Vegetarian Charcuterie - Ideas For a Meatless Cheese Board
Brian Lejeune
Vegetarian Charcuterie - Ideas For a Meatless Cheese Board
What is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is a serving board with an artfully arranged selection of meat, cheese, fruits, crackers, bread, and nuts. A vegetarian charcuterie board is similar but can contain vegetarian fake meats instead of meat, or omit the meat part altogether. Charcuterie boards are most often served as an appetizer board but can also be enjoyed as a light main dish.
To make a charcuterie board, start by selecting a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, breads, and nuts. Arrange the items on the board in an attractive way. Be sure to include a variety of colors and textures to make the board visually appealing. Enjoy your charcuterie board with family and friends!
What are the different types of charcuterie boards?
A charcuterie board is a type of board that features cured meats, cheeses, and other various snacks. There are many different types of charcuterie boards, which can include anything from fruit and cheese to deli-style meats. Some of the most popular types of charcuterie boards are the salumi board, cheese board, and vegetarian charcuterie board. Here's a list of the most common ones:
- Salumi board: A salumi board is a board that features cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and sausages
- Cheese board: A cheese board is a board that features cheese, crackers, and grapes
- Vegetarian charcuterie board: A vegetarian charcuterie board is a board that features meatless ingredients such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and olives
- Fruit charcuterie board: A fruit charcuterie board is a board that features fruit, crackers, and grapes
- Cheese and charcuterie board: A cheese and charcuterie board is a board that features cheese and cured meats
- Pork charcuterie board: A pork charcuterie board is a board that features pork, crackers, and grapes
- Ham and charcuterie board: A ham and charcuterie board is a board that features ham and cured meats
- Sausage and charcuterie board: A sausage and charcuterie board is a board that features sausage and cured meats
- Deli-style charcuterie board: A deli-style charcuterie board is a board that features del Vegetarian charcuterie board
Foods to use on your vegetarian boards
A vegetarian charcuterie board is a great option for appetizers or a light meal. It can be made with a variety of cheeses, dips, spreads, olives, pickles, and crackers. Make it vegan by using vegan cheese options such as Daiya's vegan cheese.
Some good cheeses to include are cheddar, brie, goat cheese, and feta. For dips and spreads, consider hummus, tapenade, pesto, or guacamole. Olives add a nice salty flavor to the board, and pickles or salsa can add some sweetness and crunch. Crackers or breadsticks are perfect for dipping and enjoying all the flavors together.
6 Step-by-Step for Assembling the Perfect Charcuterie Board
- Place any small bowls that will be on the board
- Add the biggest components first: Slice, chop, or crumble the cheese depending on the kind, and place it on the board so that it’s inviting for guests, and they can easily grab what they want
- Place the cheeses in a triangle around the board, if you have three cheese. Otherwise, spread them out across from each other on the board
- Add the crackers, any other larger items, then fill the remaining spaces with the smaller items
- Add the rest of the items in empty spaces. Place nuts and fruit – dried or fresh berries – in the empty spaces on the board. As you place them, do so in different parts of the board.
- Now that the board is filled, it’s time to open the wine and enjoy!
Related: See our entire collection of charcuterie boards - all shapes and sizes for the perfect charcuterie.
Charcuterie Board Ingredients
One option for a vegetarian charcuterie board is to include different kinds of berries. This can add both sweetness and color to the board. Another option is to include cubed french bread or breadsticks, which can be used for dipping into dips or cheese. Crackers are also a good option, as they can be used in the same way as bread.
You might also want to try a spring mix salad (with dressing already on it). We feel like most charcuterie trays out there do not have this, but it adds such a unique flavor to any cheese board!
Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and radishes are all good options for adding some crunch to the board. Dips are also a good way to add some flavor and interest to the board. Finally, dried fruits and nuts can add sweetness, crunch, and flavor to the board. Consider the following:
- Berries
- Bread
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cheeses
- Chopped bell peppers
- Crackers
- Dips
- Dried fruits
- Nuts
- Radishes
Ideas For a Healthy Charcuterie:
- Fresh vegetables that are firm and dippable or bite-sized such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers or radishes.
- Grilled/ roasted vegetables: We included roasted artichokes, grilled bell pepper filled with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pick fruits that will easily and quickly cleanse the palate. Think fresh fruits and dried fruits.
- The different colors of the grapes will help your fruit POP among the many foods on the platter!
- Fresh seasonal fruits are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your charcuterie board.
- You can pickled or brined your seasonal fruits and vegetables to add extra flavor and nutrients to your food.
- Get creative by using dehydrated fruit for added texture to your charcuterie board!
Dry Fruits and Nuts (or try Granola!)
A meatless board with dry fruits and nuts is a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious snack. There are a variety of recipe options that can be used to add variety to the board. Adding nuts that are high in potassium and other vitamins and minerals, like almonds and cashews, is a great way to add nutrition to the board. Roasting or glazing the nuts will give them a different flavor that people will love. Adding dried mangoes, pineapples, golden raisins, and dates will add sweetness and saltiness to the board.
Typically you would add these last on a charcuterie board to fill up the empty spaces in between the cheese and main fruits, etc...
Best Cheeses for A Charcuterie/Cheese Board
There are several types of cheese that go well with a charcuterie board. Hard cheeses, like cheddar, stracchino, and Surchoix, will hold their shape and are easy to pick up. Soft cheeses, like burrata, mascarpone, and stracchino can be used as a dip and pair well with veggies, breads, and crackers. Blue cheese is also excellent for a charcuterie board; it adds color and flavor.
Spreads And Dips:
Hummus, avocado, spinach, and chocolate are all great options for making tasty spreads and dips.
