The best charcuterie boards have a variety of flavors: something sweet like apple slices or fig jam something salty like cured meats and nuts and maybe something briny like olives or pickled vegetables. Mini gherkins called cornichons are also a popular addition to charcuterie boards since their tangy flavor pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses and savory meats. But what if instead of just having gherkins on your board you could taste a little bit of their briny flavor in every bite?
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In the same way you’d sprinkle grated Parmesan or lemon zest on a dish you can grate frozen pickles over your favorite meats and cheeses for a burst of flavor. Instead of buying flavored salt or pickle seasoning you can easily make your own charcuterie topping using fresh pickles or gherkins. Your plate will get a vinegary kick and the pickle shavings also make for an aesthetically pleasing garnish.
Cucumbers don’t do well in the freezer because they’re about 95 percent water which means they tend to get a little mushy as they freeze and thaw. Gherkins on the other hand stay firm because the added salt draws moisture out of the cucumber. While frozen sliced pickles are a refreshing treat you’ll want to freeze a whole pickle for grating. Cornichons are the obvious choice but you can also use pickles that are a little tart. Simply place as many pickles as you want on a tray or baking sheet and freeze overnight or until the pickles are completely frozen.
Once you’ve assembled your charcuterie board take a pickle out of the freezer and use a microplane to grate it directly onto the platter. You can also place the shavings in a bowl if you want more control over how much you add. It’s up to you whether you want everything pickle-flavored or prefer to save the tangy topping for certain items.
