Easy Holiday Charcuterie Board with Eckrich Smoked Sausage

This is a sponsored post, written by me, on behalf of Eckrich Smoked Sausage.

I think one of the reasons that people love this time of year, myself included, is that there's so much focus on gathering. While it can feel like we're disconnected from each other much of the time, the holidays bring family home and friends together.

My parents loved to entertain and I've clearly inherited that gene because I love a house full of guests. Some will come for the main meal but there's plenty of opportunity for people to come by for cocktail or brunch. And feeding them needn't be at all complicated.

I've learned that the secret to easy and even impromptu entertaining is keeping some good basic ingredients in the house. A few bottles of red and white wine, good crackers, nuts and dried fruit in the pantry and cheese and sausage in the fridge will keep for a long time so you'll always be ready.

I enjoy the spices and the naturally hardwood smoked flavor in Eckrich Smoked Sausage Ropes so I make sure that's in my fridge both for a quick charcuterie board or as an ingredient in my dinners. I love that it's fully cooked and I can either just slice and serve or heat it up in a grill pan. You can find Eckrich smoked sausage ropes in the deli section at your local grocery store and you will love that it allows you to put a homemade meal on the table quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

I pair it with a sharp cheese like a smoked Cheddar, something buttery and mild like an Ossau Iraty and a mid way flavor like Manchego. Some dried apricots for the sweet lovers and pickles for the sharper palates and I have something for everyone. Bring on the guests and enjoy!

Yield: 8 ServingsAuthor: Anita Schecter

Easy Holiday Charcuterie Board with Eckrich Smoked Sausage

prep time: 15 minscook time: total time: 15 mins

Recipe and instructions for putting together a holiday charcuterie board.

ingredients:

1 Package (14 oz.) Eckrich Smoked Sausage Rope, sliced

1 Wedge (1/4 to 1/2 lb.) smoked Cheddar cheese

1 Wedge (1/4 to 1/2 lb.) Manchego cheese

1 Wedge (1/4 to 1/2 lb.) Ossau Iraty cheese

Variety of crackers

Mixed nuts such as pecans, almonds or walnuts

Dried apricots or dates

Cornichon pickles

Fresh seasonal fruit such as pomegranate, apples or pears

instructions:

Arrange a large cheese board or platter with all the ingredients and be sure to provide cheese knives.

Prior to serving, start each cheese by cutting a few slices out of it so that people won't be afraid to "ruin" the wedge.

Provide small plates and napkins so that people can take a few items and not have to hover over the board.

Created using The Recipes Generator

For more information about Eckrich Smoked Sausage, as well as quick and easy recipes please visit Eckrich.com.

This recipe is sponsored by Eckrich Smoked Sausage. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.