Charcuterie Board Shopping List

Looking for the best party appetizer ever?? Use our Charcuterie board shopping list of items to make a killer board of finger foods this year. Free printables are the best to save you money and create a checklist so nothing gets left behind. Let us know what else you love to add to yours.

What should I put on my charcuterie board shopping list?

That is the question right? Our list will help keep you on track. If you “know me” you know that I am frugal. Expensive doesn’t always mean better y’all. You too can make this as a large or mini charcuterie board for each individual guest. The ingredients would remain the same, it would just be served on different sizes of wooden boards.

In this post I will provide a shopping list for you that can be printed out and brought to the store. Also if you are new to making one of these I will explain the 101 of how it is done. Easier than you’d think and once you get the hang of it, and have the right items, you can make any of our Charcuterie Board Ideas for Party for any occasion!!

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

This is where the checklist you see at the top of this post comes in handy. You’ll find that below but let’s get into the nitty gritty of what you need to start with. That is the board itself, small utensils, tiny dishes to hold things that will roll around etc….

What are must haves for a charcuterie board?

1. You will want a large charcuterie board like this one unless you’re doing individual ones for 1 per person. If you have a large wood cutting board that will work too.
   1. in that case you can get 7 small wooden plates here so everyone can pick up and have their own.
2. Then you will want a bunch of charcuterie board accessories like spoons, tons, forks, knives etc…
3. Small ramekins are important to break up the wood look and contain smaller items like nuts, olives, and/or fresh fruit.
   1. you could add jam and/or dips to some of them too
4. Fork toothpicks are handy for people to eat all of those little bites of food on their appetizer plate.

Once you have all of that handy you can get started preparing the food. Think bite size, everything – well beyond just how to make bruschetta toast.

So cheeses should be cut into small cubes or slices, I like squares personally. Cookies should be present to bring a bit of sweetness but can be popped into someone’s mouth whole.

FAQ

Do not add things that have a very strong smell. Think bleu cheese, probably pass on that one. One thing is the smell that people may want to avoid but items like that with a strong flavor may permeate things around it too and make the whole tray unpleasant.

For sure!! The best are wooden and can be spruced up to become prettier with little dishes, different colors of fruits and cheeses and fresh herbs placed here and there. You do not need to buy a fancy tray to get started. Start with what you already own and only buy what you’re missing.

How do I know how much food to buy for a charcuterie board?

Let’s talk about the foods you would choose. Most will pertain to a keto charcuterie board, Italian charcuterie board, on for the Fall or even Thanksgiving. Of course you’ll want to buy what is on sale (that is me), what is fresh during that particular season, and pertains to your specific occasion. Figure 1 appetizer plate full per person. Buy more “extras” of things you would eat if it is left over so it isn’t wasted.

Everything should be small enough for a school age child to eat. One because you may have kids at your party, and secondly if it is a fancier event women especially don’t want much in their mouth at one time. Keep that in mind when you buy each and every thing at the store.

What are the Best Crackers for a Charcuterie Board?

1. You will want something large enough to place a piece of cheese on likeRitz or Wheat Thins
2. To add a different look and texture to the board and mouth I personally love Triscuit too
3. You can add gluten free crackers if you’re making a tray for someone with Celiac, or offer them on the side if there is someone coming over that requires them.
4. Braided pretzel sticks are a fave, there are several varieties but the wheat Trader Joe’s variety are super yummy
5. Slice a bruschetta loaf found in the bakery section of your grocery store
6. Making small versions of Italian cookies that are bite size are a pretty touch too

Get a variety of crackers and bread choices for your cheese board so the tray is pretty and add choices when guests arrive.

This appetizer tray is all about choices!! Sweet and salty items should be mixed and freshness is very important. If you only had cheeses, meats and crackers it would be very heavy. Adding fruits and vegetables will keep it light, bright and bring color to it too.

PDF Charcuterie Board Shopping List

You could make two different ones too though. One with meats, cheeses and veggie sticks and the other could be a chocolate charcuterie board!! Think of that. You could buy all the items instead of making them for it to be easier but pretzels, chocolate covered cherries, strawberries, nuts, dried fruits….the list goes on and on.

Time needed: 20 minutes

How to make a Charcuterie Board

1. Print I have a Charcuterie Board list you can print out here so you don’t forget anything at the store. This one looks just like the image at the top of this post, if you want a black and white copy I have a link for that at the bottom of this post for you as well.
2. Shop Go to grocery store and buy the items of your choosing, then create your board!

I have provided several different photos for you here so you can get a visual on what I mean by varying items in small dishes and others on the side. Once you have it all set up it is nice to add a bit of fresh herbs here and there. You can usually find them in the produce section like rosemary, dill and parsley.

Charcuterie Board for Beginners

Yes I hadn’t made a lot of these until this year so I understand if you are just making one for the first time. Once you do though you will be addicted! Seriously, every holiday needs one of these on the island so everyone can snack to their hearts content all day long.

When it comes to cheese on your charcuterie platters choose them all! Firm cheese and soft cheese and everything in between goes. Bleu cheese and goat cheese are often overlooked but guests will love them with a grape for that ultimate sweet and savory bite. Pair cheeses and nuts like cashews or marcona almonds for the same affect.

Here’s another resource for you to get going friends……

Ok if you don’t have HP Ink like we do (if you don’t it’s so much better because a page is a page whether it is colored or not). I highly recommend it because you choose a certain # of copies (colored or not, doesn’t matter) each mo. and the cartridges are sent to you!! Ok sorry I went on a tangent.

I have a black and white Charcuterie food checklist here.

Finger Food Ideas

The one thing that has been the biggest hit is including candied grapes in a little bowl. Make a few different flavors and colors so it is pretty and adds a fruit element. If you want an Italian twist you should make a platter full of Burrata Caprese

Other easy side dishes you could serve on the side as finger foods would be things like fried pickles, air fryer smokies, Crockpot frozen meatballs and party punch. What else do you have on hand as party appetizers?