Why Your Charcuterie Board Deserves a Michigan Makeover

Discover the art of crafting a Michigan-sourced charcuterie board featuring local smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, nuts, and flavorful accompaniments. Celebrate the Great Lakes State’s culinary heritage with perfect pairings of drinks, ensuring an impressive dining experience for all.
Michigan charcuterie

A Michigan charcuterie board is a feast of locally crafted meats, cheeses, nuts, and accompaniments. Discover how to build the perfect board with all the best flavors from the Great Lakes State.

A Gourmet Journey Through Michigan’s Finest Flavors

If there’s one way to impress guests at your next gathering, it’s with a showstopping Michigan-sourced charcuterie board. Featuring an exquisite lineup of smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, crunchy nuts, and sweet-and-savory accompaniments, this board is more than just a snack—it’s a celebration of the state’s rich culinary heritage.

From DeVries & Company’s smoked meats in Detroit to the award-winning cheeses of Leelanau and the tart cherry delights of Cherry Republic, every element on this board tells a uniquely Michigan story. Whether you’re a lifelong local or an out-of-state food enthusiast, there’s something special about indulging in flavors born and raised in the Great Lakes State.

The Best Michigan-Made Meats & Cheeses

A great charcuterie board starts with high-quality meats and cheeses. Michigan offers some of the finest, each with a distinctive character that brings depth to your spread.

  • Smoked & Cured Meats: Enjoy the bold flavors of Vollwerth’s Sausage from Hancock or the savory beef jerky from Lee’s Market in Newport.
  • Artisanal Cheeses: Go for the nutty richness of Leelanau Cheese’s Raclette, the tangy and peppery bite of Zingerman’s Detroit Street Brick, or the smooth aged cheddar from Farm Country Cheese House.
  • Dump traditional cheddar for locally sourced nibbles at Pinconning Cheese Company

Michigan’s cheesemakers are known for their dedication to traditional techniques, resulting in unparalleled quality that stands out in every bite.on to traditional techniques, resulting in unparalleled quality that stands out in every bite.

Nuts, Jams & Crunchy Bites: Perfect Pairings

A charcuterie board isn’t complete without a selection of nuts, jams, and accompaniments that balance flavors and textures.

  • Crunchy Elements: Add roasted almonds and pecans from Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. or fresh pistachios from Germack Pistachio Co. for a satisfying crunch.
  • Savory Spreads & Pickles: Slather a bit of Koegel’s horseradish mustard onto crackers or bite into the tangy crunch of McClure’s Pickles for a burst of flavor.
  • Sweet Touches: Drizzle Doodles Sugarbush maple syrup over cheese or add a spoonful of American Spoon’s cherry preserves for a Michigan-inspired sweet and savory contrast.

What to Drink? Michigan Beverage Pairings

No charcuterie experience is complete without the perfect beverage pairing. Michigan’s thriving craft beer, cider, and wine industries offer fantastic options to elevate your board.

  • Wine: Sip on Mawby Vineyards’ sparkling “Sex” Brut Rosé, a crisp and refreshing choice that complements creamy cheeses and smoky meats.
  • Beer: A classic Bell’s Two Hearted Ale brings a hoppy balance that pairs well with rich meats and aged cheeses.
  • Cider: The tart and effervescent offerings from Virtue Cider in Fennville enhance the fresh fruit elements on the board.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Vernors Ginger Ale adds a nostalgic fizz, while Faygo’s Rock & Rye provides a sweet, smooth soda alternative.

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Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has expanded sites and range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.

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