Article: Build a Yellowstone-Inspired Charcuterie Board
Build a Yellowstone-Inspired Charcuterie Board
The show Yellowstone has sparked a desire for all things Western. Leather armchairs, fireplaces, bourbon served on a porch overlooking the range… There’s no denying the Dutton characters have a particular “upscale ranch” vibe, and the world can’t seem to get enough of it.
We created a charcuterie board inspired by the show. Using foods and flavors common to ranching and the Old West, this board is the perfect addition to a backyard cookout, girls' night, or event needing a rustic (and elegant) flair. Even Beth Dutton would approve of this charcuterie board!
What is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is a spread of meats, cheeses, and food items like fruit and pickled vegetables, often presented on a wooden board or stone slab. Although originating from France and typically served with wine, charcuterie boards can fit any environment and menu.
We like having charcuterie boards at our ranch gatherings. A board for a calf branding might include cheese cubes and mini hot dogs, while a board for a holiday party might offer fancier elements.
Charcuterie boards are a simple and versatile way to present an appetizer, with the option for a little class. It’s no wonder they’ve become increasingly popular!
Why is hosting important to ranchers?
Ranching and hospitality go together. Most long days of cattle work end with good food and drinks with the crew, and rare free time is reserved for visiting neighbors.
Hosting connects to the intrinsic value of community. Ranchers heavily rely on their hands and fellow cattlemen. Relationships can’t be taken for granted, especially in rural areas with small populations. Offering meals fosters connections—and provides entertainment! In most ranching towns, fun is made, not had.
How to build a Yellowstone-inspired charcuterie board . . .
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the “flavors of the ranch.” The Old West is known for certain foods: baked beans, biscuits, beef, etc. Flavors like whiskey, charcoal, and woodsmoke also evoke a rustic feeling. To create a Dutton-style charcuterie board, we must balance traditional Western flavors with pretension, think elevated “campfire cookout.”
Here at Lazy T Ranch, we often gravitate toward casual charcuterie. Our cowboys arrange steak, cheese, and crackers on a wooden cutting board—voila, charcuterie that pairs great with Coors. For the sake of this project, we considered foods that pair well with bourbon and other whiskeys.
Note: Most foods listed below can be smoked for added flavor. We like to use Hickory and Cherry pellets for our beef and sides.
What are charcuterie board staples?
Charcuterie boards are known for serving meat, cheese, and pickled vegetables. Other items can be included, but to build our charcuterie framework, let’s first explore options for Yellowstone-inspired meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Meat:
A Western charcuterie board wouldn’t be complete without beef. Here are a few delicious recipes that will make your board a showstopper.
- Garlic Bread Steak Bites with Horseradish Cream
We love to include our Lazy T Ranch Beef Lassos on our charcuterie boards. The Lassos have a soft texture, come in five incredible flavors, and their circular shape looks refined. We would use the Original or Peppered flavor for a Yellowstone-inspired board.
Cheese:
Our go-to cheese is Boursin. We crumble it onto steak, salads, and smear it onto crackers. Boursin makes a great addition to a charcuterie board thanks to its versatility. You can add a variety of cheeses to your Yellowstone charcuterie board. If you want extra Western flair, check out Hatch Chili Cheese and Smoked Cheddar.
Vegetables:
Baby pickles and fresh vegetables are charcuterie board classics! Although you may be tempted to stop there, don’t miss these spectacular recipes.
- Onion Ring Chips with Feta Cucumber Dip
Your guests will think you’re a culinary mastermind for serving these dishes. They’re all easy to make but have a high-end taste, perfect for a Yellowstone charcuterie.
What else goes on a Yellowstone charcuterie board?
Besides plenty of fresh and dried fruit, we like to include a variety of nuts and smoke them for added flavor. This is also where we get creative.
Now that we have a charcuterie framework, we can add elements that give the board a noticeable Western flair. The following recipes add sweet and savory flavors and align with ranching culture. Plus, they are so darn good, we can’t get enough of them.
- Creamy Jalapeno Dip for the fresh vegetables
- Pepper & Sage Olive Oil Crackers
- Honey Cornbread Mini Muffins with Chokecherry Jelly
- Apple Pie Cookies (mini apple pies)
What about Yellowstone-inspired cocktails?
A delicious charcuterie board deserves equally delicious drinks! Since this board includes beef and apple pie, we recommend serving red wine or whiskey-based beverages. The Dutton Family drinks a lot of whiskey. We selected two cocktails that are classic, easy to make, and fit the overall vibe.
Tips for hosting a Yellowstone-themed party?
Ranchers care about functionality over flash, so we recommend incorporating cast iron, wood, copper, and neutral colors into your place settings. Natural greenery makes a great addition to any table and gives a rustic aesthetic. You can also use vintage Western postcards as coasters. Find them on eBay.
To give your party an extra Yellowstone feel, host it outside with a bonfire and set up a roping dummy. Your guests will get a kick out of trying their hands at roping.
And there it is—everything you need to throw an epic Yellowstone charcuterie party! Let us know how you build your board. We’d love to hear from you.
Access our Yellowstone Charcuterie Board by visiting our Pinterest.
About Lazy T Ranch . . .
We are a family-owned cattle ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. We raise beef the old-fashioned way, with cowboys on horseback. Our beef is all-natural, range-fed, and shipped directly to your door.
Bring a taste of Lazy T Ranch to your home. Explore our beef offerings here.
