A charcuterie board is simply a display of different cheeses, crackers, meats, and some veggies or fruits on a cutting board grouped together. Perfect for a small or large gathering with friends or family. My tips below will teach you how to create a simple charcuterie board on a budget.
I created a charcuterie boards on New Years Day just for my family and I. It was super fun to create, very easy and was a lot larger than I planned for.
Creating a charcuterie board was very simple to shop for and to create. I started with all of the inspiration found on Pinterest and steps on how to start on YouTube.
Although through all of the inspiration charcuterie boards are unique to your style and your taste.
The items that I wanted to use on my charcuterie board were:
- Pepperoni
- Smoked deli ham
- Smoked turkey breast
- Pepper salami
- Hot capocollo
- Hot calabrese
- Colby jack cheese cubes
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Havarti cheese (with dill)
- Goat cheese (with garlic & herb)
- Raisins
- California style raisins
- Red & green grapes
- Pickles
- Baby carrots
- Celery
- Raspberries
- Grape tomatoes
- Olives: black & kalamata
- Peanuts
- Trail mix
- Almonds
- Pretzels
- An assortment of Crackers: poppy seed, five-grain, seeded multigrain, sesame wheat, garden vegetable
- Grilled crostini toasts
- Honey
- French onion dip
- Smoky jalapeno cheese spread
- Honey butter cinnamon & brown sugar
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Hershey kisses (for a sweet flavor)
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Foundation
What are you going to place your items on?
A small cheese board, large cheese or cutting board, or your countertop using kraft paper?
I started using one of my wood slice boards and everything quickly filled up….more than I excepted. Lol! It certainly doesn’t take long. So if you have more than 2 or 3 meat, cheese, and cracker choices. Definitely make sure you have a large enough space to lay everything out. The next time I create a board I would like to use kraft paper on the countertops.
Labeling
Labeling would also be helpful for your guests, family members to identify all of the wonderful goodies that you have for them on the board.
Using a chalk pen/marker to label on your kraft paper. Or using menu tent cards if you have the space for them on your board. Using a chalkboard easel or whiteboard as a menu board would also bring a unique touch.
Starting Point
I have seen some charcuterie boards start with one of the largest items first. Some choose to start with the cheeses or the meats.
Placement
When placing items on your board space the items out that are similar. So it would look best if you separated the cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, nuts, spreads, dips and crackers from each other.
Also, take note of the colors of your items. If you have two green items for example place them on the opposite ends of your board to create balance and pops of color throughout the board.
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Have Fun
What I love about creating one of these boards is that it does not have to be perfect. You can use what you like and prefer for yourself and your family.
Do not stress over the placement and purchasing expensive items. The majority of the food items for our charcuterie board was from Aldi. Costing me no more than $50.00 for everything.
Also, shop your own pantry and fridge for other items that you may already have on hand. I was surprised to realize what I already had quite a few items on hand to help cut the cost down.
Charcuterie boards are great for any occasion. A fun game/movie night with the family. They are great for baby, bridal showers, or a fancy cocktail brunch/dinner.
That is what makes them fun! You get to choose! Have fun and create!!
