A charcuterie board is a delicious way to share food with friends and family. It includes a mix of cheese, meats, crackers, fruits, nuts, and spreads, all beautifully arranged on a board. Trader Joe’s has amazing options for cheeses!
Why Cheese is Important for a Charcuterie Board
Cheese is the star of any charcuterie board. It adds different flavors and textures—some cheeses are soft and creamy, while others are hard and crumbly. A good board should have a mix of mild, sharp, tangy, and salty cheeses to make every bite exciting.
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of delicious cheeses that are both affordable and fancy-tasting. Let’s check out the best ones to add to your charcuterie board!
Best Trader Joe’s Cheeses for a Charcuterie Board
A great charcuterie board includes different types of cheese. Here are the best Trader Joe’s cheeses to include:
Brie (Soft & Creamy)
- Taste: Mild, buttery, and smooth
- Texture: Brie is soft and spreadable, making it perfect for crackers and bread.
- How to Cut It: Slice into thin wedges and leave the white rind on—it’s edible!
- Pairing: Honey, almonds, or apple slices
English Cheddar (Sharp & Tangy)
- Taste: Rich, slightly salty, and tangy
- Texture: A firm cheese that pairs well with almost anything.
- How to Cut It: Cut into cubes or thin slices for easy grabbing.
- Pairing: Grapes, salami, or pretzels
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Soft & Tangy)
- Taste: Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty
- Texture: Smooth and spreadable, adding a fresh taste to your board.
- How to Cut It: Serve as a whole log with a knife for spreading.
- Pairing: Crackers, honey, or dried cranberries
Blue Cheese (Bold & Strong)
- Taste: Salty, tangy, and rich
- Texture: Adds strong, unique flavors to your board. Some people love it, while others don’t—so add it if your guests enjoy bold cheeses!
- How to Cut It: Crumble into small chunks or slices.
- Pairing: Pears, walnuts, or honey
Manchego (Nutty & Firm)
- Taste: Slightly sweet, nutty, and a little salty
- Texture: This Spanish cheese is firm and pairs well with sweet and savory foods.
- How to Cut It: Slice into thin triangles.
- Pairing: Almonds, figs, or prosciutto
Burrata (Soft & Creamy Inside)
- Taste: Milky, creamy, and fresh
- Texture: It’s super soft and melts in your mouth.
- How to Cut It: Serve whole and let guests scoop it with a spoon.
- Pairing: Cherry tomatoes, basil, or olive oil
Parmesan (Hard & Salty)
- Taste: Sharp, salty, and nutty
- Texture: Aged Parmesan has a strong, delicious taste.
- How to Cut It: Break into small chunks instead of slicing.
- Pairing: Olives, honey, or crackers
Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper
- Taste: Creamy, and rich, with a little spice from the black pepper
- Texture: It’s bold and unique, but still easy to enjoy.
- How to Cut It: Slice into small rectangles.
- Pairing: Salami, nuts, or grapes
How to Cut Cheese for a Charcuterie Board
Cutting cheese the right way makes your board look neat and easy to eat. Different cheeses should be cut differently:
- Soft cheeses (Brie, Goat Cheese, Burrata) → Leave whole or cut into wedges
- Semi-soft cheeses (Manchego, Toscano Cheese) → Slice into triangles
- Hard cheeses (Cheddar, Parmesan) → Cut into cubes or break into chunks
- Crumbly cheeses (Blue Cheese) → Serve in small pieces or crumbles
Mixing different shapes and sizes makes the board look beautiful!
Themed Charcuterie Boards
Want to make your board extra special? Try these fun themes:
- Holiday Board → Use red and green foods for Christmas, or heart-shaped crackers for Valentine’s Day.
- Breakfast Board → Add mini pancakes, waffles, and yogurt with fruit.
- Dessert Board → Use sweet cheeses with chocolate, cookies, and marshmallows.
- Spicy Board → Pick cheeses with pepper, spicy meats, and jalapeños.
A themed board adds creativity and makes the experience even more fun.
How to Make the Perfect Charcuterie Board
Making a charcuterie board is like creating art with food! Here’s how to build a beautiful and delicious board:
Choose a Board
- Use a wooden board, large plate, or tray—something big enough to hold everything.
Add the Cheese First
- Place the cheeses on the board first, spreading them out for balance.
Add Meats
- Fold or roll slices of salami, prosciutto, or turkey and place them next to cheeses.
Add Crackers and Bread
- Use crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguettes for texture.
Add Fruits and Nuts
- Place grapes, apple slices, strawberries, or dried fruit for sweetness. Add almonds, walnuts, or cashews for crunch.
Add Spreads and Extras
- Use small bowls for honey, jam, or mustard. You can also add olives, pickles, or chocolate for extra variety.
Make It Pretty
- Fill empty spaces with fruits, nuts, or herbs to make the board colorful and inviting.
Final Tips for the Best Charcuterie Board
- Use at least 3–5 different cheeses for variety.
- Mix soft, hard, mild, and strong cheeses.
- Add colorful fruits and nuts to make the board exciting.
- Use small bowls for spreads to keep the board neat.
- Have cheese knives and toothpicks for easy serving.
