Grazing boards, also known as charcuterie boards or snack platters, have taken the culinary world by storm. These visually appealing boards are not only a feast for the eyes but also delicious for the palette. Whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a creative way to enjoy a meal, grazing boards offer endless possibilities. Here are a few of my favorite non-traditional creative charcuterie board ideas to inspire you!
Creative Charcuterie Board Ideas
Breakfast CHARCUTERIE Board
Start your day on a delicious note with a breakfast board that combines the best morning pastries, meats, and grains. Some of the best items to include on a breakfast charcuterie board are:
- Assorted mini pastries like croissants, muffins, and Danises
- Slices of smoked salmon
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fresh berries
- Bite-sized waffles
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese
- Granola
- Macaroons
- Sliced avocado
- Mini pancakes or waffles
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Arrange the ingredients on a wooden board for a smaller group or along a long table for bigger parties. And don’t forget the drinks! Having pitchers of fresh juices really brings the whole meal together.
Mediterranean Mezze Board
A Mezze platter is a traditional assortment of small, flavorful dishes and appetizers that originated in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It's often served as an appetizer or a collection of snacks to enjoy before a main meal, but I love serving Mezzes AS the meal! Mezze dishes can vary widely in terms of ingredients and flavors, but they typically include a combination of the following:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki sauce
- Falafel balls
- Slices of pita bread
- Various types of olives
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Feta cheese
- Roasted red peppers
- Sliced red onion
Arrange these ingredients on a platter, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like mint and parsley as a beautiful and flavorful garnish!
Taco Grazing Board
Taco night is one of the most popular dinners, but can be tiresome week over week, which is why I love to transform taco night into a taco board. Taco boards let everyone at your table enjoy a build-your-own taco experience while showcasing all the ingredients in a fun way. When building a taco board I suggest including the following:
- Soft and hard taco shells
- Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced limes
- Cilantro leaves
Arrange the taco shells in rows and fill each with the ingredients of your choice. Let your guests build their own tacos for a personalized experience.
Dessert Grazing Board
Although dessert boards aren’t as unique as some, they still are a fun way to display sweet treats! Dessert boards are a great way to end a delicious meal, incorporate at parties, or end an event in a sweet way. Here are my favorite things to include on a dessert board:
- Assorted cookies like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin
- Brownie bites
- Sliced fruits like strawberries, kiwi, apple and pineapple
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Pound cake bites
- Mini cupcakes
- Macarons
- Chocolate truffles
- Caramel sauce or melted chocolate for dipping
Fill a board with these sweet treats, leaving enough room for guests to assemble their dessert plates. Add dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Grazing boards are a versatile and creative way to serve food for any occasion. From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between, these boards offer endless possibilities. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply indulging in a special meal at home, grazing boards are sure to impress. So, gather your favorite ingredients, get creative, and start grazing!
Keep Grazing,
Karen
Karen Ormsby is the founder and owner of Oakford Gourmet Selections. Karen is an Australian native who brings her diverse and educated palate to creating beautiful, artistic, and delicious charcuterie boards and grazing platters. Located outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Oakford Gourmet Selections provides charcuterie and grazing catering perfect for any sized events including girl's nights, weddings, receptions, engagements, parties, networking events, and more.
