Entertaining with Protea Foods Biltong: The Perfect Charcuterie Board
Ready to take your charcuterie game to the next level? Whether you’re having a small house gathering with friends or a lavish celebration, a charcuterie board isn’t quite complete without some delicious biltong and droewors. Part of what makes an event or dinner party successful is the quality of food on offer – and who doesn’t love an impressive charcuterie display. From a selection of different cheeses, dips, crackers, fruit, deli meats, nuts, biltong and droewors, you have the perfect classic platter arrangement that won’t disappoint. This article will look into how you can create the ultimate grazing board with biltong and why it’s the perfect complimentary addition to any platter. Let’s build it together.
Why Protea Foods Biltong Is the Secret Ingredient on a Charcuterie Board
Although not quite the same as beef jerky, biltong is known for being a much healthier option for dried meat snack lovers. Air dried, packed with flavour and delicious savoury spices, it’s no wonder biltong has become a favourite addition to a charcuterie board spread. Here are some of the reasons why it deserves to be centre of attention:
Tender & full of rich flavour: The delightful flavours and spices of biltong (vinegar, coriander and black pepper) adds a beautiful depth alongside other complementary snacks such as crackers, cheese and dip.
High in protein & low in sugar: Perfect for those who are watching their weight & looking for a healthy snack option. It pairs beautifully with dried fruit, pickles and dark chocolate.
Low carb treat: Eat as much biltong as you like without feeling guilty. Because it comes in smaller slices and strips, it’s an easy treat to enjoy while grazing.
Looks inviting on the grazing board: Biltong is always a stand out on any grazing platter. This cured and air-dried meat snack adds a palatable rich texture and is a super enticing option for guests. Whether you have biltong connoisseurs or those who have never tried it before, it will certainly add a unique focal point on your charcuterie board.
The perfect companion to wine, spritzers, beer and champagne: The natural saltiness of biltong paired with your favourite alcoholic beverage is a winner. It brings a nice balance to any celebratory event.
Steps to Creating the Perfect Biltong Platter
Whether you’re a novice or somewhat of a seasoned charcuterie board expert, we have come up with an infallible way to arrange your platter - taking into consideration food density, colour and vibrant flavours.
Bring out the Protea Foods biltong first: Choose from freshly sliced Traditional Biltong, Peri-Peri Chilli Biltong, BBQ Flavoured Biltong, Spicy Biltong Sichuan, Spanish Paprika and Droewors. With a variety of different flavours at your disposal, there is something to suit every taste palette. Either place the biltong slices/pieces in one area or spread out on the board – whatever tickles your fancy.
Add some crunch: Go ahead and add some water crackers, parmesan crisps, French stick, almonds and walnuts for the perfect charcuterie balance. Choose your own design style – either heap it all together or spread it out on the board in perfectly aligned sections.
Add some delicious cheesey bites: Cheese and biltong make are perfectly aligned in every way. The smooth and soft texture of cheese combined with the dense and chewy flavours of biltong are simply irresistible. Choose blue cheese, camembert, brie, crumbly aged cheddar or soft goat’s cheese for a delicious blend of textures and flavours. Place cheese near some crackers and biltong slices to impress your guests.
Fresh & dried fruit: Find a balance between the natural sweetness of fruit and salty taste of biltong. Fruit provides an extra pop of colour on the grazing board that is hard to resist. Some of the most popular dried fruits includes Medjool Dates, Figs, Apricots & Apple slices. For fresh fruit, think grapes, figs, pomegranates and pear.
Scatter some dips on the board: Enhance your charcuterie board with a few delicious dips. Select yummy textures and flavours ranging from hummus, eggplant, pesto or beetroot – complementing your biltong platter in the best way possible.
Finally: Get Creative
There are no set rules when it comes to how you garnish your biltong charcuterie board. Once your staple ingredients are included (biltong being the main one, of course), go ahead and fill those missing gaps with some rosemary sprigs, rocket leaves or even some edible flowers.
You could even add some South African staples like Vetkoek, Chakalaka, and Roosterkoek to complement your charcuterie board food platter. Happy biltong grazing!