You are probably familiar with charcuterie boards and may have snacked from one a time or two. These mouthwatering spreads have become popular at dinner parties, as they are low-maintenance and easily shareable crowd-pleasers. The word “charcuterie” derives from the French words “chair” (“flesh”) and “cuit” (“cooked”) and was used to describe butcher shops that sold salted and smoked pork products. Today, these large platters are made with cured meats, various kinds of cheese, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, olives, and honey, jelly, or jam. Place these items in your shopping cart and your bill can quickly add up; the average cost to put together a charcuterie board is $50-$100.
But fear not! Creating an affordable spread that will wow partygoers without putting a hole in your wallet is possible. We’ll explore various ways to assemble a delicious and inexpensive charcuterie board that will have your guests raving.
Shop Smart and Plan Ahead
The first step in building an affordable charcuterie board is to be mindful of your shopping habits. Start by thinking of a theme for your board. Are you going with the classic cured meats and cheese board or opting for something with a bit more whimsy like a build-your-own taco board? Then, create a shopping list to avoid overspending. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts at your local grocery store and check the deli counter for deals on sliced meats and cheeses, as well as the bakery for discounted day-old bread.
Use What You Have
Before heading to the grocery store, look at what you already have in your pantry and fridge. You might find crackers, nuts, and olives that can be incorporated into your charcuterie board. Repurposing leftovers can also be a creative and budget-friendly way to add variety to your board.
Opt for Inexpensive Alternatives
You don’t need fancy cheeses or expensive meats to make an impressive spread. Substitute pricey items like prosciutto and brie with more affordable options like salami, pepperoni, and cheddar. Consider exploring your local farmers market for unique and inexpensive finds, such as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and homemade jams. If you make a trip to the grocery store, shop for generic and store-brand products which cost 20%-70% less than name-brand items, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The best part of creating a charcuterie board is doing what you want. The options are essentially endless, but if you need some ideas to get your creative juices flowing, here are some recommendations that cost less than $50:
The Classic
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Salami or pepperoni
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Cheddar, Swiss, or Colby Jack cheese
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Crackers or sliced baguette
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Apple slices
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Dried cranberries
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Cherry tomatoes
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Almonds or walnuts
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Olives
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Honey
Mediterranean Style
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Sliced deli turkey or deli chicken
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Feta cheese
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Pita bread or pita chips
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Cucumber slices
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Hummus
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Roasted red pepper or marinated artichoke hearts
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Tzatziki dip
Veggie Lover’s
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Bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
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Sharp cheddar cheese
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Whole grain crackers
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Celery
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Baby carrots
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Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
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Cherry tomatoes
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Broccoli crowns
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Ranch dressing
Build-Your-Own Breakfast
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Mini pancakes (frozen or homemade)
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Mini waffles (frozen or homemade)
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Bacon (cooked)
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Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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Avocado slices
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Bananas
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Greek yogurt
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Granola
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Condiment bowls: butter, peanut butter, hazelnut spread, syrup
Other board ideas:
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Movie Night. Popcorn, licorice, trail mix, and favorite candies.
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Something to Taco Bout. Grab all your favorite taco fixings to create a fun spread!
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S’mores Board. Make a tray for the ooey-gooey favorite summer treat: marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Yum!
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From the Grill. Summer is the time for grilling, so create a tray of hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, pickles, chips, and all your favorite toppings.
Assembling Your Board
There is no wrong way to build your craveable board. Have fun with it! Use a cutting board or serving tray as your base. Add the meats and cheese, followed by crackers or bread and jams, jelly, or other condiments for dipping. Then, fill in the space with nuts, fresh or dried fruits, and olives.
Earn Cash Rewards on Purchases
A charcuterie board doesn't have to break your budget. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can create a delicious spread that will impress your guests without devastating your wallet. As you shop for your charcuteries goods, make your purchase with a credit card that allows you to earn rewards. With our Founder’s Rewards Card, PSECU members can earn 2%* or 1.5% cash rewards on every purchase.
Apply for our Founder’s Rewards Card today, or contact us for more information. Be sure to check out our WalletWorks page for more money-saving tips.
*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. Some exclusions may apply. See the Visa® Founder's Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.