Charcuterie boards are all the rage this year and everywhere we turn there seems to be a new themed one out there. But while they’re perfect when entertaining a crowd, they can be really expensive, even when you put them together on your own. The costs of cheeses, nuts, meats, and fruits adds up quickly and before you know it, you’re spending over $100 on the charcuterie board. But it’s possible to make one on a budget—and with these tips, you can enjoy one without spending tons of money.
Centerpiece Fruits
Larger, fresh fruits like papaya, cantaloupe, watermelon, pomegranate, or pineapple are usually less expensive than dried fruits and berries and they take up a lot of space on the board. A bunch of grapes is another great option.
Cheeses
In regards to cheese, go for one hard cheese and two soft kinds of cheese. Sharp cheddar and brie cheese are crowd favorites. You can also turn an inexpensive soft cheese into a dip.
Meats
Instead of heading to the deli counter and spending a ton of money on prosciutto or salami, buy a variety pack of dried meats.
Crackers and Breads
Make sure you have a small baguette and one type of cracker on your board. Thinly sliced bread takes up a lot of room on your board, and crackers and bread are less expensive than cheese and meat.
