5 Summer Party Charcuterie Boards

We all know charcuterie boards are really just little themed buffets on a platter. We also know, they can be really delicious food to either graze on or make a meal of. 

And, they just look so appealing!

With summer upon us, and get togethers with family and friends coming up, we've come up with a few good ideas for charcuterie boards we think your guests will love.

A traditional charcuterie board is made up of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, and sometimes crackers and spreads. It's hard to go wrong when you serve those goodies. But why not try a themed board, or something that's special to your family?

Board #1 The Americana

With Memorial Day just a few days away, an Americana charcuterie board would be a great idea for a feast. You could include typical  American fare, dressed up in red, white, and blue. Or just choose foods of those colors, like blueberries with white cheeses and red meats. A hamburger or hotdog bar would be easy to do as well.

Board #2 The Dietary Special

Do you have friends and family with special dietary needs? So do we. 

Traditional boards are already gluten free. If you decide to add crackers, remember to make sure your GF friend can eat them. A dairy-free board is also possible. A non-dairy dip could be a good substitute for cheese. Try to find out if your guests have food allergies so you can be sure there's something at your gathering that they will be able to eat.

Board #3 The Sugar Overload

Pile your board high with chocolate of all types for a dessert board: white, dark, milk, peanut-buttery, shaped. Or create a beautiful mix of cookies, either homemade or store bought. The important thing is that it looks beautiful. Cruise the internet for ideas for pretty charcuterie layouts.

Board #4  The Budget Board

Ingredients for a charcuterie board can add up fast at the grocery store. Your guests will still love something more simple, but still delicious. Use what you already have at home to start your board. Opt for less expensive cheeses and meats. Fill in spaces with fruit and crackers. Use cute dishes, either your own or borrowed. You don't have to go bankrupt to have a party.

Board #5 The Meat Lover

Chicken strips, steak bites, jerky, sausages, wings, you name it! Just be sure to have some bread and fruit for accompaniment and some good sauces for dipping.

A few other good charcuterie board practices include having tongs or toothpicks for guests, using small plates to encourage portion control, and labeling your foods so people know what they are.