Cut the sharp cheddar into ¼-inch-thick slices and fan them out on the platter. Put the jalapeño pepper jelly in a small bowl and place it next to the cheddar.
Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the board. Garnish with chopped fresh mint.
Serve with bread on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per ⅛ recipe serving)

Calories: 640
Total Fat: 37g
Sat Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Chol: 80mg
Sodium: 760mg
Total Carb: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Total Sugar: 30g (Incl. 27g Added Sugars)
Protein: 23g
Vitamin D: 0%
Calc: 40%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 2%

Perfect Wine Pairings

Pairing wine with a charcuterie board is all about balance. The saltiness of the meats and cheeses calls for wines with good acidity to cleanse the palate, while the sweetness of the honey and the nuttiness of the walnuts pair well with wines that have a touch of fruitiness or nuttiness. Here are some top wine recommendations for your charcuterie board with honey and walnuts:

1. California Chardonnay ($15-25)

A buttery, oaked Chardonnay from California is a classic pairing for creamy cheeses and rich meats. Look for bottles from Napa or Sonoma, which offer a balance of fruitiness and acidity. The wine’s creamy texture complements the burrata and goat cheese, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the meats.

2. Oregon Pinot Noir ($20-30)

Pinot Noir from Oregon is known for its bright acidity and red fruit flavors, making it a versatile choice for charcuterie boards. Its light body and subtle earthiness pair well with the saltiness of the meats and the sweetness of the honey. You’ll find excellent options at Total Wine and Trader Joe’s.

3. Spanish Garnacha ($12-20)

Garnacha (Grenache) from Spain is a fruit-forward red with soft tannins and a hint of spice. Its juicy red fruit flavors and gentle warmth make it a great match for the nuttiness of the walnuts and the sweetness of the honey. Look for bottles from the Priorat or Rioja regions.

4. French Sauternes ($20-30)

For a truly indulgent pairing, try a sweet Sauternes from France. Its honeyed notes and rich texture are a natural match for the honey and walnuts on your board. Sauternes also pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses, creating a luxurious experience.

When shopping for wine, check out local wine shops, Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, and BevMo for a wide selection of these styles. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations—most wine shops are happy to help you find the perfect bottle for your charcuterie board.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Creating a charcuterie board is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. Here are some professional tips to help you make your board a showstopper:

Balance Your Flavors: Aim for a mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. This keeps each bite interesting and satisfying.
Arrange with Intention: Place the cheeses and meats in clusters, with small bowls for spreads and jams. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers for garnish.
Let the Cheese Breathe: Take the cheeses out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow their flavors to develop.
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their aroma, making them a standout addition to your board.
Use a Variety of Textures: Mix soft cheeses with hard cheeses, and creamy spreads with crunchy nuts and crackers.

Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the board, using only one type of cheese or meat, and forgetting to balance sweet and savory elements. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a charcuterie board that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

A charcuterie board is perfect for entertaining, but it’s also a great way to treat yourself. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your board:

Set the Scene: Use a large wooden board or platter for a rustic look, or a marble slab for a more elegant vibe. Add small bowls for spreads and jams, and use cheese knives for easy serving.
Accompaniments: Serve with a variety of breads, crackers, and fresh fruit. Apples, grapes, and pears are classic choices that pair well with the flavors on your board.
Wine Pairing: Offer a selection of wines to complement the board. Use the wine pairing tips above to guide your choices, or let your guests explore with the help of the Vinomat app.
Dining Experience: Create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with candles, soft music, and comfortable seating. Encourage guests to graze and mingle, making the experience as enjoyable as the food.

Conclusion

A charcuterie board with honey and walnuts is more than just a snack—it’s an experience. With its mix of flavors, textures, and aromas, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. And when paired with the right wine, it becomes a true celebration of food and wine pairing. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a curious beginner, this board is sure to impress. For more wine pairing ideas and expert tips, download the Vinomat app and discover the perfect match for your next charcuterie board.