Pantry Staples for the Hostess
Scroll to the bottom for one of our favorite recipes to keep on hand for your grazing boards - black mission fig balsamic jam.
Whether you’re welcoming guests for casual nibbling or crafting an elegant grazing board, having the right olive oils, vinegars, and accoutrements on hand turns ordinary into extraordinary. Below are the categories and standout products every hostess should consider stocking — with ideas on how to use them.
Extra-Virgin & Infused Olive Oils are the Heart of Your Board.
The foundation of any great spread starts with high-quality olive oil. Beaufort Olive Oil sources fresh extra-virgin olive oils from around the world, changing seasonally for peak flavor.
Tuscan Herb Olive Oil: A classic that’s incredible for bread dipping, herbaceous, aromatic, and crowd-pleasing. Use it with a simple balsamic drizzle for olives and crostini. Herb oils make your bread board instantly more interesting; guests can taste nuances with each dip.
Persian Lime Olive Oil: Bright, citrus-kick olive oil that wakes up simple greens, fresh fruit salads, and even seafood appetizers. Drizzle over melon or citrus segments on your board; pair with fresh mozzarella and black pepper.
Blood Orange Olive Oil: A slightly sweeter citrus oil with rich aromatics, fabulous with soft cheeses, fresh fruit, or roasted nuts. Drizzle over burrata with a pinch of salt, or mix with honey for dipping biscotti.
Balsamics & Specialty Vinegars to Keep It Sweet, Tart, & Balanced.
Beaufort Olive Oil’s aged balsamic vinegars are barrel-aged (typically 12+ years) using traditional methods, yielding deep, sweet, and complex profiles, far superior to grocery-store imitations.
Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar: Sweet, earthy, and rich with fig flavor — this balsamic is a standout for grazing boards and salads alike. Pair with goat cheese crostini, prosciutto & pear, fresh berries, roasted nuts. Drizzle over creamy cheeses or use as a reduction glaze on grilled meats.
Traditional 18 Year Balsamic Vinegar: Aged, balanced, and rich balsamic that brings sophistication to any board. Excellent for classic pairings. Pair with classic olive oil bread dip, heirloom tomato & basil salad, shaved Parmesan.
Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar: Sweet-tart and fruit forward, perfect with fresh fruit, salads with feta, or even a drizzle over vanilla ice cream. Pair with blue cheese, prosciutto-wrapped melon, greens with strawberry slices.
Gourmet Salts & Accoutrements — Small Things, Big Impact
Beaufort also offers a selection of artisan salts and other provisions that elevate simple flavors:
Smoked Maple Bacon Sea Salt: Savory with a hint of sweetness, amazing on roasted nuts, charcuterie meats, or grilled cheeses.
Salt Sisters Orange Ginger Garlic Salt: Bright and zesty on fresh fruit, roasted veggies, or even popcorn while guests mingle.
Sprinkle a flavored salt on soft cheeses or roasted nuts to bring out nuances and complement your oils and vinegars.
Here’s a go-to grazing board plan centered around Beaufort Olive Oil products:
🥖 Bread & Dips
Crusty baguette and focaccia
Small bowls with olive oil + balsamic (dark and white) for dipping
Add a pinch of herb-flavored salt for a finishing touch
🧀 Cheeses
Soft — brie, burrata
Semi-soft — gouda, manchego
Sharp — aged cheddar
Pairing tip: Drizzle a fruity white balsamic over fresh cheese or a dark balsamic over stronger semi-soft wheels.
🍇 Fresh Additions
Grapes, figs, berries
Sliced pears or apples (These play beautifully with balsamic’s sweetness.)
🥓 Savory Accents
Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
Marinated olives
Nuts with a sprinkle of citrus or garlic sea salt
🥒 Vegetable Bites
Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and artichokes
Drizzle with a bright olive oil then finish with a splash of balsamic.
Stocking your kitchen with these carefully selected artisan products from Beaufort Olive Oil Company ensures you’re always ready to host with style, flavor, and flair.
