Vegan Charcuterie Board

What is a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie boards are served as an appetizer course artfully arranged on a board or surface. They typically include cheese, meat, nuts, crackers, veggies, fruit, jam, etc. and are the perfect party centerpiece. They are a popular choice for hosts and hostesses (and Instagram famous) because they are beautiful and they allow guests to graze and fill up on bite-sized snacks as they mingle (or sit back and relax).

They’re actually super easy to put together and such a fun break from pizza night on Fridays.

Although all delicious, today’s post is all about how to make a vegan version. And trust me, even if you’re not on a plant-based diet, you will enjoy this rich, colorful and delicious grazing board! All you have to do is gather some ingredients and spread them out on a pretty wood or stone board (or even a simple cutting board).

It’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends during holidays such as Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and Christmas! Or just a fun way to snack your way through dinner on a Friday night.

Ingredient Ideas For A Vegan Grazing Board

Centerpieces

Traditional charcuterie boards are based on one or more starring terrine or pate or a variety of cured meats. But in the case of a plant-based grazing board, you’ll want to create a centerpiece with one or more starring vegan options (like vegan cheeses or vegan meats).

Here I’ve used my vegan paté made with lentils and walnuts. You could also use vegan cheeses or other vegan dips or spreads. Or you could use hummus such as Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Garlic Hummus or Edamame Hummus to act as the central focal element.

Note: If you are serving four to six people, I recommend choosing one starring element, and for larger gatherings choose three to compare and contrast.

Here I chose to put the starring element–the vegan pate–in the center of the board and to build the charcuterie board around it.

If you are using three starring elements (say three different vegan cheese or three different hummus recipes) space them out evenly on the board. From there you can arrange the supporting elements around them.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Whether it is fresh raw veggies or fresh fruit, it is always nice to include something with a bit of water content.

Grazing boards are all about contrast, and having a bite of something juicy like the grapes I included today, or cold and crispy like sliced cucumber, can be a nice compliment to the rich buttery paté.

Here are some examples of Fresh Elements To Include in your Grazing Board:

• Grapes
• Pomegranates
• Oranges
• Apple slices
• Pear slices
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Sliced Peppers

Crunchy Elements

Besides the crackers, I always like to include something crunchy and munchable like spiced nuts or roasted salted nuts.

During the holidays I often include dark chocolate-covered almonds because I love the shiny dark elegance they add.

These Chocolate Chili Spiced Pecans add spice, sweetness and crunch. If you’re short on time, you could always pick up your favorite variety at the bulk section of the health food store.

Tangy Ingredients

Usually, paté and charcuterie are paired with salty and pickled elements. Their acidity help to cut the richness of the fatty paté. Today, I added homemade pickled onions as well as some cornichons to add sharp acidity and brininess.

Here are some other ideas for tangy elements to include in your vegan charcuterie board:

• Pickled Onion
• Pickled Carrots
• Cornichons or pickles
• Whole grain mustard
• Giardiniera
• Olives or marinated olive salad
• Caper Berries
• Peppadew Peppers
• Cocktail Onions

Crostini, Crackers and Breads

Once I have filled more than half of the charcuterie board I make sure that I add in the crostini, crackers and breads. It’s important to have enough space for them and I like to add them in several places so that folks don’t have to reach across someone else to find a cracker.

I used both crackers and homemade crostini for this grazing board.

If you have gluten-free grazers at your table, make sure to pick up some gluten-free crackers too. Two of my favorites are Crunchmaster and Simple Mills.

How to Make a Vegan Charcuterie Board

Repeat Colors

When I shop for grazing boards I always like to purchase ingredients that have a harmonious color story. You can see how I used yellows and oranges for example on my Instagram here.

Today I repeated the pink color of the pickled onion in the pink grapes. I chose apricots as well for not just their taste but the fact that they are orange, which is an analogous color and works well as a design element. I thought it helped make the board look extra fun and unique!

Color Pairing Ideas:

• Green grapes and green olives
• Purple olives (like Alfonso) and purple grapes
• Red Apples and Pickled Red Peppadew Peppers
• Oranges, roasted squash and Dried Apricots
• Red and Green Theme (for Christmas) using green olives, rosemary, red peppers and silver-wrapped chocolate

Balance

Instead of making one giant pile of grapes or one big row of crackers, I like to break up the board by putting them on the board in several clumps.

I try to do three clumps of grapes, a couple of clumps of nuts, etc. They don’t all have to be the same size. Your eye will bounce between them.

How to Arrange a Charcuterie Board

Repeat in Odd numbers

I know it sounds strange, but our eye likes to see groupings and repetition of odd numbers. If you don’t believe me, look it up! This is a rule in art, design, gardening and yes, even vegan cheese boards. Of course, you don’t have to always stick to it if you’re running out of room, but it helps create a theme.

Work From the Center Out

Once you place your starring elements onto the cheese board, work your way out to the edges. I try to reserve the edges for nibbles and crackers.

Don’t be too fussy!

While carefully shingled cheeses are fun to look at, they don’t exactly invite your guest to feel free to dive in! I mean who wants to be the one to break up that perfectly arranged shingle?

I think arranging food in a less structured way is more delicious looking and inviting. It gives your board an effortless look that says “let’s party” or “eat me!” It also means that your charcuterie board will continue to look great even as folks eat from it.

Seasonal Variations

Add Finishing Touches

Fill in any remaining spots on your charcuterie board with smaller elements and garnishes to make it look beautiful. You can mix it up depending on the season and holiday. Here are some ideas:

• Christmas: Add some fresh cranberries or pine for garnish, or use a Christmas tree-shaped platter.
• Thanksgiving: Make a side of Cranberry Relish for spreading over crackers.
• Valentine’s Day: Cut strawberries into heart shapes and serve the charcuterie board with a bowl of bright pink beet hummus.