If you're looking for a delicious and versatile addition to your charcuterie board, look no further than hard cheese. Whether you're a fan of sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan or tangy gouda, there's a hard cheese out there that will complement your favorite meats and crackers.
But what factors should you consider before buying hard cheese for your charcuterie board? First, think about the flavors you want to pair with your meats. If you're serving salty prosciutto, for example, you might want to choose a milder cheese that won't overpower it. On the other hand, if you're serving spicy salami, you might want to choose a sharper cheese to balance out the heat.
You'll also want to consider the texture of your hard cheese. Do you want something crumbly and dry, like aged asiago, or something creamy and rich, like a full-flavored gouda? And don't forget about presentation – a beautifully marbled cheese can add visual interest to your charcuterie board and make your guests' mouths water.
So, are you ready to take your charcuterie game to the next level with some delicious hard cheese? Which flavors and textures will you choose for your next spread? And, perhaps most importantly, who will you invite over to share it with you? Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to create the ultimate charcuterie board.
10 Best Hard Cheese For Charcuterie
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This product is ideal for serving and cutting cheese on a charcuterie board or as a gift set.
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The product is ideal for adding a rich, nutty flavor to various dishes and can be grated or shaved as a topping.
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Ideal for cutting and serving hard, medium, and soft cheeses with a professional touch. Great as a gift set.
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The product is ideal for slicing meats and cheese with four different types of knives made of durable materials.
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Ideal for chopping, slicing, and serving food.
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The product is ideal for slicing and serving cheese with its stainless steel knives and wooden handles, best for charcuterie.
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It is ideal for individuals looking to gift a variety of high-quality cheeses, salamis, jams and mustards.
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Ideal for serving cheese and meats, cutting fruits and vegetables, and as a decorative piece for kitchen or dining area.
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It is ideal for gifts such as couples, weddings, housewarmings, and for anyone who loves meats and cheeses.
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This product is ideal for cutting and serving charcuterie, cheese, and other small food items.
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1. Zwilling Collection 3-Pc Cheese Knife Set For Charcuterie Board, Gift Set
The Set of 3 Cheese Knives is perfect for those who love to indulge in various types of cheese. The set includes three knives that are designed to accommodate multiple types of cheese. The first knife is an inch knife with a forked tip, which is perfect for holding and slicing hard cheeses. The second knife is a 5-1/2-inch perforated knife that is ideal for slicing semi-hard cheeses. The third knife is a flat knife that is perfect for slicing soft cheeses.
These cheese knives are made of high-quality stainless steel that ensures long-lasting beauty and performance. The blades are sharp, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. The handles are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when cutting through hard cheeses.
The package dimensions of the Set of 3 Cheese Knives are 13.0 inches in length, 1.25 inches in width, and 9.0 inches in height. The set is compact and easy to store, making it perfect for those who have limited space in their kitchen. Whether you're a cheese lover or a professional chef, this set of cheese knives is a must-have in your kitchen.
- Set includes three knives that are designed to accommodate multiple types of cheese
- Made of high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting beauty and performance
- Handles are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip
- Blades are sharp, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion
- – No cons found.
2. Sartori Cheese Parmesan Sarvecchio
Experience the freshest flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano with this hand-cracked product. The team members are trained to use traditional tools that have been used for hundreds of years to crack along curd lines, resulting in the best aromatics and flavors. They have partnered with small producers for more than 20 years to ensure the best-tasting wheels made from flavorful milk. The wheels they choose are in the top 1% of all Parmigiano Reggiano graded for quality. The signature “crystal crunch” which is created by tyrosine crystals, only appears after at least 15 months of aging. This product has been aged for 24 months, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, nutty, grassy, creamy, and fruity flavors. The Parmigiano Reggiano they select meets or exceeds this aging period.
- Hand-cracked for freshest flavor
- Partnership with small producers for more than 20 years
- Top 1% of all Parmigiano Reggiano graded for quality
- 24 months aging period creating perfect balance of flavors
- Traditional tools used for cracking along curd lines
- Tyrosine crystals create signature 'crystal crunch'
3. Stainless Cheese Knife Set – The Perfect Charcuterie Accessory.
The 6-Piece cheese knife set is an essential tool for serving cheese, charcuterie, olives, crackers, biscotti, and more. It includes 6.18" L small spade, 6.5" L flat knife, 6.6" L cheese fork, 7" L spreader, 7.9"L serving knife, and 6.7" L Parmesan cheese knife. Each knife is designed to provide the right weight and balance, making it easy to cut, slice, spread and serve both soft and hard cheeses. The set is crafted of premium brushed stainless steel and features solid one-piece construction, which ensures durability and sturdiness. The knives are ultra-sharp and have a modern and sleek appearance that adds a touch of professionalism to your presentation.
