If you are searching for the perfect, yet simple way to create a vegetarian charcuterie board, we’re here for you! There are plenty of versions of charcuterie boards out there, epic even, but vegetarian, not so much. Our board can even be changed up a bit to be vegan, so here we go!
We love a charcuterie board. Does that make us bougie? Maybe a little, but we find that when we make a really great spread to go along with our porch time, it lasts us a while. Even when we make one for two, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, but it often works out to our advantage.
So, let’s dive into all things charcuterie and how to make the best vegetarian board.
What is a charcuterie board?
A traditional charcuterie board is an aesthetic af arrangement of various meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, bread, crackers, and sauces. It is typically served as an appetizer or a centerpiece for gatherings and parties. The fancy word “charcuterie” is derived from the French term for the art of preparing cured or preserved meats.
Well, we are going to make it even better and tell you about how to make this traditional board a veggie charcuterie board, but stay tuned for that.
Most boards have the basics of those items above, but then add things like Accompaniments like green olives, pickles, honey, mustard, dried fruits, strawberries, and various types of bread (channeling Oprah, here!). We love charcuterie boards that offer different types of crackers. They are much easier to eat.
Overall, charcuterie boards are a versatile and enjoyable way to indulge in a delectable assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and accompanying ingredients, making them a popular choice for social gatherings, parties, or even a special treat at home. Ahem, like us who make and eat them on the reg.
Choosing your board
The board itself can be a wooden platter, a slate slab, or any other flat surface that allows for the arrangement of different elements. We love a large wooden board, but we have also used really simple ways of creating one like our wooden cutting board. You can get as fancy or as simple as you want.
Something else that can be adorable, but also user-friendly are small bowls, or in our case, we upcycled our Oui Yogurt Jars. We put honey, mustard, and dips in the glass jars which make it visually appealing and easy to use. You can insert little spoons in them or if you are on your own or with a partner, just dip away.
We have to tell you about these Oui Yogurt Jar lids there are made of bamboo. WHAT?! Talk about our jars getting a glow-up! And, we can reuse the jars for other things now that they have lids.
How to Make a Vegetarian Charcuterie Board
Start with a Variety of Cheeses
Select a diverse assortment of vegetarian cheeses, such as aged cheddar, creamy brie, goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta. Opt for different textures and flavors to provide a range of taste experiences. If it’s cheese, we love it! Obviously, if you are going for a vegan charcuterie board, you will leave off the cheese, or use a vegan alternative.
Some people just go with a cheese board, and that is ok, too!
Choose Meat Alternatives
Include vegetarian meat alternatives like Tofurky plant-based deli slices, vegetarian sausage or pepperoni, or even marinated tofu. These options mimic the appearance and flavors of traditional cured meats on a charcuterie board. We think that this levels up your board. You can even make a cute rose with your faux meats like we did!
Add Some Fruits
Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits like grapes (cotton candy grapes are our fave), sliced apples, or strawberries to add color. Dried fruits such as figs, apricots, or cranberries also provide a sweet and chewy component.
Include Assorted Nuts
Since Shannon has a tree nut allergy, we steer clear of the nuts. We do, however, spread around a few legumes (peanuts) for crunch and flair. If you are going to go with nuts, select a mix of roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pistachios. They complement the other flavors on the board.
Include Pickles, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes
Add tangy and briny flavors to your board by including an assortment of pickles and olives. Consider options like cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, or stuffed olives. The cherry tomatoes are super easy to grab and eat and we love them on our vegetarian charcuterie boards or just in general as a snack.
Provide Bread and Crackers
Hello, Oprah, again. Like Oprah, we love bread but we prefer having crackers. Include a selection of bread and/or crackers for guests to enjoy with the cheeses and toppings. Choose different types such as baguette slices, whole-grain crackers, or gluten-free options to cater to various dietary preferences.
Include Dips and Spreads
Enhance the flavor profile by adding a few dips or spreads. Hummus, spinach dip, or flavored cream cheeses are excellent choices that pair well with the other ingredients. They are a great way to enjoy cucumber slices that are also a great addition to your board. Regarding the spinach dip, we have an easy recipe for that. Use a packet of Knorr vegetable Soup Mix, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 cup of sour cream, and mix in a frozen packet of spinach (thawed). Voila! The easiest spinach dip you have ever had. It is super yummy, too!
Garnish and Presentation
We use fresh lettuce from our garden to use as a garnish. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or rosemary over the board to add a touch of greenery. Arrange the ingredients aesthetically, ensuring a mix of colors and textures to create an appealing presentation.
Including Guests To Enjoy Your Charcuterie Board
Remember to consider your guests’ dietary preferences and any specific dietary restrictions they may have. This is why a vegetarian charcuterie board is an amazing thing to have at your social gathering. Really, anyone can enjoy it, even if they do eat meat. They just won’t have any.
Labeling the components of the charcuterie board can also be helpful for easy identification. Enjoy the process of creating a vegetarian charcuterie board, and have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations. We love these slate labels to add to cheeses and different items on your board.
Enjoy your vegetarian charcuterie board
Whether you are making your veggie board for yourself, your family, or a social gathering, throw together some veggies and anything else you want. It’s all about getting creative and having fun while you do it. You can even make it your main dish. There are no rules when it comes to making your charcuterie board, so enjoy it, and bon appétit!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, of course. There are no rules but a great option for your vegetarian board is chocolate-covered strawberries. Yum!
For our boards, we recommend a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. If your board has a lot of salt, consider a sparking wine like prosecco.
Candied fruits are a wonderful idea, but if you want to put some candies as a sprinkled in surprise, go for it.
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