Cured meat is a staple on many charcuterie boards. While this is usually a good thing, since meat is filling, it can be problematic for those who do not eat pork. Thankfully, you have plenty of options when you want to make charcuterie no pork. Today, we are going to share all the different cured meats you can use on your pork-less charcuterie board.
Types of Cured Meats
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is made from a mixture of pork and beef, so it shouldn’t be added to your board if you want your charcuterie no pork. If you want to use pepperoni that doesn’t contain pork, we recommend trying to find turkey pepperoni.
All turkey pepperoni must be clearly labeled. This is perfect because then you will know exactly what type of pepperoni you are purchasing.
Salami
Salami was originally made from pork meat. However, nowadays you can find salami that is made from beef. All beef salami is labeled as kosher salami or halal. That will make it simple to find salami that is made from beef and not pork.
You may also find salami made from turkey, venison, goose meat, and donkey meat. Any kind of salami is a great addition to a charcuterie board. You can even arrange it in the shape of a rose to add an extra special touch.
Prosciutto
All prosciutto is made from the hind legs of pigs. The meat is salted heavily before being left in a cool, dry environment. The hind legs are then placed in a humid room for at least two months before being allowed to dry for one to three years.
You will not find prosciutto made from beef.
Best Cured Meats for Charcuterie No Pork Boards
As you can see, the main cured meats used on charcuterie boards are all usually made from pork. If you cannot eat pork, or are trying to make a board or charcuterie box without pork, you will need to choose another type of cured meat.
Here are the cured meats we recommend:
Beef Bresaola
Beef bresaola is readily available in many stores. This salted beef is air dried between two to three months before being ready to sell. This cured meat tastes like a beef version of prosciutto.
Wild Cured Game Meat
You can always add cured wild venison or elk to your charcuterie boards. You won’t be able to find these meats in stores. However, you may find it in specialty meat shops. This cured meat will taste gamier than other meats on your board.
Turkey Bacon
Bacon is a cured meat, so it is a no-brainer that it can be added to a charcuterie board. Using a turkey bacon will ensure there is no pork on your board.
Duck Bacon
It won’t be easy to find duck bacon in your local grocery store. But if you come across it, you will have another substitution for regular bacon. We have found that many people prefer duck bacon over turkey bacon. Its dense texture makes it resemble regular bacon more.
Duck Prosciutto
While you cannot get prosciutto in beef form, you can purchase duck prosciutto. This type of prosciutto has a strong gamey taste. Some people simply cannot get used to it, so keep that in mind if you add it to your charcuterie board.
Duck Salami
Adding a beef salami to your charcuterie board will ensure you don’t serve any pork. However, you can step this up a notch by adding duck salami too. This type of salami has a rich, sweet flavor. Duck salami looks very similar to pork salami. It is important that you verify the type of salami it is before purchasing.
Chicken Liver Pate
You can choose to make your own chicken liver pate or purchase some from the store. If you choose to make your own, keep in mind that it takes a little extra time. You must cook the chicken livers with a few other ingredients. Then blend everything thoroughly before placing it in the refrigerator to chill.
Here is a simple recipe for Chicken Liver Pate.
Not sure about the chicken livers?? Well, you could always make mushroom pate instead. It’s not meat, but mushrooms have a meaty texture and great flavor. Try this Mushroom Pate recipe and see what you think!
Sliced Chicken Breast
Cooking a couple boneless chicken breasts and slicing them for a charcuterie board is simple. Chicken breast pairs well with everything else you can pile onto a charcuterie board.
Sliced Turkey Breast
Don’t have chicken breasts in the fridge? Well, you can always slice up some turkey breast!
Oh, and if you don’t have time to cook chicken or turkey before slicing it, head to the deli counter. You can easily have them slice the meat in the thickness you desire for your charcuterie board.
Sliced Roast Beef
You can easily purchase sliced roast beef from the deli. However, making your own is easy enough too. Make sure your beef is seasoned properly before placing it in the oven. Then let it cool for a little bit after it is cooked through, before slicing. The result should be juicy, tender beef that will taste amazing.
Sliced Boneless Duck
As long as you cook your duck properly, the slices you place on your charcuterie board should melt in your mouth. Pair this delicacy with creamy cheeses, bread, and even your favorite spread.
It won’t be as simple to make a no pork charcuterie board. You won’t have too much trouble though, now that you know exactly what type of cured, and other, meats to look for. Simply choose any, or all, of these types of meats, and pile them on the board with whatever else you are serving. The result will be an amazing board everyone will love.
Other Ingredients That Goes on a Charcuterie
In addition to meats, a charcuterie board typically includes a variety of cheeses, crackers or bread, fruits, nuts, and spreads or dips. The cheeses can range from soft brie to sharp cheddar, and the crackers or bread can be plain or seasoned. There are so many types of cheeses available and they come in many shapes – make sure you know how to cut cheese for charcuterie for the best presentation.
Fruits like grapes, strawberries, or figs can add a sweet and refreshing touch, while nuts like almonds or walnuts provide a crunchy contrast. You can also add some olives as well, if the rest of the ingredients pair well with olives. Here’s 14 olives and how best to pair them for your next charcuterie.
Spreads or dips such as honey, mustard, or hummus can be used to complement the meats and cheeses or as a standalone element on the board.
Final Thoughts
It won’t be as simple to make charcuterie no pork. You won’t have too much trouble though, now that you know exactly what type of cured meats to look for. If you have trouble finding any of these meats in your local store, you can shop online for pork-free charcuterie meats. Simply choose any, or all, of these cured meats, and pile them on the board with whatever else you are serving. The result will be an amazing board everyone will love.