The cheese knives come with a canvas slotted bag that provides convenient storage and keeps the knives sharp. The pouch can be folded to measure only 8.7” x 3.2”x 1.2” and has a built-in handle, making it perfect for family outings to the beach, park, picnic or camping. The set is an excellent engagement, housewarming or host gift.
To ensure the longevity of the knives, it is recommended to hand wash and dry them before storage.
- The set includes six essential cheese knives that are perfect for serving cheese and charcuterie.
- The knives are made of premium brushed stainless steel and have solid one-piece construction, which ensures durability and sturdiness.
- The knives are ultra-sharp and have a modern and sleek appearance that adds a touch of professionalism to your presentation.
- Each knife is designed to provide the right weight and balance, making it easy to cut, slice, spread and serve both soft and hard cheeses.
- The set comes with a canvas slotted bag that provides convenient storage and keeps the knives sharp.
- The pouch is foldable and has a built-in handle, making it perfect for family outings to the beach, park, picnic or camping.
- The set is an excellent engagement, housewarming or host gift.
- – Hand washing is recommended, which may not be as convenient as being dishwasher safe.
4. Gladiator Cheese Knife Set With Sheath
Experience peak performance and stunning design with this complete charcuterie and cheese knife set from Dalstrong. Crafted with outstanding craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and premium materials, this set includes a 3.75” Mini Cleaver, 3.75” Forked Cheese Knife, 3.75” Soft Cheese Knife, and 3.75” Rounded-Tip Serrated Cheese Knife Spreader, all with incredibly razor sharp blades designed for every type of cured meat, sausage, hard and soft cheeses, spreads, dips, and garnishes.
Made from full-tang, imported high-carbon German steel, these knives have a hand-sharpened edge to 16-18 degrees, precisely tempered and stain-resistant. With an award-winning design, these knives have a premium feel and satisfying heft, thanks to the ultra-premium G-10 handle that is military-grade with life-long durability. The ergonomic handle shape is carefully hand-polished for superior hand control, agility, and comfort, with a hand-polished blade spine for smooth handling.
These knives are engineered to perfection with a 56+ Rockwell hardness and hand-polished to a satin finish, carefully tapered for improved hardness, flexibility, and minimal slicing resistance. Perfect for anyone who loves to host, this timeless collection makes for an excellent gift for housewarmings, weddings, showers, and birthdays. Plus, it's NSF certified for added peace of mind.
Dalstrong stands behind their product, offering a rocksolid 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, with a lifetime warranty against defect. With renowned customer service, it's easy to see why chefs around the world trust and love 'The Dalstrong Difference'. Plus, the set comes in luxurious Dalstrong packaging, so you can slice with power – Dalstrong POWER!
- Complete charcuterie and cheese knife set for all types of meats and cheeses
- Incredibly razor sharp blades designed and suited for every type of cured meat, sausage, both hard and soft cheeses, and even spreads, dips and garnishes
- Full-tang, imported high-carbon German steel with a hand sharpened edge to 16-18 degrees
- Ultra-premium G-10 handle is military grade with life-long durability
- Carefully hand polished ergonomic handle shape engineered for superior hand control, agility, and comfort
- Hand-polished blade spine for smooth handling
- Engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness and hand polished to a satin finish
- Timeless collection ideal for anyone who loves to host
- Excellent gift for housewarmings, weddings, showers, and birthdays
- NSF certified
- Rocksolid 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty against defect
- Renowned Dalstrong customer service
- Luxurious Dalstrong packaging
5. Natural Acacia Cutting Board – Wood Kitchen Tool
This cutting board features a modern design that includes a deep juice groove, perfect for chopping juicy fruits and vegetables. It also has a handle for easy carrying. The board is made from Acacia wood, known for its strength and elegant color. Each board is unique due to the natural variations in the wood. The wood used in this cutting board is FSC certified, making it an eco-friendly choice for your family. The natural oils in the wood make it easy on your knives, preventing dulling by resisting water. It's easy to clean with just regular dish soap and a sponge. To prevent splitting and prolong the life of the board, we recommend oiling it periodically.
Upgrade your kitchen with this premium Acacia wood cutting board. Its modern design includes a deep juice groove that's perfect for chopping juicy fruits and vegetables. The handle makes it easy to carry, and the natural variations in the wood make each board unique. This cutting board is crafted from FSC certified Acacia wood, making it an eco-friendly choice for your family. The natural oils in the wood also make it easy on your knives by resisting water and preventing dulling. Cleaning is a breeze with just regular dish soap and a sponge. We recommend oiling the board periodically to prevent splitting and help it last longer.
