Step-by-step instructions on building a basic Charcuterie Board using simple ingredients from Trader Joe's. An easy charcuterie board with a variety of textures that's perfect for your next date night OR party with good friends!
"This was my first time making this simple charcuterie board and using the information in this post made it so easy! Everything was delicious and easy to find in store. This easy charcuterie board is definitely my new perfect appetizer!"
-Cheryl
MY FAVORITE BASIC CHARCUTERIE BOARD .. IT'S SO EASY!
Putting together a charcuterie board is not many people's favorite thing. We've all been there...standing in the speciality section along side infinite rows different kinds of cheeses sorted by type, country of origin, level of sharpness, etc. etc. It's intimidating, overwhelming and most perhaps most frustratingly ...time consuming.
This post is going to be different than other "Easy Charcuterie Board" posts. All ingredients are purchased from Trader Joe's. There are no vague suggestions for what you may need to complete a perfect charcuterie board. You don't have to worry about making sure you have different textures of cheese and a variety of meats. I've done all the work for you. This recipe tutorial details exactly what to buy, where to find it, how to arrange it (with step-by-step pictures) and even suggestions for what serving platter to use for a small charcuterie board and which to use for a large board.
If you are new to preparing your own charcuterie board .. I've got you with this one! If you are an experienced "charcuteriest" or someone that enjoys the experience of making ALL. THE. CHOICES, look elsewhere. This one is for rookies, and I promise ... everyone will be impressed!
-Bailey
Ingredients
Meats and Cheeses:
Meats:
- 1 package Stockmeyer Prosciutto
- 1 package Salami di Parma Mild Salami
Variety of Cheeses:
- Triple Creme Brie Cheese (soft cheese)
- Chèvre with Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese (soft cheese)
- Cheddar Melange Cheese & Gruyere (hard cheese)
Non-Refrigerated Items:
Crackers:
- Pita Bite Crackers - versatile option that pairs well with all meats and cheeses
- Raisin Rosemary Crisps - unique flavor profile that works well with goat cheese and fig butter
Fruits:
- Fancy Medjool Dates - already pitted, an easy addition to any charcuterie board
- Fig Butter - a sweet spread that perfectly compliments the brie and goat cheese
- Envy Apples - don't brown as quickly as other varieties
Marinated:
- Salted Manzanilla Olives - no refrigeration required and sold in single use packages
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts - the perfect partner for specialty cheeses and smoked meats
Nuts:
- Marcona Almonds with Rosemary - a fun twist on traditional salted almonds
*** See recipe card for specific amounts
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Select your board. The charcuterie board shown on this post is on a 10"x14" wooden cutting board and is perfect for serving 4-6 people. You can absolutely use a larger board (up to double this size) and still have enough ingredients to create a board without empty spaces.
Step 2: Arrange 4 small glass bowls onto your serving board. Use the image above for reference. The bowls pictured are 3.5" in diameter. Place each ingredient (olives, almonds, fig butter and artichoke hearts) into their own empty bowl.
Step 3: Place the 3 assorted cheeses onto the board. The Goat's Milk Cheese and Triple Creme Brie can just be unwrapped and placed as is. The Cheddar Melange will need to sliced into cracker-size slices.
Step 4: Arrange the meats onto the board. Refrigerate the prosciutto until right before you place it on board. This helps it separate more easily as it is cut into thin slices and can be sticky. The salami is one the harder meats and therefore easier to work with.
Step 5: Place the fruit onto the board. The Medjool dates from Trader Joe's are already pitted, so there is no prep work required. Arrange them on the edge of the board between the goat cheese and artichokes. Add some fresh fruit by slicing the Envy apples and arranging them beside the almonds.
Step 6: Fill in gaps with your crispy crackers. The Rosemary Raisin Crisps pair well with the goat cheese so I like to place them together on the board. The pita bites work with both the Cheddar Melange and the Brie so I like to place them between the two options. The different shapes and textures of the combined ingredients add visual interest.
Equipment
Likely you have everything you need on hand for this charcuterie platter. The board depicted in this post is a smaller board (10"x14") and serves 4-6 people easily. The board shown in this post is no longer available. We have linked some options below that are similarly sized.