To make a chocolate spread or dip, simply combine chocolate and milk in a pot over low heat. Stir until the chocolate is melted and combined with the milk, then add your desired flavorings.
For an avocado dip, combine ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add more lime juice or salt to taste.
For a spinach dip, combine frozen chopped spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl and mix until well combined. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Equipment
- small bowls, parchment paper, knife, serving tongs, toothpicks
- Cutting board (flat wooden board is ideal), although you could opt for a wooden tray instead
- Cheese (vegan or not)
- optional decorative parchment paper
A cutting board is necessary for making a charcuterie board in order to have a flat surface to cut the cheese and other meats.
A cheese knife is also important to properly cut the cheese into thin slices. Small bowls are beautiful and it works great for holding any dips or small items such as olives.
Parchment paper is optional if you want to keep the food from sticking to the cutting board or any other surface.
Of course, you'll also need serving utensils such as tongs or a fork can be used in order to place the food onto plates or into bowls. Fancy toothpicks can be used in order to pick up small pieces of food such as olives or grapes.
Serving suggestions
A charcuterie board is a great way to serve a variety of food in one dish. To make a vegetarian charcuterie board, start by choosing a variety of crackers. Then, add some bread on the side. Next, add a variety of cheese, meats, and fruits. Finally, use some buttery soft crackers and some crunchy ones. Assemble the charcuterie board by layering crackers, cheese, meats, and vegetables. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Serve and enjoy!
Themed vegan charcuterie board ideas
RELATED: see our other article: 52 Charcuterie Ideas Beyond Appetizers
Valentines
A vegan charcuterie board is the perfect way to show your loved one how special they are to you this Valentine's Day. Start by making a delicious vegan chocolate fondue recipe for dips. You can also have fun making some homemade treats together like chocolate truffles, vegan brownies or chocolate salami. For a romantic touch, add some heart shaped cookies like our vegan Linzer cookies, puff pastry palmiers or pretzels.
Thanksgiving
You can create an amazingly cute themed vegan charcuterie board using different ingredients to represent different parts of the turkey, like head, body, and wings.
To make the head of the turkey, you can use tiny bits of dairy-free cheese. For the eyes, you can use cranberries or peppercorns. And for the body, you can use pretzels, pecan and leaf shaped cookies or crackers!
Christmas
Christmas is a time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate. What better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by making them a delicious vegan charcuterie board?
To make your board festive, try using a colour scheme of red, green, and gold. You can get creative with your composition and arrange your board in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath. Add some delicious vegan Christmas cookies or truffles to really impress your guests!
Here are some ideas for what to include on your board for an awesome holiday themed charcuterie:
-Raspberries
-Grapes
-Pistachios
-Cranberry relish
-Sprigs of rosemary
-Vegan blue cheese
-Pomegranate arils
-Homemade crackers or vegan cheese slices cut into stars or mini Christmas trees
Birthdays
To make a vegan charcuterie board for a birthday party, you can make the whole board in the shape of the number of years they are celebrating. Vegan cupcakes, sprinkles and candles make an awesome addition to a birthday themed board. A themed vegan snack board makes a great birthday treat. Cupcakes, sprinkles and candles are a fun addition to a birthday themed board. Sugar cookies can spell out the name of the person receiving the gift or Happy Birthday.
Seasonal boards
To make a seasonal vegan charcuterie board, start by choosing a theme. Spring Mix is a great option, with spring lettuces and edible flowers for decoration. For a Fall Harvest theme, serve with pieces of things you would find in the fall such as apples and pumpkins, etc.
A Summer BBQ party wouldn't be complete without some vegan charcuterie! And a Christmas charcuterie board is a must-have for the festive season! Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to themed vegan boards!
Dessert boards
A vegan charcuterie board with a dessert theme is a great way to impress your guests. Fresh fruit, chocolate dipping sauce, marshmallows, and rice krispy treats are all great additions to make your board stand out. You can even add some cubed bread for added texture and flavor.
Veggies
The best veggies for a vegetarian charcuterie board are raw veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Grilled or roasted veggies such as artichokes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes are also a good option. Olives, bread or rolls, and condiments such as balsamic vinegar, pesto, or hot sauce round out the board.
Fruits
Charcuterie boards are a great way to enjoy a variety of fruits. There are many different ways to create a fruit charcuterie board, but some of the best options include apples, pears, grapes, dates, figs, apricots, and raisins. Consider both the fresh version, as well as the dried versions! These are the most popular fruits you would find on a charcuterie:
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Dates
- Figs
- Apricots
- Raisins
Olives
When it comes to olives on a charcuterie, variety is important here - give your guests different choices between green ones and darker ones. Serve with a toothpick.
- Artichokes
- Mini pickles
- Peppadews
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon
- Bread rolls or crostini
Crackers
There are many great recipe ideas for meatless boards with assorted crackers. Have both buttery crackers as well as crispy crunchy versions. Variety is great here! Another option is to use crackers made with grains such as quinoa, wheat, or rice crackers.
Nuts
The best nuts for a vegetarian charcuterie board are walnuts, pecans, cashews, and macadamia nuts. These nuts are all high in protein and fiber, and they offer a variety of different textures and flavors that can add interest to your board. You can add variety to your board by using different types of nuts or by preparing them in different ways. For example, you could try candied walnuts or toasted almonds.
What kind of board should I use?
A wooden board is the best option for a charcuterie vegetarian board as it will give it the true vegan charcuterie board feel.
If you don't want to buy a special board, a cookie sheet can be used. A baking tray can be used in a pinch if you don't have a cutting board.
How to Store Leftovers
It is best to store leftover charcuterie ingredients in an airtight container for up to three days. This will help keep the food fresh and avoid cross contamination.
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