Nothing makes me happier than a perfect charcuterie board. Whether you’re hosting a girls night, want an appetizer for your party, or need an easy dish to bring to an event, charcuterie boards are an easy, loved go-to! If you're a fan of charcuterie, you already know that Trader Joe's is ELITE. From fine cheeses to gourmet meats, and an array of complementary snacks, you can find everything you need for the ultimate charcuterie experience. Check out my Trader Joe’s charcuterie haul!
The Essentials: Cheese and Meats
Cheese Selection
Unexpected Cheddar: This cheese combines the sharpness of aged cheddar with the tang of Parmesan.
Tripple Cream Brie: Soft and creamy, this brie is perfect for spreading. I love pairing with the fig butter!
Blueberry Vanilla Chèvre: This goat cheese is infused with the sweetness of blueberries and a hint of vanilla, it’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. (During the winter holidays, they have a cranberry version that is amazing!!)
Syrah-Soaked Creamy Toscano Cheese: This semi-hard cheese combines a creamy, nutty texture with a rich, fruity flavor from its Syrah wine infusion.
Manchego Anejo Cheese: An aged Spanish cheese with a firm texture and a bold, nutty flavor
Meats
I recommend buying the mixed selection 3-pack, however depending on the size of your board, it may just be best to buy them separate.
Sliced Prosciutto: Thin, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth, prosciutto is a classic choice for any charcuterie board.
Calabrese Salami: This spicy Italian salami adds a nice kick. I typically use this meat (or any type of salami) to make the meat roses!
Spanish Chorizo: With its smoky, paprika-infused flavor, chorizo is a flavorful addition that brings depth to your charcuterie selection.
Accompaniments: Fruits, Nuts, and More
Fresh Fruit: Some of my favorites include grapes, strawberries, raspberries, apple slices and peaches depending on what’s in season. Fruit adds a bright pop of color to the board!
Cornichons: These tiny pickles pack a punch with their tangy flavor, perfect for cutting through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Fig Butter: A sweet spread that pairs beautifully with both cheeses and meats, adding a hint of sweetness.
Whole grain dijon mustard: This is a staple in my fridge from Trader Joes. It is such a good mustard!
Cheddar Cheese Stick Crackers: A twisted cheddar cheese cracker, it’s a great crunch!
Oven Baked Cheese Bites with Black Summer Truffle: This pack a punch of truffle flavor! I normally can only eat a few but they have an incredible truffle flavor with the sharp taste of the cheese.
Dried Apricots: Their chewy texture and sweet flavor provide a nice contrast to the savory meats and cheeses.
Marcona Almonds: These Spanish almonds are lightly fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, adding a delicious crunch.
Seasonal Fun: Trader Joes always has fun, seasonal treats. Whether it’s their mini cakes, macarons or candy selection, I always get one or two of these to pop throughout the board! This is your opportunity to get creative!
Crackers and Breads
Cracker Mix: Trader Joe’s has a mixed box of crackers – keep it simple and buy this! You cannot go wrong.
Baguette Slices: Fresh, crusty baguette slices are a must-have for spreading soft cheeses and piling on meats.
Pita Bite Crackers: Light and crispy, these crackers are perfect for pairing with a variety of toppings.
Fig and olive crisps: An amazing crunch with sweet pieces of fig throughout. They are a perfect bite-sized crisp.
Building Your Board
Start with the Cheese: Arrange the cheeses around the board, spacing them out evenly. Cut some into slices or chunks to make it easy for guests to grab and add some variation to the board
Add the Meats: Fold or roll the meats and place them around the cheeses.
Place the Accompaniments: Scatter the fruits, nuts, and pickles around the board, filling in gaps and adding color.
Finish with Crackers and Breads: Arrange the crackers and bread slices in the remaining spaces, ensuring they are easily reachable.
Crafting a charcuterie board from Trader Joe's is not only fun but also a delicious way to impress your guests. With a variety of high-quality ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a stunning and flavorful spread that will be the highlight of any gathering. So, next time you're at Trader Joe's, grab a cart and get ready to assemble the ultimate charcuterie board haul. (Don’t forget to stop by the wine isle before heading out too!!)
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