A great charcuterie board is all about balance, and the right spreads can make every bite more interesting. Sweet, savory, creamy, and textured options give guests plenty of ways to pair cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and bread.
Sweet Spreads
Fruit spreads bring sweetness and acidity to balance salty meats and rich cheeses. Fig jam is a classic with Brie or blue cheese, while apricot preserves are a natural match for prosciutto. Strawberry balsamic jam works beautifully with Gouda or Camembert, and cranberry-orange relish adds a festive tang alongside aged cheeses. For a fall-inspired board, apple butter brings warm spice and sweetness.
For plenty of fruit-forward options, check out Dalmatia, which offers spreads such as Fig, Fig Orange, Sour Cherry, Quince, Organic Strawberry, and Tangerine.
Savory Spreads
Savory options add depth and a little more punch. Whole grain mustard brings tang and texture to cured meats, and Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard is a great brand to explore for a range of bold, flavorful mustards. Olive tapenade adds robust Mediterranean flavor, while hummus is an easy crowd-pleaser with vegetables, crackers, and meats.
For something richer, pâté adds a touch of French flair. Chicken liver, duck liver, and vegetarian varieties all have a place on the board. Alexian and Three Little Pigs are both worth exploring for their selections of pâtés, mousses, rillettes, and other savory specialties.
Cheese Spreads
Cheese-based spreads are another easy way to build flavor into the board. Pine River offers a wide range, including Sharp Cheddar, Swiss & Almond, Garlic & Herb, Port Wine, Cranberry Cheddar, and Raspberry Chipotle.
Presentation Matters
Serve spreads in small bowls to keep the board organized, and provide small knives or spoons for easy serving. Most importantly, mix up the textures—creamy, chunky, and smooth spreads give guests more variety and make the board feel abundant without adding a dozen more cheeses.
The cheese may be the star, but a good spread knows how to steal a few bites!