You know what one of my favorite things to do for dinner is? An easy, inexpensive charcuterie board/platter from Trader Joe’s! Anytime we’re entertaining too, I always default to this sort of grazing board for starters. It’s easy, delicious, and not super expensive!
I didn’t know what a charcuterie board was until a few years ago (like everyone else). And luckily, I first learned of it as more of a meat, cheese, and whatever option, rather than the traditional board of cured meats.
I still get some heat for calling this kind of arrangement a charcuterie board, but let’s just assume the broader definition – appetizer board sounds good but not quite as fancy!
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie
I think the variety in this type of appetizer is better because it’s well-balanced on my palate and more appetizing to a wider variety of guests. Meats, cheeses, and accoutrement can be found at any market, but thanks to TJs, it can be fairly inexpensive for how many it serves!
As a grazing/lighter offering, $30 spent here feeds around 10 people, including one bottle of sparkling wine. As more of a hearty snack or starter, around 6-8.
I like shopping at Trader Joe’s because they have such a great cheese selection that isn’t expensive. Most of their cheeses are $3-$10 and you get a hefty hunk of cheese! Hello Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board!!!
Helpful Hint: How do you Pronounce Charcuterie?
It’s “shar-coot-urr-eee”!
One of the other fantastic things about making your charcuterie board from Trader Joe’s is that they have a great variety of cheeses. Our go tos are the syrah soaked toscano and the brie. Past that, I like to experiment each time with something new. The third one on this particular board is the Double Gloucester Cheese with Onions & Chives.
Without getting overwhelmed with the flavored cheese, manchego, goat, and white cheddar cheeses are always fun. But then there’s also the pepper crusted or the cinnamon toscanos. Or how about the pub cheese dips and the chili and red pepper cheddar?
If you like their blueberry goat cheese, you can try making your own blueberry chutney with goat cheese!
The meat options are a little more limited at TJs, but there are still plenty. I opted for a salami of course. Prosciutto is another absolute favorite.
I’ve done other boards with turkey meat, sliced (pre-cooked) sausages, and pepperoni. I like to do a mix of peppery, cured, and plain so it’s easier to digest. Then everyone is happy!
Traditionally a charcuterie board is just meat and possibly a cheese. My platters always have some sliced fruit, veggies, and crackers. Since I like to serve this as a heartier appetizer or a light meal, I think it’s good to have a variety of things to break it up and make the board go a little further!
Creating seasonal boards is always a good idea (especially if you’re trying to live more sustainably). Favorites include sliced apples, pears, or oranges in the fall/winter and sliced stone fruit, figs, or cherries in the summer (like on this brunch charcuterie board).
Cherry tomatoes and carrots are my other go-tos. If you really want to mix things up you can add some grilled veggies like these hors d’oeuvres!
You can check out these simple cheese board ideas too!
What can I use if I don’t have a charcuterie board?
Charcuterie boards and appetizer boards can be expensive. While we use them enough to justify the cost, not everyone does. Also, “charcuterie boards” are trendy and therefore more expensive, but “cutting boards,” – which are in essence the same thing – are neither trendy nor expensive!
But truthfully, you can use just about any plate or platter. In fact, smaller boards tend to look better because they fill up so much more easily!
TRADER JOE'S CHARCUTERIE BOARD
I’m all about charcuterie boards (meat and cheese preferably), but I don’t think it has to be expensive. Here is my go-to list of meat, cheese, dips, and spreads for the perfect, inexpensive charcuterie board (all from Trader Joe’s).
Ingredients
- champagne or regular grapes
- anjou pear sliced
- carrots
- mini heirloom tomatoes
- hummus top w. olive oil and paprika
- salami
- syrah soaked toscano cheese
- brie
- chili and red bell pepper cheddar
- stone ground wheat crackers
- fig butter
- wine/drink of choice
Instructions
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Keep items refrigerated until 15-30 minutes before servings.
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Arrange all items on a large platter or cutting board!
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Serve with small spoons and knives for easy enjoyment.
Recipe Notes
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Luci Petlack says
Trader Joe's is great! It is definitely a go-to place for tasty and inexpensive food items and wine. That charcuterie board looks delicious!
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Luci Petlack says
TJ's is the best! I practically live in that store! Have you tried the mushroom brie?! So heavenly! We always like to try a new cheese every month from them so I'll have to try the toscano next 🙂
Luci Petlack says
I like your photography style. The food looks great. x
Louise
http://louiseplace.com
Luci Petlack says
Gah, charcuterie platters are the best. We make them when we want to "eat light", then end up gorging. Not so light.
Luci Petlack says
I love charcuterie board! This one looks amazing!! Great photos!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Luci Petlack says
Trader Joe's is my go to for EVERYTHING. I also love their inexpensive flower selection! Thanks for stopping by!
Luci Petlack says
Well now I have to go to TJs again and by mushroom brie because it has like everything in one little package. I think you'll love the toscano. Please try it with the fig butter. #itsmagic #justsayin
Luci Petlack says
Thanks, Louise!
Luci Petlack says
Oh my gosh, I'm the exact same! It's the worst when I get a fresh baguette. And then the wine. The best part about charcuterie is also the worst part – it's all balanced so you eat one thing then need a different one for balance. Then another because…. well because!
Luci Petlack says
Thanks, Rach!!
Luci Petlack says
I'm always lost when it comes to creating a charcuterie board. Thank you so much for these suggestions. Love your blog! You have a new follower!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Luci Petlack says
My husband LOVES cheese! This would be a great start for a party!
Luci Petlack says
I already have the fig butter in my fridge 🙂 #meanttobe
Luci Petlack says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Blaire! I'm so happy you like this post and are following along!! xo
Luci Petlack says
This is a cheese lover's dream! And luckily it's easy and fairly inexpensive to throw together!
Luci Petlack says
The fig butter is calling my name. Now I know what new thing to get at TJ's. I love their cheese selection too. It's pretty affordable.
Luci Petlack says
I have an obsession with cheese and meat boards! They are so classy haha I love this post – I have always wanted to make my own, so these are great tips!
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Luci Petlack says
I want a marble pasty slab, the fig butter and the La Marca prosecco. You presented everything so well – got my creative juices flowing for a supper party I have in a few weeks.. Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier (and I would love your pumpkin bread recipe).
Luci Petlack says
I love these tips, thanks for making sense of cheese!!
Luci Petlack says
Awesome idea!! Love appetizers and cheese. 🙂
http://www.taylormcunningham.com
Luci Petlack says
You have to try their Manchego cheese and their Port Salut cheese. Amazing! Basically, I'm a fan of most of their cheeses but of course, some more than others 🙂 Every once in a while, we do a charcuterie board for dinner and I think it's the greatest meal!
Luci Petlack says
Loving this! What a great idea, and I love the idea of incorporating that delicious fig jam into the board. Great connecting with you on Saturday at the FBLA meeting!
Luci Petlack says
Thanks, Maggie! I'm so glad you found this helpful! Can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Luci Petlack says
Great, Jamie! I'm so glad I could help!
Luci Petlack says
Thanks, Taylor! So glad you like it!
Luci Petlack says
I love Manchego, so I will and Port Salut sounds good too!! Charcuterie dinners are always so fun and I love that there's no cooking!!!
Luci Petlack says
Thanks, Tanaya! I'm so glad you liked it. And yes – great to connect!!
Luci Petlack says
Oh, I love a good charcuterie board! This one looks ohhhh so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, and LaMarca is our favorite prosecco!
Luci Petlack says
My pleasure! Sounds like our taste buds would be one happy couple! 🙂