How to Make a Charcuterie Board (gf & vo)
Probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing foods ever: the charcuterie board.
Want to figure out how to make a charcuterie board that can also be made gluten free and/or vegan? Check out this guide with tips, ideas, and instructions!
The best part about the ingredients is you can completely customize them based on what you like, have at home, or have access to.
Tools Needed
- Large wooden cutting board
- Butter/cheese knife
- Chic small bowls
These are just suggestions for what you could put on your charcuterie. Mix and match, cover as many of the categories as possible for a diverse and colorful board.
The Crackers
Typically the one aspect of the charcuterie that is not gluten free are the crackers. Here are a couple of solid choices:
- Mary’s Gone Crackers
- Simple Mills
- From the Ground Up Cauliflower Crackers
- Glutino Pretzels
Cheese
- Brie cheese
- Boursin cheese
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella balls
- Blue cheese
- Vegan cheese: Miyoko’s Creamery, Violife, Follow Your Heart, Kite Hill
Preparation tips:
- choose a mix of soft and harder cheeses, strong and mild cheeses
- leave brie cheese whole if it’s already a wedge (to be cut individually)
- place loose cheeses in a small bowl when needed
Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
Preparation tips:
- whole, roast, mix, toast, throw together with spices, candied,
- so many ways to spice up standard nuts
Meat
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Smoked salmon
- Mortadella
- Vegan meat: Tofurky, Mia deli slices, Yves slices, Mushroom Jerky
Preparation tips:
- roll the prosciutto
- fan the salami
Spread
- Jam
- Hummus (easy hummus recipe)
- Honey
- Nut butter
Preparation tips:
- if spreads aren’t already in “cute” small containers, place a portion in a small bowl.
- a honey dipper is a nice touch for the honey
Fruit
- Grapes
- Olives
- Capers
- Dates
- Figs (dried or fresh)
- Berries: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
- Tangerines
- Orange slices
- Pomegranate seeds
Preparation tips:
- keep grapes on the vines
- place olives in small bowl
- fill dates with nut butter (nut butter dates recipe)
- cut figs in half to display the insides
- chocolate covered strawberries
- cut oranges into full-circle slices
Veggies
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pickles
- Cucumber
- Bell pepper (large or mini peppers)
- Sugar snap peas
- Crispy veggies: kale chips, mushroom chips
- Rosemary
Preparation tips:
- cut cucumbers into a Rondelle cut (round shape)
- stuff mini bell peppers
- keep rosemary on the stems
Instructions
- Ideally, choose an assortment that includes something from each category.
- Go to each category for individual preparation tips.
- Place all items on the board, ensuring there’s a little bit of each around and a little bit of duplication. (see tip below)
- Add a butter knife to soft cheeses, and a knife or spoon to spreads.
Tips
- Colors: adding veggies/fruits helps bring color to the board.
- Assorting: arguably the most difficult part is constructing the board so that it looks aesthetically pleasing, so here are some tips.
- Spread out the colors and textures
- Spread out the bowls and other large pieces (such as grapes vines and blocks of cheese)
- Take inspiration from pictures of other charcuterie
- Dietary needs: to meet a variety of dietary needs, make it clear which is which
- For instance, the circular crackers contain gluten, while the square/rectangular ones are gluten free. Keep in mind that this does mean there would be cross-contamination. In severe scenarios, you might have to make two boards.
- This is perfect for your next event/party!
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