Add a touch of elegance to your kitchen with this Acacia wood cutting board. The modern design includes a deep juice groove, and the handle makes it easy to carry. Each board is unique due to the natural variations in the wood, and the FSC certification ensures that it's an eco-friendly choice for your family. The natural oils in the wood make it easy on your knives by resisting water and preventing dulling. The board is easy to clean with just regular dish soap and a sponge, and oiling it periodically will help it last longer and prevent splitting.
- Modern design with a deep juice groove and handle for easy carrying
- Made from strong and elegant Acacia wood, each board is unique
- FSC certified for an eco-friendly choice
- Easy on knives due to natural oils that resist water
- Easy to clean with regular dish soap
- Periodic oiling helps prevent splitting and prolongs board's life
6. Linwnil Charcuterie Knife Set – Elegant & Efficient
Upgrade your cheese presentation with this 12-piece cheese knife and serving set. The set includes 4 cheese knives in different shapes, 4 mini forks, and 4 small spoons. Each piece is designed for specific foods such as meats, cheeses, spreads, fruit spreads, and honey, making it perfect for serving on your charcuterie board. The small forks are also great for olives and pickles.
Crafted with ergonomic smooth wooden handles and sturdy, rust-proof stainless steel, this cheese knife set is not only lovely and lightweight but also durable and dishwasher safe. You can easily clean them with soap and water.
Whether you're hosting a wedding, bridal shower, housewarming, or birthday party, this cheese knife and serving set is a great gift option. It looks elegant and attractive, making it an excellent addition to any enjoyable activity.
- 12-piece set includes 4 cheese knives, 4 mini forks, and 4 small spoons
- Ergonomic smooth wooden handles and sturdy, rust-proof stainless steel construction
- Suitable for serving meats, cheeses, spreads, fruit spreads, olives, and pickles
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean with soap and water
- Great gift option for weddings, bridal showers, housewarming, or birthday parties
- – None
7. Deluxe Wisconsin Charcuterie Box – Cheese & More!
The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is a perfect combination of 10 different signature cheeses, 2 salamis, 1 jam, 1 mustard, and crackers. With six 6 oz. blocks of Cheese Bros' Dill Havarti, Fratello, and Smoked Gouda, and four 5 oz. blocks of Cheese Bros Reserve Cheese that includes Rhapsody and 8-Year-Aged Cheddar, this collection is perfect for any cheese lover. It also includes two 5.5 oz. La Quercia Salamis, one 8 oz. jar of Bushel and Peck Cherry Lavender Jam, one 7 oz. jar of Mustard & Co. Classic Mustard, and one 5 oz. pack of Potter's Organic Six Seed Crackers.
The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is perfect for any occasions such as winery visits, game nights with friends, and family gatherings. This unique food gifting idea is perfect for both men and women, teachers, friends, and family members. The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is made with quality ingredients such as cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. It is a cheesy, yummy snack that everyone can enjoy.
The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is carefully packed and shipped to protect the integrity of the cheese while in transit. The vacuum-sealed, hard cheeses are safe outside of refrigeration while in transit. The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is non-GMO, so you can enjoy this cheesy snack without any fear.
- The Cheese Bros Signature Collection includes 10 different signature cheeses, 2 salamis, 1 jam, 1 mustard, and crackers.
- The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is perfect for any occasions such as winery visits, game nights with friends, and family gatherings.
- The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is made with quality ingredients such as cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes.
- The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is carefully packed and shipped to protect the integrity of the cheese while in transit.
- The Cheese Bros Signature Collection is non-GMO.
8. Heartwood Cheese Board: Artisan Olive Wood Platter
The Orchard Hardwoods Heart Shaped Olive Wood Cheeseboard is a stunning piece of serveware that will elevate any table presentation. Handcrafted from a single 0.8" thick slice of solid olive wood, sustainably harvested from aged olive trees typically 200-300 years old in the Southern Mediterranean.
Each cheeseboard features a heart shape with exotic burl grains in natural olive wood colors, with no stain. The board is beautifully hand-finished with five successively finer grains of sandpaper, and sealed with olive oil. The dimensions of the cheeseboard are available in Medium (10 x 10 x 0.8 inch) and Large (12 x 12 x 0.8 inch), with all dimensions being approximate. Due to the natural features of the aged olive trees, each board's dimensions, shape, and natural flaws vary with each piece, and because each piece is carved by hand, photos are examples and not the exact piece sent.
