This Simple and Easy Summer Charcuterie Board is the perfect snack tray for the summer days. The “grazing” board is a party crowd-pleaser and a great way to entertain family and friends.
It’s already heating up here and living in the south means it will stay hot until at least September. For me, that means I’m not about to heat up the kitchen as often. Turning that oven on is pretty much a no-go in the summer. Grilling, using the slow cooker, or making meals that require minimal cook time is in.
Making a summer cheese board is easy. Some of the ones I’ve seen are so elaborate and gorgeous, but they are really easy to put together. Our perfect charcuterie board has all of favorite snacking foods on them with the bonus of using what we have on hand.
That’s why I love making these popular and trendy charcuterie boards for lunch, easy main meals, or just snacking on. They’re great to have at cookouts and BBQs, too.
Other Occasions to Make a Charcuterie Plate
Besides BBQs and cookouts, these cheese and meat trays are also great for:
- date night
- family movie night
- a pool party
- summer patriotic party (use red, white, and blue themed foods)
- game night
- graduation party
- baby showers
- bridal showers
- summer picnics
Building the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board
Making an epic meat, cheese, and fruit board is simple enough but having a variety of colors and foods on the tray is key. Seasonal fruits like peaches, watermelon, and berries are a must. Have a variety of cheeses, meats, and don’t forget the veggies. Adding nuts, like almonds are great too. Soft cheeses are great for spreading on crackers and add some pesto to the tray, too. Don’t forget the cheese knives and other utensils!
To build your summer charcuterie board, be sure to start out with a serving tray or platter that’s large enough to fit all your delicious foods!
My first step for creating any grazing board is to place small bowls of soft cheese spreads, dips, berries, veggies, and basil pesto. Arrange and fan out the fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meats around the bowls, as well as bread slices and crackers.
Add in more fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the tray. Next, I add in nuts and tuck in some more berries or cherry tomatoes in empty spots. Add finishing touches like assorted tongs, fresh herbs, or holiday decorations if desired.
You can use my list below as a guide or select your own favorite summer fruits and vegetables. There are so many great options in creating these cheese platters. It’s such a fun way to serve finger food. Get the kids in the action to help build the charcuterie platter.
Ingredients for a summer cheese board
Assorted vegetables, fresh fruits, dips, and cheeses like:
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Peach slices
- Bell peppers
- Snow peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Almonds or any preferred nuts
- Basil pesto
- Cream cheese
- Gouda cheese
- Pepper jack cheese
- Salami
- Sesame crackers
- Water crackers
- Toasted or grilled bread
- Small bowls
- large board or platter
That’s pretty much it – simple and easy to make. The best thing about these platters is that there is really no wrong way of building them. Here is a great link to some other grazing boards to give you even more ideas. The summer months are looking better and easier to deal with the heat when I can make this summer charcuterie board!
Other Appetizers Great for Cheese Boards
- Homemade Cinnamon Sugared Pecans – easy to make with only 5 ingredients
- White Bean Dip with Homemade Pita Chips – such a delicious and creamy dip
- Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips – easiest recipe ever
- Easy Cheesecake Fruit Dip – only 4 ingredients in this dip
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