The holiday season is upon us! It’s time to break out the cheese knives and WOW your friends and family with a stunning charcuterie board! And guess what? You don’t need a private chef’s budget to make one.
I’ll bring a few helpful tips, you bring a little creativity, and together, we’ll aim to assemble a charcuterie platter with affordable ingredients like pantry staples, seasonal finds, and budget-friendly cheeses from your local grocery store. In a second, we’ll dive into a few easy steps to help you craft your winter charcuterie board, but first, let’s talk about holiday themes for your beautiful board.
Charcuterie Board Themes for the Holiday Season
Making a charcuterie board is as much about creativity as it is about flavor, and choosing a theme can take your board from “nice” to “next-level WOW.” So here are a few fun and festive themes you might want to consider:
Winter Wonderland Board
Create a snowy aesthetic by selecting white and pale foods for your board. You might want to start with a creamy goat cheese log or a wedge of brie, then add some fresh mozzarella pearls, and pair them with light-colored crackers or breadsticks. Sprinkle in some sugared nuts, white chocolate pretzels, and dried fruits like apricots or golden raisins. For décor and contract, be sure to use a few sprigs of rosemary to mimic evergreen branches.
Festive Red & Green Board
Want your board to scream “holiday season” with bright, seasonal colors? Be sure to use vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red grapes, or cranberries alongside green olives, cucumber slices, and pistachios. Then add a pop of sweetness with pomegranate seeds or green apple slices. Arrange everything around a centerpiece like a soft brie cheese wheel topped with cranberry sauce for a beautiful arrangement.
Dessert Charcuterie Board
Swap savory for sweet and go all out with a dessert-centric board. Include cream cheese or mascarpone for dipping, along with chocolate truffles, cookies, and marshmallows. Add in dried fruits like dates and figs, along with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices. Pair with honey or caramel for drizzling, and you’ve got a holiday party showstopper!
DIY Kids Board
We recommend keeping it simple and fun for the little ones by using cheese cubes, mini crackers, rolled deli meats, and fresh fruit slices. Be sure to add in some colorful elements like jelly beans or mini candy canes for a touch of whimsy.
Did you pick a theme you like? Awesome! Let’s start the process!
How to Make A Budget Holiday Charcuterie Board
Step 1: Choose Your Base (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need a fancy wooden board to get started. A large cutting board, cookie sheet, or even a large platter will do the trick. Bonus points if it has raised edges to keep your ingredients from tumbling off. This board will be your canvas, so just make sure it’s sturdy and clean.
Step 2: Budget-Friendly Cheeses
Charcuterie boards are all about the cheese, so let’s talk strategy. The key is to pick different types of cheeses and create variety of textures and flavors. You don’t need to splurge on the crazy expensive triple-infused brie. Opt for stores like Aldi or Trader Joe’s to get a great selection of cheeses at great prices. Here are some affordable options:
- Hard cheese: Think cheddar or gouda. Both are inexpensive and crowd-pleasing.
- Soft cheeses: Creamy options like brie cheese or goat cheese feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
- Fancy cheese: Splurge on one showstopper, like creamy comté cheese or a small wedge of bleu cheese. A little goes a long way.
Let your cheeses come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. (But we recommend not leaving the cheese out longer than 2 hours.)
Step 3: Add Affordable Meats
No need for imported prosciutto! Opt for affordable meat products like hard salami or dry-cured sausages to make a nice, but cheap charcuterie board. Check the deli counter for deals or smaller portions to cut costs. Arrange them in different shapes for visual interest, whether folded, rolled, or fanned out.
Step 4: Raid Your Pantry for Extras
Here’s where things get fun! Fill in the gaps with items you probably already have:
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or even peanuts to add some crunch.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, or cranberries bring the sweetness.
- Different types of crackers: Grab whatever’s on hand! Heck, if someone left a box of free crackers at your last potluck, use them!
Step 5: Fresh Produce for Color
Freshness is the perfect way to make your board look Instagram-worthy! And seasonal fresh produce is your friend. Think cherry tomatoes paired with fresh mozzarella, and slices of baguette. Scatter some fresh herbs around like rosemary or thyme sprigs for that holiday vibe.
Step 6: Small Bowls for Variety
Pop a few small bowls onto your board for dips, spreads, or pickled items. Options like cream cheese, olives, or even honey work well.
Step 7: Assemble Like a Pro
Don’t forget: the fun part is making it your own! Here are some tips for styling:
- Start with a Focal Point: Begin by placing your biggest items down first, like wedges of cheese or a small bowl of olives or honey. This anchors your layout and makes the board feel balanced.
- Use the Rule of Odds: Odd numbers are more visually pleasing, so aim for three to five cheeses, three kinds of meat, and an odd number of bowls. This creates a natural, balanced look.
- Play with Textures: A variety of textures keeps things interesting. Pair smooth brie with crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and crisp crackers. For example, add different types of crackers—some seeded, some plain—for extra contrast.
- Layer and Stack: Create height and dimension by layering sliced meats or stacking crackers in small piles. Roll or fold meats like hard salami for an elevated presentation. Don’t be afraid to let some items overlap. It adds to the “plentiful charcuterie platter” effect.
- Fill in the Gaps: Empty spaces on your board can make it feel incomplete. Use small items like fresh herbs, dried fruits, nuts, or even sprigs of holly to fill in gaps. This will make the board look full and inviting.
- Add a Pop of Color: Bright ingredients like fresh produce (think red grapes, green cucumbers, or orange slices) or garnishes like pomegranate seeds add a fresh, lively touch. Don’t forget to use seasonal accents like cranberries for a holiday vibe.
- Don’t Forget the Cheese Knives: Serve your board with the proper tools, so guests don’t struggle to serve themselves. A set of cheese knives makes cutting and spreading a breeze.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Before your holiday party or next gathering, give your board one final look. Does it have a variety of textures? Are there enough colors? Your charcuterie board doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure it’s fun!
Never Make a Boring Board Again!
Now that you know how to make your own holiday charcuterie board, go forth and use it for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, or any upcoming event!
What will your delicious spread consist of? We’d love to hear about, so be sure to leave us a comment below!