How to Elevate Your Holiday Charcuterie Boards

Hot Honey Syrup bottle in the background, with someone drizzling Hot Honey Syrup on a charcuterie board in the foreground.

Hot Honey Syrup bottle in the background, with someone drizzling Hot Honey Syrup on a charcuterie board in the foreground.

Whether you prefer sweet or savory, want to go all-out with gourmet ingredients, or like to keep it simple with classic cheese and crackers, a charcuterie board is a delicious and creative addition to any holiday party menu. “Charcuterie” is a French term that refers to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats, cheeses, and other complementary foods on a board or platter. The beauty of charcuterie lies in its versatility, as it can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. Keep reading for our favorite Monin flavorings to upgrade your holiday charcuterie boards!

Compound Butter and Cheese Spreads

Compound butter made with fresh herbs, sitting on a cutting board, with additional ingredients in the background

#1 Ginger Scallion Compound Butter

If you're a fan of spreads and fancy butters, you'll love these compound butter recipes. One option is the Ginger Scallion Compound Butter. This tangy twist on garlic and herb butter is bursting with flavor thanks to a delicious combination of scallions, minced garlic, fresh lime zest, and Monin Ginger Concentrated Flavor. Spread it on bread or crackers, or use it as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

#2 Hot Honey Compound Butter

Spice up your board with this Hot Honey Compound Butter! Simply mix Monin Hot Honey Syrup with salt, blend it into softened butter, and enjoy over your favorite crackers or bread for a sweet and spicy kick.

#3 Boursin Cheese Spread

One recipe that's sure to impress your guests is our popular Boursin Cheese Spread. Start by mixing softened cream cheese with sour cream, then add Italian parsley, chives, Monin Basil Concentrated Flavor, and tart lemon juice. Include this delicious Boursin cheese alongside your favorite charcuterie crackers, fruit, and meats for a tasty addition to your board.

#4 Irish Cream Honey Butter

Have you ever tried the magical combination of sweet butter and Monin Irish Cream Syrup? If not, there’s no time like the present! Just spread this Irish Cream Honey Butter on a piece of crusty bread and you've got a mouth-watering treat. This easy butter spread is both delicious and a unique charcuterie board idea to try at your next get-together.

#5 Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

You know what will really take your holiday charcuterie board to the next level? The addition of a cream cheese fruit dip! This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of Monin Cranberry Syrup for a flavor explosion that’s pure holiday magic!

#6 Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Like having more of a kick to your dip? Made with Monin Habanero Lime Syrup, this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is sweet and spicy, providing a tart burst of flavor that pairs well with meats, cheese, and even fresh veggies.

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Hummus, Dips, and Pesto

Bright pink beet hummus sitting atop a board with veggies, and bread slices.

#8 Ginger Beet Hummus

Add vibrant color to your holiday charcuterie board with this homemade Ginger Beet Hummus. This magenta-colored dip is visually stunning and packed with flavor. Blend chickpeas, cooked beets, tahini paste, Monin Ginger Concentrated Flavor, and voila! You have a delicious, bold hummus that makes a great dairy-free dip for your plant-based pals.

#9 Basil Hummus

Monin Basil Concentrated Flavor is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish, including a classic hummus platter! Add a dollop of Basil Hummus to your board and watch as your guests rave about its fresh and zesty flavor.

#10 Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Swap basil for cilantro in this unique pesto recipe that infuses bold, savory flavor into your charcuterie pairings. Monin Coconut Purée adds a creamy texture and tropical flair to this Cilantro-Coconut Pesto, and Monin Coconut Syrup gives it an extra boost of coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright flavor of cilantro.

#11 Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

Another popular addition to any board is a refreshing Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce. This Mediterranean sauce is made with yogurt, Monin Cucumber Concentrated Flavor, garlic, and dill. This cucumber dip is cool and tangy, and goes well with rich, savory cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables for a perfect balance of flavors.

Fruit-Forward Flavors

blueberry chutney in a white bowl, on a marble tray

#12 Blueberry Chutney

When it comes to charcuterie, berries are always a great addition. The deep, rich flavor of blueberries pairs perfectly with salty meats like prosciutto or salami, and their sweet, jammy quality provides a lovely counterbalance to sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Try adding blueberry compote or this Blueberry Chutney recipe to your next cheese board!

#13 Strawberry Compote

Mix fresh strawberries with Monin Strawberry Rose Syrup for a delectably unique strawberry compote. You can drizzle this Strawberry Rose Compote over your favorite cheese, spread it on a cracker, or simply enjoy it on its own for a burst of fruity, floral flavor.

Sweet and Spicy Add-Ons

overhead shot of pickles in a jar with dill and other pickling ingredients.

#14 Sweet and Spicy Pickles

It's no secret that all great charcuterie boards need a fancy pickled element. For those who want something a little different than your typical dill, Sweet and Spicy Pickles are a delicious swicy addition to your board. These are made by using Monin Cucumber Syrup and a blend of spices that create the perfect balance of heat and sweet.

#15 Hot Honey Rosemary Candied Nuts

Go nuts for this spicy nuts recipe featuring our Flavor of the Year, Monin Hot Honey Syrup. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, this Hot Honey Rosemary Candied Nuts recipe will elevate any occasion.

#16 Bacon-Wrapped Raspberry Jalapeño Poppers

Get ready for an explosion of flavor with Bacon Wrapped Raspberry Jalapeño Poppers! Jalapeños are stuffed with a cream cheese filling that’s infused with Wildberry Fruit Purée. Bacon's smoky, savory flavor amplifies this appetizer’s sweet and spicy notes.

#17 Hibiscus Pickled Onions

Looking to add a floral twist to pickled onions? These Hibiscus Pickled Onions are made with Monin Hibiscus Syrup, which infuses the onions with a vibrant magenta color and tart hibiscus flavor. Beautifully bright, these pickled onions pack a flavorful punch.

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