The rare decorative olive wooden boards are handmade and one-of-a-kind, making them an ideal serveware, tray, or platter for chopping, preparing, or serving your own personalized selections of brie and other cheeses, meats, crackers, antipasti, hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, Italian or other breads, fruit, chutneys, or any food. These boards are perfect for home or kitchen table presentations with the flair of a professional chef for your friends, family gatherings, or wine and cheese parties.
Orchard Hardwoods olive wood boards, bowls, and utensils make unique and personalized gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, Thanksgiving, housewarming, or simply to show someone you care. They are perfect for your favorite chef, cook, host/hostess, or kitchen ninja. To care for the board, gently hand wash with a soft sponge and warm water, then dry gently. Wipe occasionally with olive/mineral oil or food-grade beeswax to keep the wood from drying. Do not place in the dishwasher, soak in water, set in direct sun, or near any source of heat.
Orchard Hardwoods products are sustainably produced and carefully handcrafted under a fair trade agreement by skilled artisans at a small family-owned factory in the developing North African nation of Tunisia. Beautiful old non-bearing olive trees are harvested and reclaimed for their precious hardwood under a government permit before new trees are replanted in their place.
- Handcrafted from a single 0.8" thick slice of solid olive wood sustainably harvested from aged olive trees.
- Available in Medium and Large sizes.
- Rare decorative olive wooden boards that are handmade and one-of-a-kind.
- Perfect for home or kitchen table presentations with the flair of a professional chef.
- Orchard Hardwoods olive wood boards, bowls, and utensils make unique and personalized gifts.
- Sustainably produced and carefully handcrafted under a fair trade agreement by skilled artisans.
- – Dimensions, shape, and natural flaws vary with each piece due to natural features of the aged olive trees and because each piece is carved by hand.
9. Charcuterie Cozy Kit
Platterful is a charcuterie board set that partners with small artisan makers throughout the USA to procure the finest variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments. This set provides you with everything you need to create a beautiful, full charcuterie board that can be the perfect charcuterie meat and cheese platter.
The set is ideal for various occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or as a gift for families. It is a creative present that can be turned into a perfect charcuterie gift basket, cheese, and meat gift baskets or any other cheese and meat platter. Platterful is a great wine accessory and the favorite out of all your charcuterie boxes. It pairs well with wine, making it a perfect choice for any party or gathering.
Platterful comes with a charcuterie board book and videos that give you a chance to learn directly from their Charcuterie Board Artist who has been featured in several magazine publications. With this set, you can learn how to apply your talents to cheese & charcuterie gifts and make the most of your meats and cheeses and more!
- Partners with small artisan makers throughout the USA
- Provides a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments
- Ideal for various occasions
- Comes with a charcuterie board book and videos
10. Shogun Series Cheese & Meat Knife Set.
Elevate any dinner party or charcuterie board with the Shogun Series 4-piece Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set. This set includes four expertly engineered blade styles designed for various types of cheeses, meats, and spreads. The ultra-sharp scalpel-like edge is hand-finished to a mirror polish within an impressive 8-12°degree angle per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method, resulting in unrivaled performance.
The knives are nitrogen cooled for enhanced harness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, and full tang for superb robustness, triple-riveted for even more resilience. The 66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel provide exceptional strength, durability, and stain resistance. The cutting core is made of ultra-sharp AUS-10V Japanese super steel with a hardness of 62+ Rockwell, making it get sharp and stay sharp. The precisely tapered blade minimizes surface resistance for a buttery smooth cut through and enhanced non-stick properties. The chef knife's stunning 'tsunami-rose' genuine Damascus layers add an elegant touch to the set.
Dalstrong is known for its trust and quality. The Shogun Series 4-piece Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set comes with a rocksolid 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, allowing customers to try it risk-free. The set also includes a lifetime warranty against defects and renowned Dalstrong customer service. Discover 'The Dalstrong Difference' and see why chefs around the world love and trust Dalstrong.
- Expertly engineered blade styles for various types of cheeses, meats, and spreads
- Ultra-sharp scalpel-like edge hand-finished to a mirror polish within an impressive 8-12°degree angle per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method
- Nitrogen cooled for enhanced harness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance
- Full tang for superb robustness, triple-riveted for even more resilience
- 66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel for exceptional strength, durability, and stain resistance
- Ultra-sharp AUS-10V Japanese super steel cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness gets sharp and stays sharp
- Precisely tapered blade minimizes surface resistance for a buttery smooth cut through and enhanced non-stick properties
- Stunning 'tsunami-rose' genuine Damascus layers add an elegant touch to the set
- Rocksolid 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Renowned Dalstrong customer service
Best Hard Cheese For Charcuterie FAQs
Can hard cheeses be grated or shaved for charcuterie platters?
