The holiday season has arrived, and if you want to be the host with the most this fall and really impress your friends and family at the dinner table, why not offer a Yinzer charcuterie board? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local shops and artisan makers to help you make a board that shows off some of the best local flavors the ‘Burgh has to offer, from staple meats and cheeses to tasty accompaniments, wine pairings and even the board itself:
Salty Porky Bits
From the team behind restaurant sensation Morcilla, Salty Pork Bits is pretty self-descriptive! All of its salami and cured meats are handmade right here in Pittsburgh and ship nationwide or can be picked up in Lawrenceville. Be sure to browse their signature flavors along with some of their more unique offerings, like the lamb salami with pistachio and pomegranate shown above!
Chantal’s Cheese
Chantal’s Cheese is one of the most beloved cheese shops in the ‘Burgh, with tons of fresh, flavorful fromage – even vegan options! – along with charcuterie meats, specialty foods and everything you need to complete a charcuterie display. Chantal’s also features holiday specials like seasonal-flavored meats and cheeses, jams and honeys, and even a Thanksgiving board if you want to save yourself some time and order from the pros!
Maple Street Jam Co.
Founded by a local mother/daughter team, Maple Street Jam Company features a range of delicious signature flavors that perfectly complement charcuterie meats and cheeses! Flavors like pepper jam, blueberry lemon jam, and honey rum strawberry jam present twists on some savory and sweet classics. You can order from Maple Street Jam on their website or shop their products at local boutiques and vendors – check their website for the latest info on how to buy in person.
Mediterra Cafe
With locations in both Sewickley and Mt. Lebanon, Mediterra Cafe not only sells beautiful fully-loaded boards and the ingredients you need to design one yourself, but also the best accoutrements! We’re talking oils and vinegars, artisan crackers, jams and jellies… everything you need to fill in the nooks and crannies of your board with delicious and memorable bites.
Market District
Farmer’s market season is unfortunately behind us for the rest of the holiday season, but if you’re looking for some fresh fruit or veggies to round out your boards and snack trays, Market District is always stocked with tons of seasonal produce for cooking, baking, or simply eating! Fun fact: citrus season is upon us, so now’s a great time to stock up on lemons and limes for fresh juice, marinades, and of course garnishing your board.
Pennsylvania Macaroni Company
Pennsylvania Macaroni Company is already a hotspot for local gourmands and discerning foodies, but it’s an absolute must when it comes to filling out your charcuterie board! Sure, you can get all the essentials here: cheese, meats, jams, jellies, crackers, etc. But if there’s one thing to grab here, it’s nuts! Spiced, sweet, or savory, nuts are an essential part of any snacking board, and the selection and value at Penn Mac is just about the best.
House15143
If you’re looking for a brand-new, show-stopping board for your holiday table or as a thoughtful gift, shop local at House15143! Located in Sewickley, this shop offers lovingly curated home goods and gifts from candles and books to jewelry and vintage glassware. Rare find items tend to go fast, so if you’re still searching for the right board, stop in soon and see what’s available! (Also check out Gather and Bellweather while you’re on Beaver Street.)
23rd and Vine
What charcuterie board is complete without some chilled bottles nearby just waiting to be popped? If you’re looking for some unique bottles you can’t find in any old state store, hit up the wine experts at 23rd and Vine for a memorable holiday bottle to share. While their storefront on Carson Street unfortunately closed at the end of October, you can soon pick up bottles from their curated selection at Generoasta Coffee in Warrendale!
The Open Road
For a buzz-free holiday party, The Open Road has Pittsburgh’s widest selection of non-alcoholic and alcohol-free wines so everyone can have a sip that suits their lifestyle! With several options from popular NA wine brand Fre as well as smaller-brand favorites like Tost, Thomson & Scott, and Proxies, you can pop bottles and serve some tasty beverages with your “wine and cheese” course without the alcohol. Cheers to that!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.