A charcuterie board is a simple party pleaser that only requires a bit of imagination and creativity. They are one of the easiest, yet most luxurious-feeling dishes to make. Creating charcuterie boards is truly an art form. You need to know what pairs well together, and how to plate it in an aesthetically pleasing way.
But making a great charcuterie board can be expensive, as you have to purchase a lot of pricier ingredients. High-quality cured meats and cheese are not cheap. Never fear, everyone’s favorite grocery store is here to save the day. Trader Joe’s offers tons of mouthwatering charcuterie board ingredients at a very reasonable price, to make an equally (if not more) delicious board.
Here are the best items from Trader Joe’s to create your very own Trader Joe’s charcuterie board.
Cheese
Chevre Fine Herbs
This creamy goat cheese is perfect for spreading onto crackers. Its fresh yet tangy taste pairs well with additional toppings, or a bite alongside a pickle. Rolled in basil, chives, dill, parsley, and tarragon — this herby cheese is made to please.
Chevre With Honey
This is the sweeter version of Trader Joe’s Chevre Fine Herbs. Mixed with a hint of honey, this smooth and sweet cheese pairs well with less savory crackers and jam. Sweet and tangy, Chevre with Honey feels like yogurt’s better sister.
Unexpected Cheddar
Unexpected Cheddar is perhaps Trader Joe’s trademark cheese, and rightfully so. This sharp cheddar has a great crumbly texture and complex flavor — this is not your regular white cheddar cheese. Best eaten in small cubes, it is a good finger food that brings necessary sharpness to a charcuterie board.
Crackers
Pita Bite Crackers
These little crackers are the ideal vessel for spreads and toppings. With a neutral flavor that is salty and ever so slightly sweet, these pita crackers have a strong crunchiness that adds texture. While boring on their own, pairing them with other items on the charcuterie board brings out their strengths.
Fig & Olive Crisps
These wonderfully sweet crisps are chewy from the dried figs and crunchy from the seeds. The flavor is complex: a nice balance of sweet from the figs and salty from the olives. They are an interesting cracker addition to your board — everyone will be asking what they are at first, but they won’t stop eating when they have a taste.
Meats
Sliced Prosciutto
Perhaps the most popular charcuterie board meat, prosciutto is a melt-in-your-mouth meat whose saltiness and savory flavors go well with just about anything.
Spicy Uncured Charcuterie Selection
This selection of spicy meats is the perfect bundle for a range of charcuterie board meat choices. Including spicy coppa, sopressa, and capocolla — these Italian meats are great for creating roses with.
Extras
Strawberry Preserves
Made with fresh strawberries, these strawberry preserves will add a bit of necessary sweetness to your board. Use it as a topping on cheese, crackers, or cheese cheese and crackers to make a balanced savory and sweet bite.
Dark Chocolate Bark With Almond, Pretzel & Sea Salt
Chocolate and sweets belong on a charcuterie board, too. For an indulgent bite, this dark chocolate bark is the way to go. The bark’s sea salt ensures that it is not overly sweet, and this bark would definitely pair well with a milder or sweeter cheese.
Olive & Herbs Mixed Nuts
These mixed nuts are a good salty finger food that is good with any mixed bite. WIth a subtle herby taste, they are also delicious on their own — adding a bit of crunch and character.