This Edible Focaccia Charcuterie Board Is Almost Too Pretty to Eat!

Creating an edible focaccia charcuterie board is a delightful way to impress your guests, combining the savory flavors of a traditional charcuterie with the soft, aromatic qualities of freshly baked focaccia bread.

This innovative presentation not only serves as a stunning centerpiece but also offers a unique, interactive dining experience. The combination of cured meats, assorted cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts atop a golden, herb-infused focaccia creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your guests raving.

What You’ll Need

For the Focaccia Bread:

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

For the Charcuterie Toppings:

• 6 ounces prosciutto
• 6 ounces salami
• 6 ounces assorted cheeses (such as brie, cheddar, and gouda)
• 1 cup green and red grapes
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
• ½ cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as rosemary and thyme)

Pro Tips

1. Dimple the Dough Deeply: Before baking, use your fingers to create deep dimples in the focaccia dough. This technique helps to hold the olive oil and creates the bread’s characteristic texture.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh rosemary into the dough and as a garnish enhances the aroma and flavor, making the bread more inviting.
3. Balance the Toppings: Arrange a mix of sweet (fruits) and savory (meats and cheeses) toppings to cater to diverse palates and create a visually appealing presentation.
4. Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the focaccia charcuterie board fresh out of the oven to enjoy the contrast between the warm bread and cool toppings.
5. Provide Serving Utensils: Include small tongs or forks to allow guests to easily pick their desired toppings, maintaining the board’s neat appearance.

Tools Required

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or large cast-iron skillet
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Small serving tongs or forks

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace cured meats with marinated vegetables like artichokes, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cheeses and omit meats, adding more plant-based toppings such as olives, hummus, or roasted chickpeas.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional focaccia with a gluten-free bread base.
• Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like figs, apples, or pears to add variety and freshness.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese, goat cheese, or aged cheddar to diversify flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Focaccia Dough: Prepare the focaccia dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. This method enhances the bread’s flavor and allows for efficient day-of preparation.
• Toppings Preparation: Slice cheeses, wash and prepare fruits, and portion nuts the day before. Store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of warm water and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
• Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sea salt, and ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

2. First Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Shape the Dough

Transfer the risen dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, gently stretch and press the dough to fit the dimensions of the sheet, creating deep dimples across the surface.

5. Second Rise

Cover the dough again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until it becomes puffy and airy. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during this time.

6. Bake the Focaccia

Remove the kitchen towel and drizzle the dough generously with olive oil. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

7. Cool the Focaccia

Let the focaccia cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving board or platter.

8. Arrange the Charcuterie Toppings

Transfer the focaccia to a large wooden serving board. Arrange the cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs artfully over the focaccia, leaving space for guests to pick and choose their portions.

Serve and Enjoy:

Place the board at the center of your gathering and let everyone dig in! Provide small tongs or forks to make it easy to grab toppings.

Tips for Leftovers and Storage:

• Storing Focaccia: Wrap any leftover focaccia in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• Reheating: Reheat the focaccia in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh its texture.
• Repurposing Toppings: Leftover meats and cheeses can be refrigerated and repurposed in sandwiches, salads, or omelets.

This edible focaccia charcuterie board is a show-stopping addition to any gathering. It’s the perfect combination of warm, fresh bread and a selection of toppings that cater to a variety of tastes.

Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or an elegant dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how your creation turned out!