Festive and Healthy Charcuterie Board Appetizer

Charcuterie boards have enjoyed increasing popularity at parties. With a variety of simple components like meats, cheese, fruit, and nuts, guests can serve themselves only those items which they want. These boards are easy to assemble, so they help keep stress in check for hosts and hostesses.

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You can make a charcuterie board to celebrate the season while choosing healthier alternatives to fatty processed meats, refined crackers, and sugar-sweetened jams and dried fruits. For each person you're serving, aim to include 1-2 proteins, 1-2 cheeses, and a few additional elements.

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Here are some tips and ideas for your charcuterie board.

Proteins:

Fatty, processed meats like prosciutto and salami may be common, but leaner options can be just as elegant and tasty.

• Nitrate-free turkey, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp
• Sliced or quartered hard-boiled eggs

Cheeses:

Hard, soft, mild, and sharp cheeses can all be welcome. Slice hard cheeses and set out a knife for each soft cheese so people can serve themselves.

• Mozzarella slices or balls, cheddar or swiss slices
• Goat cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, brie, or camembert
• String cheese pieces for younger guests

Grains, Nuts, and More:

Crunchy items add contrast and can offer a place for guests to put their cheese and proteins.

• Whole-grain crackers or toasted pita chips
• Whole-grain toast
• Spiced sweet or savory nuts
• Mixed roasted nuts or individual nuts
• Roasted edamame or garbanzo beans

Vegetables:

Serve raw, prepared, or cooked vegetables

• Marinated artichoke hearts or roasted bell peppers
• Bell pepper strips, orange or rainbow baby carrots or carrot sticks, jicama or cucumber sticks, sugar snap peas
• Roasted green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or other vegetables

Fruits:

Seasonal fruits offer sweetness without added sugars.

• Sliced apples and pears
• Wedges of tangerines, persimmons, or oranges
• Cubes of pineapple
• Pomegranate seeds
• Dried fruit like apricots or figs (higher in calories and sugar, but still nutritious)

Condiments and extras: 

Serve condiments in small bowls or ramekins with a spoon for each. 

• Hummus, eggplant dip, or light ranch dip
• Low-sugar berry spread
• Olives, pickles
• Balsamic glaze

Garnishes:

Garnishes can make your board beautiful and fresh-looking.

• Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil
• Lemon or lime wedges

You can also add mixed items like caprese skewers, stuffed mushrooms, or stuffed eggs. If you think your guests will want less health-conscious items like fatty meats, honey, or white crackers, just place them alongside the healthier items on your board and serve yourself the healthier items.

Recipe for Festive Charcuterie Board Appetizer

Instructions:

1. Arrange the cheeses and dips in small bowls or ramekins. Place them on the board first to create structure.
2. Surround the dips and cheeses with fruits and vegetables, grouping similar colors together for visual appeal.
3. Add nuts and crackers in small piles throughout the board to balance the softer items.
4. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES