One of my all-time favourite snacks is a plentiful charcuterie platter, filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruit pastes, fresh fruit and veggies, peanuts and olives.
However, when you’re on a budget, those meats and cheeses can become pricey.
Here is how you can create a killer appetizer platter that includes meats, cheeses, crackers, and all you need to keep yourself and your friends and family pleased.
This will be just like you’re eating a Hickory Farms box, but cheaper!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Raid your fridge
Before making a trip to Superstore, look to see what you already have in your fridge and pantry. This is the perfect time to use any cheese blocks, opened jars of olives or pickles, nuts, jams or other appropriate food items. This will help you create a delicious board and clean out your fridge at the same time.
- Choose seasonal items
A successful charcuterie board always has some fresh fruit and vegetables. Pick up some fresh fruits or vegetables from the farmers market, like strawberries, pears and grapes. Clementines are also in season, so you can save a couple dollars there!
- Use the grocery store deli
Check out the grocery store deli section to buy small amounts of meats or cheeses. Variety is key on a charcuterie board. You can buy small amounts of several items for not a lot of money at the deli counter.
- Get others involved
When it comes to a charcuterie board, variety is a good thing. If you’re having guests over, consider making your charcuterie board in a potluck style. Request that each guest bring an item for the charcuterie board. When friends participate, your charcuterie platter will be more diverse and you’ll pay less. It’s a win-win!
- Make it homemade
If you have time, consider making some of the ingredients homemade. This may help you get things out of the cupboards and save money.
What should be included in a charcuterie board?
If you’re looking to make a charcuterie board on a budget, keep it simple. Here are the items to include:
- 2 meats (like salami, pepperoni or pate)
- 2 cheeses (like Gouda and Brie)
- 2 kinds of crackers
- Nuts (almonds or pecans)
- Fresh fruit (grapes, apples or clementines)
- Olives and/or pickles
- Something sweet (like fruit spread)