Yes, hard cheeses can definitely be grated or shaved for charcuterie platters. In fact, they are often a popular choice for these types of platters. Hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino, and aged Cheddar are perfect for grating or shaving, as they can add a delicious, savory flavor to meats, crackers, and other charcuterie items. When grating or shaving hard cheeses, it is important to choose a high-quality cheese that is well-aged and has a strong flavor. You can use a cheese grater or a cheese plane to create thin shavings or small grated pieces. These can then be arranged on your charcuterie board alongside other meats, fruits, and nuts to create a beautiful and delicious spread that is sure to impress your guests. So, the next time you're planning a charcuterie board, don't hesitate to add some grated or shaved hard cheese to the mix!
How does the flavor of hard cheeses differ from soft cheeses in charcuterie?
The flavor of hard cheeses differs significantly from that of soft cheeses in charcuterie. Hard cheeses have a denser texture and are aged for a longer time, which leads to a more intense and complex flavor profile. They have a nuttier, sharper, and more pungent taste that is often described as savory, earthy, and robust. Examples of hard cheeses include Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gouda, and Cheddar.
On the other hand, soft cheeses have a creamy texture and are typically aged for a shorter time. They have a milder flavor that is often described as tangy, buttery, and slightly sweet. Soft cheeses also tend to have a more delicate aroma and a smoother mouthfeel. Examples of soft cheeses include Brie, Camembert, and Goat Cheese.
When it comes to charcuterie, both hard and soft cheeses play an essential role in providing a contrasting flavor and texture to the cured meats. A well-balanced charcuterie board should include a mix of both hard and soft cheeses to provide a variety of flavors and textures that complement the meats.
How long can hard cheeses be aged before being used in charcuterie?
The aging process is one of the most critical steps in the production of hard cheeses used in charcuterie. The duration of the aging process can vary depending on the type of cheese and the desired flavor profile. Generally, hard cheeses can be aged for anywhere from several months to several years before being used in charcuterie.
For example, Parmigiano-Reggiano, a popular hard cheese used in charcuterie, is aged for a minimum of 12 months, with some varieties aged for up to 36 months. This extended aging process helps to develop the cheese's nutty, savory flavor and crumbly texture, making it a perfect addition to charcuterie boards.
Other hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or gouda, can also be used in charcuterie after being aged for several months. It's important to note that the longer a cheese is aged, the sharper and more complex the flavor becomes, which can be a desirable attribute in charcuterie.
Ultimately, the length of time a hard cheese should be aged before being used in charcuterie will depend on the specific cheese and the desired flavor profile. However, with proper aging techniques and careful attention to detail, hard cheeses can be aged to perfection and make a delicious addition to any charcuterie board.
What are some popular pairings for hard cheeses in charcuterie, such as meats or fruits?
When it comes to charcuterie, hard cheeses are a staple. They offer a sharp, distinct flavor that pairs well with a variety of other foods. Some popular pairings for hard cheeses in charcuterie include meats, fruits, and crackers.
One classic pairing is cheddar cheese with salami or prosciutto. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the saltiness of the meats. Another popular pairing is parmesan cheese with sliced apples or pears. The nuttiness of the parmesan balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
For a more sophisticated charcuterie board, try pairing aged gouda with dried figs or apricots. The sweetness of the fruit complements the nutty flavor of the cheese. Blue cheese is also a popular choice, and pairs well with sliced meats like ham or roast beef.
When it comes to crackers, a simple water cracker or crostini is always a safe bet. These neutral flavors allow the cheese and meat to shine. But if you want to add a bit more flavor, try a seeded cracker or a rosemary-infused crostini.
Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing hard cheeses in charcuterie. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match.
What are the best hard cheeses to use in charcuterie boards?
When it comes to creating a perfect charcuterie board, choosing the right hard cheese is crucial. The cheese you choose should complement the other items on the board and offer a balanced flavor profile. Some of the best hard cheeses to use in charcuterie boards include aged cheddar, gouda, parmesan, manchego, and pecorino romano.
Aged cheddar is a popular cheese that pairs well with cured meats and crackers. Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making it a great choice for a charcuterie board. Parmesan is a hard cheese that is perfect for grating over meats and crackers, adding a rich and bold flavor. Manchego is a Spanish cheese that has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor, making it a perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Pecorino romano is an Italian cheese that has a salty and sharp flavor, which pairs well with cured meats and olives.
Ultimately, the best hard cheese for your charcuterie board will depend on your personal preferences and the other items on the board. Consider mixing and matching different cheeses to create a unique and tasty charcuterie board that everyone will love.