The artful combination of a charcuterie board/snack board is a great option for creating a social and sharable dining experience for any type of gathering or celebration. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of staple snacks to include as well as a list of tips to help you arrange the best board for your next event!
Snack Board Staples with examples:
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami, pepperoni)
- Artisanal cheeses (cheddar, gouda, brie, goat, mozzarella,
- Breads (crackers, cheese straws, pretzels, bread)
- Pickled vegetables (olives, cornichons, green beans, cauliflower)
- Dried Fruits (apricots, figs,)
- Fresh Fruits (cherries, raspberries, blackberries, cherry tomatoes)
- Nuts (cashews, almonds, candied pecans, walnuts)
- Vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, grilled zucchini)
- Condiments and Spreads (mustard, honey, butter, chutney, hummus, pimento cheese)
- Sweets (chocolate covered almonds, yogurt covered pretzels, truffles, caramels)
Ideas to elevate your snack board with items carried at J. Olive Co.
- Bread and Bread Dip: make an easy loaf of fresh bread with our Rustic French Boule Bread Mix. Combine Salt Sisters Charmane’s Dip seasoning with one of our EVOOs for delicious dipping.
- Drizzle J. Olive Co. Traditional Balsamic Condimento over cheeses and vegetables.
- Spread Terrapin Ridge Farms Hot Pepper Bacon Jam over a soft cheese like cream cheese, baked brie, or a goat cheese log.
- Drizzle Cloister honey over a plain goat cheese log.
- Pick up a box of Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Cheese Straws for an easy addition to your board.
- Visit us in store to shop a wide selection of beautiful serving trays and boards to serve as your base.
Additional Notes:
- Variety is Key: Try to select a diverse selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments to cater to different tastes. Include a mix of textures, flavors, and colors for an appealing visual presentation.
- Balance Flavors and Textures: Aim for a balance of salty, savory, sweet, and tangy elements. Pair creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts, salty meats with sweet fruits, and sharp cheeses with milder counterparts for a harmonious flavor profile.
- Arrangement: Organize items in a visually pleasing manner. Consider placing meats and cheeses in alternating patterns, creating sections for different elements, or arranging items in a circular or flowing pattern for an elegant look.
- Utilize the Board Space: Fill your food-safe board or serving platter but avoid overcrowding. Allow enough space for guests to easily pick up items without knocking others over. If needed, you can use smaller bowls or ramekins for spreads or condiments.
- Garnishes: garnish the board with things like fresh herbs and edible flowers. This not only enhances the visual appeal, but it also introduces subtle aromas.
- Temperature Considerations: If including warm items, such as baked brie or grilled vegetables, place them on the board just before serving to maintain their temperature and texture.
- Personalize to the Occasion: Tailor the charcuterie board to the occasion. For a casual gathering that includes children, keep it simple and rustic, using serving pieces that are nice, but durable. For a more formal event, opt for a sophisticated arrangement with finer ingredients and serving pieces.