As a rule, when creating a charcuterie board you should include at least two cheeses. A soft cheese that will melt in your mouth and a cheese with a stronger more elevated flavor profile with a bit of a bite to it. For this particular board, I decided to keep things simple, and instead of filling the board up completely, I wanted to give our featured cheeses a chance to shine.
The two cheeses I featured on this board are a Pecorino Romano P.D.O for the cheese with the stronger flavor profile and Pecorino Sardo P.D.O. (Dolce) for a younger, buttery, and more mellow flavor profile. Both cheeses are from 3Pecorini, a brand whose sheep cheeses are made almost exclusively in Sardinia from Sarda sheep’s milk and rennet.
Both of these cheese varieties are ideal for including on charcuterie boards as they pair well with cured meats, crackers/bread, walnuts, and fruits. Since I’ve been scanning the produce section for champagne grapes every time I’m instore, I was so pleased that I was able to find some to feature on this board, along with some large and equally delicious Turkish Figs that were at their peak of freshness.
Pecorino Romano P.D.O.
About
While Pecorino Romano’s origins begin in Rome, Sardinia is now the main hub for the production of this particular sheep’s cheese. This hard cheese which is ideal for grating on all of your favorite dishes is made from 100% fresh full-fat sheep’s milk 95% which comes from Sardia sheep. The cheese features a thin ivory or straw-yellow crust and is slightly sharp when enjoyed as a table cheese and has a more intense flavor when grated.
Pecorino Sardo P.D.O. (Dolce)
About
Both of these cheeses are considered table cheese, and along with Fiore Sardo, Pecorino Sardo is also considered to be one of Sardinia’s oldest cheeses. Both of these cheeses pair well with bread, pasta, honey, and fruit (especially pears), nuts, vegetables (for a soft sweet finish), and cured meats.
If you’re thinking of adding it to a dish, it pairs quite well with an antipasto, baked pasta dishes, veggie soups, frittatas and quiches, and salad. If you’re planning to enjoy it on its own, pears, sweet grapes, and dried nuts make the ideal accompaniment.
A Tale of Two Cheeses Charcuterie Board
Cheeses
3Pecorini – Pecorino Sardo P.D.O. (Dolce)
3Pecorini – Pecorino Romano P.D.O.
Meats
Uncured Genoa Salami (Boar’s Head)
Fruits/Nuts/Etc
Champagne Grapes
Turkish Figs
Honeycomb
Walnuts
Original Crisps (34 Degrees)
Gorgeous and delicious!