Nothing is as impressive as a beautiful culinary spread at a dinner party. They say you eat with your eyes first and nothing will wow your guests like an awe-inspiring charcuterie board filled with everyone’s favorites. You know the classic meat and cheese boards, but with a little planning and a big imagination, you can make charcuterie boards for any type of food and occasion. Here are just a few out-of-the-box boards that would be the toast of the party.
Pancake Breakfast Charcuterie
Boards are not just for the dinner parties any more. You can load up a display with mini pancakes, berries, butter, syrup – all of the classics. Sprinkle in a section of chocolate chips, whipped cream, bananas, and Nutella for an added sweet kick. Serve this up the next time you have guests staying at your house or have an early morning meet up with friends. This will dazzle and delight even the most “not a morning person.”
Dessert and Candy Charcuterie
For a bright and colorful board that screams whimsy and fun, take all your favorites – chocolate covered pretzels, jelly rings, cookies, anything that works with your theme and go to town. You can color coordinate sweets by choosing one color and making everything match for an added aesthetic flair. A sweet Valentine’s Day board with all pink candies and desserts would surprise and wow your co-workers on an otherwise boring day of the week. Let your imagination soar, the sky is the limit with this one.
Bring on the Holidays
Charcuterie boards are the perfect answer for your holiday get togethers. There are so many holiday shapes – Christmas trees, wreaths and candy canes that can serve as the foundational shape of your creation. Alternate meat and cheeses in whimsical stripes of the candy cane or layers of your Christmas tree. Cut out little star shapes in your fruit and use pretzel sticks for branches or bark. Garnish with some sprigs of rosemary to look like pine branches and you will have one festive holiday treat.
Mexican Taquito Party
Bet you haven’t seen this one before! You can buy pre-made taquitos or get adventurous and make your own – this will be the foundation of your board. You can cut them in half, so they’ll stand up on the board for added height and aesthetic. Load up all around with dips, salsas, guacamole, and beans. Garnish with lime wedges, mini quesadilla slices and tortilla chips. This one will be a game-changer for sure that you can serve at Cinco de Mayo, as Game Day grub, or just at a fun taco party with friends.
There’s really no limit to your imagination with charcuterie boards. Whether hosting your own party or bringing a dish to a friend’s house, there’s a platter for every occasion. Try creating your own and see how excited people get with your creativity.
