Description
This cheap charcuterie board is the ultimate budget-friendly party idea that looks fancy but costs little. Perfect for entertaining, picnics, or cozy nights in, this easy board combines meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers in a stunning presentation. Great for appetizers, snacks, or light dinners!
Ingredients
12 slices salami
6 slices deli ham or turkey
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, cubed
4 sticks mozzarella string cheese, sliced or peeled
1 sleeve saltine crackers or store-brand crackers
1 cup pretzel twists or breadsticks
1 cup grapes (red or green)
1 apple, sliced (or 1 orange, segmented)
1 cup baby carrots or celery sticks
1/2 cup mini pickles or pickled jalapenos
1/2 cup hummus or store-brand ranch dip
2 tablespoons jam or honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Choose a clean wooden board, baking sheet, or serving tray as your base.
2. Place small bowls or ramekins for dips, pickles, or jam on the board first.
3. Fold deli meats and fan them out near each other for visual appeal.
4. Cube or slice cheese and arrange it next to meats, alternating colors.
5. Add crackers and pretzels, stacking or crisscrossing them in open spaces.
6. Fill the remaining gaps with fruits and vegetables, letting them overflow slightly.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if available and drizzle honey or sprinkle nuts for finishing touch.
8. Serve immediately or store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
Notes
Use store brands to keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.
Assemble the board just before guests arrive to keep it fresh and crisp.
You can customize ingredients based on dietary needs or what’s already in your pantry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of board
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg