With house guests to feed, I always default to an easy, inexpensive charcuterie board/platter. I didn’t know what a charcuterie board was until a few years ago. And luckily, I first learned of it as more of a meat, cheese, and whatever option, rather than the traditional board of cured meats.
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. And thanks to Trader Joe’s, not only is a charcuterie platter super easy to put together, it’s also fairly inexpensive for how many it serves.
As an 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 Spread!!!
Helpful Hint: How do you Pronounce Charcuterie?
It’s “shar-coot-urr-eee”!
One of the other fantastic things about making your charcuterie appetizer boards 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.
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 like we tried here?
The meat options are a little more limited at TJs, but there are still plenty. I opt 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 appetizer platter 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!
WHAT TO BUY AT TRADER JOE'S | EASY + INEXPENSIVE CHARCUTERIE
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
- Keep items refrigerated until 15-30 minutes before servings.
- Arrange all items on a large platter or cutting board!
- Serve with small spoons and knives for easy enjoyment.
Recipe Notes
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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
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 🙂
I like your photography style. The food looks great. x
Louise
http://louiseplace.com
Gah, charcuterie platters are the best. We make them when we want to "eat light", then end up gorging. Not so light.
I love charcuterie board! This one looks amazing!! Great photos!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Trader Joe's is my go to for EVERYTHING. I also love their inexpensive flower selection! Thanks for stopping by!
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
Thanks, Louise!
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!
Thanks, Rach!!
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
My husband LOVES cheese! This would be a great start for a party!
I already have the fig butter in my fridge 🙂 #meanttobe
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Blaire! I'm so happy you like this post and are following along!! xo
This is a cheese lover's dream! And luckily it's easy and fairly inexpensive to throw together!
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.
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
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).
I love these tips, thanks for making sense of cheese!!
Awesome idea!! Love appetizers and cheese. 🙂
http://www.taylormcunningham.com
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!
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!
Thanks, Maggie! I'm so glad you found this helpful! Can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Great, Jamie! I'm so glad I could help!
Thanks, Taylor! So glad you like it!
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!!!
Thanks, Tanaya! I'm so glad you liked it. And yes – great to connect!!
Oh, I love a good charcuterie board! This one looks ohhhh so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, and LaMarca is our favorite prosecco!
My pleasure! Sounds like our taste buds would be one happy couple! 🙂