The trend of arranging appetizers on cutting boards is at its peak. These small bites are the first thing your guests will gaze at during the event. They would be a mesmerizing masterpiece that everyone raves about if your charcuterie board was beautifully assembled.
Charcuterie boards can be as fancy or casual as you would like. They can be traditional as Sunday Snack Boards for a family visit or super fancy for a wedding or celebration. Building a charcuterie board for 100 guests that everyone enjoy can sound intimidating, but it can also be fun!
Before we talk about the food, let's get started with utensils you're going to need to get.
Utensils and Things You'll Want To Have
You can get as creative as you can but here are some basic things that you will need for your charcuterie board:
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- Specialty Knives and Utensils like these ones on Amazon
- Serving Boards: The usual go to serve boards are wood boards. Wood boards are beautiful and makes a great presentation, especially dark wood such as walnut. However, you have to ensure it is food safe, such as our Virginia Boys Kitchens Charcuterie Boards (on Amazon). If you do not want wood boards, there are also budget-friendly charcuterie board alternatives you can get.
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- Fancy toothpicks (on Amazon) might come in really handy
- Instead of cheap white flimsy paper plates, you might want to opt for something a little fancier - might we suggest compostable platters like this one pictured above.
- And don't forget other party essentials such as pitchers, carafes, and some fancy cocktail napkins. (on Amazon).
- For snacks that doesn't quite fit on the charcuterie board itself, put them in a fancy bowl! Square or angled white ceramic bowls look best, but if you don't have them in your kitchen, get disposable angled white bowls for an extra fancy touch.
Decorate it:
Choose something fun, such as this paper runner (on Amazon) for your grazing table:
Things That Go On a Charcuterie:
Make sure your plate is appropriate for different age groups and picky eaters. Consider flavors, textures, family traditions, diet restrictions, and recipes.
Here are some easy options:
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Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
Bananas, grapes, strawberries, oranges, apricots, apples, pears, kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, cherries, snap peas, carrots, pineapple, raspberries, cauliflower, cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, olives, broccoli, fresh herbs, peppers, and pickles.
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Meats:
Ham, roast beef, turkey, beef jerky, chicken, salami, bacon, prosciutto, cured meat, pepperoni, summer sausage, shrimp, and boiled eggs.
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Crackers/Cheeses/Dips:
Pretzels, wheat thins, ritz, bruschetta, goldfish, baguette slices, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, croutons, fruit dip, sunflower seeds, honey, veggie dip, peanut butter, salsa, hummus, ranch, jellies, jams, cream cheese, feta, brie, guacamole, balsamic vinegar, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, blue cheese, soft cheese, swiss cheese, Colby jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, and manchego.
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Desserts/Treats:
Cookies, chocolate chips, skittles, marshmallows, licorice, taffy, fruit snacks, caramel, candy beans, jelly beans, chocolate, popcorn, gummy bears, cereals, brownies, Swedish fish, mints, and pudding.
You can pick any food item based on your personal preference. It can be anything, either from your pantry, favorites, or local store. Do not make things too hard or wacky for your guests. Select food items that each person can enjoy.
How to Prepare a Perfect Charcuterie Board for 100 Guests? A Step-to-Step Guide
Source:Pexels.com
Now that you have decided what to add to your charcuterie board and shopped all the ingredients, it is time to set it up. Proceed progressively, adding more and more colors and appeal to your charcuterie platter. Below are some of the key steps you can follow.
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Slice Hard Items in Advance:
Pre-cut hard items that your guests cannot easily cut at the moment. These include meat and hard cheese. So, slice them into easy-to-grab pieces. Some food items do not require pre-handling. Just ensure a knife at your pplate,and it would serve the purpose.
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Be Creative When You Slice:
Besides colors, shapes also create a visual appeal. So while slicing foods, make sure you end up creating diverse choices for your guests. Slice some foods into cubes, some into triangles, and some into sticks. Place hard meats into thin slices that are easy to chew.
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Place Bigger Objects First:
First, place bowls having condiments or cheese on the charcuterie board. Keep the largest piece at the center and surround it with evenly placed utensils all around it.
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Add the Meats and Cheeses:
Add cheeses first. Place them evenly on the board with enough space to allow easy slicing and scooping. You can keep 2-3 cheese options based on your personal preferences. Wider options will also enable guests to pick what they love.
Now add little piles of different meats next to the cheese. While arranging meat with cheese, consider alternating shapes and colors to create an inviting look.
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Keep Things Grouped and Organized:
To make your charcuterie board organized and easy to access, group similar food items and save space. The same types of meats and cheeses grouped together are also more easy to grab and enjoy.
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Add Some Crackers:
Add some stacks of crackers or sliced breads among the cheeses and meats. Ensure different textures and shapes topple over the board and create a bit messy look. It is also a part of the charcuterie plate’s beauty. Also, ensure the crackers you choose complement the other flavors on your board.
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A Touch of Freshness:
Add a touch of freshness to the charcuterie board with some colorful fruits and herbs. Slices of apples, bunches of red grapes, and sprigs of herbs serve as icing on the cake. Also, add a crunchy texture with some dry fruits on the table.
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Keep the Serving Utensils:
Fill in the remaining space on the board with knives and folks. Place them evenly so that guests around the table can grab them easily.
Charcuterie for 100 Guests Cost
The price of a charcuterie board fluctuates according to the ingredients you include. For instance:
- Types of meats - cheap pepperoni or more expensive prosciutto slices?
- Types of cheeses - artisan choices, or pre sliced cheddar?
- Additional accouterments like nuts, crackers, and fruits.
In general, as a snack about 2 ounces of meat and 2 ounces cheese per person, so plan for 200 ounces of meat and 200 ounces of cheese. Of course, if you are also serving other courses at this party such as hors d'oeuvres and entrees, you can definitely get away with alot less.
FAQ
What Should Not Be Added to a Charcuterie Board?
Avoid adding juicy fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, and pineapple to your charcuterie board. Their overly flowing liquids will run over the board’s surface and make your bread and crackers soggy. Also, avoid overly spicy additions and sour fruits like grapefruits, lemons, and limes.
Is Building a Charcuterie Board Expensive?
A charcuterie board is a flexible option that can easily fit your budget. Simply include those ingredients that you can easily afford. Also, for the expensive ones, go to the markets that offer affordable rates. Go for the fresh produce that tastes better and costs comparatively less. If you select premium products your charcuterie board can become a really expensive treat.
Conclusion
Building a charcuterie board for 100 guests can be challenging and expensive. If you carefully plan and work, it can be an inviting and budget-friendly feast that everyone enjoys. This guide sums up everything you need to know to set up a worthwhile party for an appreciable number of guests.
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