Picnic-Perfect Charcuterie

Press
Written By Lisa Moragne-Kayser

No-Melt, No-Mess Options for Summer Grazing.

When the sun is out, the last thing you want is a melty, messy cheese board. But don’t worry—charcuterie isn’t just for winter wine nights or cozy holiday parties. Summer picnics, beach outings, and backyard hangs are the perfect time for a fresh, no-fuss grazing board. The key? Choosing ingredients that hold up in warm weather and can withstand proper temperature control!

We will build a picnic-perfect charcuterie board that’s equal parts delicious and durable.

1. Heat-Friendly Cheeses

This time of year, we skip the soft brie’s and creamy camembert’s for your summer board. Instead, we opt for:

  • Aged Cheddar – Sharp, crumbly, and melt-resistant.

  • Manchego – A firm Spanish cheese with a nutty flavor that loves warm weather.

  • Gouda (Aged) – Holds its texture and pairs beautifully with fruit.

  • Parmesan Wedges or Reggianito – Snackable, salty, and sturdy.

All of these are pre-sliced or cubed cheeses for grab-and-go bites. No knives needed!

2. Cured Meats That Travel Well

For summer, we offer dry-cured and shelf-stable cured meats:

  • Salami & Soppressata – Classic picnic proteins.

  • Prosciutto & Jamón Serrano – Wrapped around fruit for an easy snack.

  • Beef Bresaola or Smoked Turkey – Leaner options that still pack flavor.

3. Fresh Produce That Can Take the Heat

Your board will include firmer and hardier fruits instead of soft and delicate berries:

  • Grapes – Stay firm and refreshing.

  • Apples & Pears –Are pre-sliced with lemon to prevent browning.

  • Dried Fruits – Apricots, mango, and dates are sun-friendly.

  • Pickled Veggies – Cornichons, olives, and pickled carrots never wilt!

4. Crackers & Carbs: Keep It Crunchy

We choose items that won’t get soggy and pack them on a separate board to keep the crunch.

  • Crostini

  • Breadsticks

  • Pita Chips

  • Seeded Crackers

In warm summer weather, a charcuterie board should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. To extend the safe serving time of your board, place it on a base of frozen gel packs to keep the board chilled. We do not recommend consuming items off the board after four hours.

Lisa Moragne-Kayser