Our ultimate guide to the perfect charcuterie board.

If you’re anything like us, anytime is a good time to gather around a charcuterie board for a little 5 à 7! To help you get inspired, we’ve put together a quick guide to building a local, responsible happy hour spread. 

Step 1: It all starts with the right foundation. Whether you opt for a classic board, a decorative plate, or a fancy serving tray, the ideal dish makes sharing even more enjoyable. From a solo snack plate to a feast for the whole crew, choosing the right size board for your spread will make sure everyone leaves satisfied.

Step 2: A well-curated selection of local cheeses is a must. Explore the diversity of Quebec’s cheese-making heritage with a mix of hard and soft cheeses, plus a selection of goat and sheep’s milk varieties. We opted for Fromagerie du Presbytère’s Le Bleu d'Élizabeth, the creamy Le Cousin from Fromagerie Médard, and a spreadable goat cheese. 

Step 3: Pancetta, prosciutto, pepperoni, chorizo, and more from trusted local butchers. Add some variety with a mix of thinly sliced cold cuts and firm, flavourful dry sausage, handmade with forest-grazed pork by Ferme des Quatre-Temps. Go the extra mile with decorative flowers made from Fermes Valens' salami or Gusta’s plant-based sandwich slices.

Step 4: Freshen up your spread with seasonal fruit and veg. Between our urban farms and our dedicated partners, there’s no shortage of freshness on our Marketplace this time of year. Balance out the richness of your spread with rooftop cucumbers, greenhouse tomatoes, responsible citrus, and local apples, always grown without synthetic pesticides. 

Step 5: Every charcuterie staple needs its perfect vessel. Slice into a morning-baked baguette from one of our partner bakeries, or toast up a gluten-free version so there’s something for everyone. Add a bit of crunch with sourdough crackers from Carbs Bakery or a handful of Humble’s sea salt ridged potato chips (which pair heavenly with a soft, buttery cheese - just trust us!). 

Step 6: Play around with flavour and texture with briny olives, fresh herbs, nuts, and more. The right sides, spreads, and garnishes can elevate even the simplest board, bridging the gap between contrasting flavours. A drizzle of honey will mellow the tang of a bold blue, and a blueberry jam can add a touch of tartness to a creamy goat cheese. Experiment with pairing your bites with local wines, beers, or even kombuchas! 

Feeling hungry yet? Head to the Marketplace and start customizing your basket with all your favourite responsible charcuterie essentials.