A great charcuterie board is about more than just cheese. The right selection of cured meats adds texture, flavor, and a sense of discovery, creating the kind of spread that keeps guests gathering around for just one more bite. From traditional European hams to inventive salami flavors and convenient snack-ready options, today’s specialty meat category offers something for every occasion.
One company helping bring authentic European flavors to American tables is Maestri. Rooted in a three-generation European family tradition, Maestri began in Parma, Italy, and spent decades exploring the charcuterie traditions of Spain, France, and Germany to curate exceptional deli meats. Today, the company imports these specialties directly to the United States and slices each ham fresh in its state-of-the-art facility, offering chefs and consumers a direct connection to some of Europe’s most celebrated cured meats.
For those building an authentic charcuterie experience, Maestri’s lineup offers plenty of inspiration.
- The company’s Charcuterie Strips showcase traditional European craftsmanship. Their Prosciutto is made from carefully selected bone-in pork hams raised in Europe and slow-cured in the Parma region for at least 400 days using only pork and Mediterranean sea salt. Alongside Prosciutto, the collection includes Speck, Pancetta, and Guanciale, each delivering its own distinctive character.
- Maestri’s Antipasto Trays make entertaining simple with ready-to-serve combinations such as Classico featuring Prosciutto, Salami, and Coppa; Panino with Prosciutto and Provolone; and Rustico featuring Salame and Spianata.
- For those who appreciate delicate slicing, the Fresh Slice Trays feature ultra-thin, hand-laid slices designed to maximize flavor and texture. Available varieties include Salame, Speck, Spianata, Coppa, and Prosciutto.
- The brand also offers a selection of pre-sliced European specialties sourced from family-run producers throughout Europe, including Jamón Ibérico, Jamón Serrano, and Salame Rustico, bringing a taste of Spain and beyond to the charcuterie board.
As snacking continues to influence specialty food categories, charcuterie has evolved beyond entertaining and into everyday occasions.
Creminelli combines traditional curing techniques with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. No matter how they’re enjoyed, Creminelli products are made from 100% U.S. heritage pork raised in open living conditions, with no added nitrates and no antibiotics ever.
- Its popular 3-Chamber Snack Trays pair charcuterie, cheese, and accompaniments in convenient grab-and-go formats. Flavor combinations include Casalingo, Cheddar, and Cherries; Genoa, Provolone, and Crackers; and Sliced Sopressata, Monterey Jack, and Crackers.
- The 2-Chamber Snack Trays offer equally satisfying pairings, including Casalingo and Aged Gouda, Calabrese and Smoked Provolone, and Prosciutto and Mozzarella. They’re an easy way to enjoy a balanced charcuterie experience without assembling an entire board.
For consumers looking for something a little unexpected, Brooklyn Cured brings bold flavor combinations inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Brooklyn, New York.
- Its Salami Chubs showcase both classic and contemporary profiles. Traditional favorites like Finocchiona and Sweet Sopressata share shelf space with more adventurous offerings such as Rye Whiskey Orange, Mezcal and Lime, Bourbon Sour and Cherry, Belgian Ale Lemon Zest, and Black Truffle.
- Brooklyn Cured’s sliced Bresaola offers another unique addition to charcuterie boards. This classic Italian-style cured beef is seasoned with herbs and spices and delivers a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with olive oil, lemon, fresh greens, and aged cheeses. Available in Original and Calabrian Chili varieties, it offers a welcome alternative to pork-based charcuterie.
- For easy entertaining, the brand’s Salami Trios bring multiple flavor profiles together in one package. Available in both Beef and Italian assortments, the trios feature combinations such as Sweet Sopressata, Hot Sopressata, and Finocchiona, making it easy to offer something for every palate.
Whether the goal is authentic European tradition, convenient snacking, or bold modern flavors, today’s charcuterie category offers more variety than ever. Pairing quality cured meats with specialty cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, olives, and artisan crackers can transform a simple gathering into a memorable food experience.
From Maestri’s centuries-old European influences to Creminelli’s snack-ready pairings and Brooklyn Cured’s creative flavor combinations, these specialty meats prove that a well-built charcuterie board is as much about the charcuterie as it is the cheese.