Cutting Boards/Charcuterie Trays:
Small Bowls:
Cheese Knives:
Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board Pairings:
Some things just go together. Here are a few of our favorite things to pair to create new flavors from this Trader Joe's spread.
- Prosciutto + Medjool Dates: Wrap a piece of prosciutto around a date. If you're feeling fancy, you could even add a little goat cheese.
- Chevre Honey Goat Cheese + Raisin Rosemary Crackers - it's a match.
- Pita Bites + Brie: Adding a little fig butter to this situation only makes it better.
- Pita Crackers + Cheddar Melange + Salami - a classic bite everyone will love.
Storage & Leftovers
The board pictured will easily feed 4-6 people with leftovers of all ingredients other than the meats. Refill your board as needed OR extra ingredients can be saved in the fridge or pantry. Non-meat ingredients may have enough leftovers to create this epic charcuterie board once or even twice more!
Refrigerator: Extra meats, cheeses, green olives, open fig butter, dates and open artichokes should all be carefully wrapped placed in fridge.
Pantry: Store Extra crackers and nuts in airtight bags or containers for your next party.
Discard: Uneaten apple slices should be discarded.
Frequently Asked Questions: Basic Charcuterie Board
Yes, this post is updated frequently and all items listed are sold at Trader Joe's as of 2024.
Total cost will vary from person to person depending on the weight of your cheese, local grocery pricing and sales. That said, Trade Joe's is one of the best stores to purchase affordable ingredients for a charcuterie board.
RECIPE
PrintRecipe
A Simple Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A no-frills, step-by-step guide to building a simple and inexpensive Charcuterie Board using ingredients that can be found at Trader Joe’s. Perfect for all social occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 Box Pita Bite Crackers
- 1 Box Raisin Rosemary Crisps
- 1 package Stockmeyer Prosciutto
- 1 package Salami di Parma Mild Salami
- Triple Creme Brie
- Chèvre with Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese
- Cheddar Melange Cheese & Gruyere
- 1 containerFancy Medjool Dates
- 1 jar Fig Butter
- 2 packages Salted Manzanilla Olives
- 1 jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- 1 bag Marcona Almonds with Rosemary
- 1-2 Envy apples
Instructions
Arrange all ingredients onto a large cutting board or wooden serving platter. Use the pictures provided in this post as a guide or get creative and make your own arrangement.
Notes
- Add a few cheese knives, toothpicks and/or tiny forks so that guests don’t have to use their fingers.
- The board in this post is 10"x14" and will easily feed 4-6 people with enough of most ingredients remaining to recreate the board a second time. If feeding a large crowd, buy double the meat recommended and use a larger board.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Charcuterie
- Cuisine: American
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board:
Amanda
I love this! Trader Joe's wine and cheeses are the best!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
~ XOXO Amanda, Blonde out of Water
http://www.blondeoutofwater.com
Amanda
Trader Joe's has the best cheeses! I'm adding all this to my next Trader Joe's Haul!
~ XOXO, Amanda
http://www.blondeoutofwater.com
Cheryl
This was my first time making a charcuterie board and using the information in this post made it so easy! Everything was delicious and easy to find in store. This charcuterie board is definitely my new go to appetizer!
Heather
This is so helpful!!! Is this meant as an appetizer or could it work as a main course? From a portion standpoint I mean? Hosting my book club and thinking about doing just a charcuterie board as the meal. Thanks.
Simply Sissom
I'm so glad you found it helpful! If serving as a main course I would arrange everything on a large board (the one in the post is only 10"x14"). I would recommend purchasing an extra pack of olives and double/triple the meat (depending on how many people are coming). All other ingredients should be able to be purchased as the recipe is written with plenty to go around. I hope you guys have a great time!
Hannah
Love this. So easy to follow!
Jessica
I’ve used your instructions/recipe several times and it’s always a hit! Thanks so much for sharing, it’s been a lifesaver
Bailey Sissom
I'm so glad to hear that! It's a post that I go back to again and again myself. Thanks so much for leaving a review:)