A deliciously eye-catching charcuterie board is easy to create, and the following suggestions make it a game-day winner. With a few "bonus" additions, you can even make it a meal! Servings: 6-8 servings
4-5ouncesbeef or turkey jerky (could even use salmon or venison jerky)
The cheese
½poundhard cheese (such as aged cheddar or gouda with a pretty rind)
½poundsoft cheese (such as goat or brie; could opt for a port wine cheese spread or horseradish cheese spread)
The fruit
1large bunch green or red grapes, trimmed into small bunches
2apples or pears (or one of each), thinly sliced
Optional: dried fruit such as apricots or mango
The veggies
8mini bell peppers (orange, red, and/or yellow), halved lengthwise, seeds removed. (May leave on the stem to make it easier to hold and dip–and for a pop of color.)
Alternatives include sliced carrots, celery, cucumbers, and radishes
Crackers and beyond
20-30sturdy crackers, brand of preference
Pretzels (broken into bite pieces if large)
Hummus (see links to homemade options)
Peanuts, cashews, Smokehouse almonds, or mixed nuts (see links for homemade nut mixes)
Instructions
Place the grapes in the center of the board.
Add the hard cheese to one corner of the board (cut a few slices to start)
Add the soft cheese to opposite corner of the board (cut a few slices to start)
Roll individual meat slices and place near the hard cheese.
Place the jerky upright, peeking out of a tall glass, near the soft cheese.
Group the peppers together near one corner of the board.
Layer the sliced apples and/or pears in another corner of the board.
Cascade the crackers or pretzels on the top and bottom edges of the board
Fill in with the bowls of dip, nuts, snack mixes, etc.