Cheap and Impressive Trader Joe’s Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Since you’re here and clicked this link to read this post you’ve been to Trader Joe’s before. Or maybe you just like to make impressive charcuterie boards! Either way, you have at least some idea of the magic that lies within Trader Joe’s. I’ll periodically buy something on a whim and I always end up loving it so much so that it ends up becoming a staple on my Trader Joe’s run. If you haven’t tried any of their famous items like the Cauliflower Gnocchi, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, or Cauliflower Pizza Crust, you’re truly missing out.
But their items for a Charcuterie Board? TO DIE FOR. All under $30, so let’s get started!
When I make a Trader Joe’s cheese and charcuterie board, I always have an idea of what I need. It’s so easy when shopping for a cheese board at Trader Joe’s specifically to get carried away. Chances are, you’ll need less than you think.
Cheeses from Trader Joe’s
There are so many different varieties of cheese you can get for $3-10, see my favorite cheeses from Trader Joe’s here. What’s great about Trader Joe’s is that you can get a large block of cheese for $10, or you can get a smaller portion for $5 which allows you to mix and match cheeses depending on what the crowd likes. I love a good variety and at Trader Joe’s you can spend less on little pieces of cheese so you can have more varieties!
To make your cheeseboard “Instagramable” try to pick out cheeses that have different shapes/flavors. With this cheddar, I cut it up into cubes to give it a different shape from the other cheeses.
Meats from Trader Joe’s
The meat options are a little more limited at Trader Joe’s, but there are still plenty. I opt for a salami of course. Prosciutto is another absolute favorite. They even have sausages and pepperoni. A great way to go is to get a little bit of everything, peppery, cured, and plain so that everyone is happy.
Here’s the game-changing secret: Variety packs are your best friend. Trader Joe’s has a “Gourmet Deli Selection” package of three different types of meats for only $5.49 which helps keep the cost low. It comes with:
Calabrese Salami – a very thin-cut salami that pairs well with the cheddar cheese if I do say so myself.
Prosciutto – my all-time favorite, I slather a slice of this ultra-thin cut with brie and drift away in fatty paradise.
Capocollo – this is a cross between prosciutto and sausage, and is often slow-roasted and smoked. This goes with sooo many cheeses!
What else do you need for a charcuterie board?
I love to add two different kinds of crackers/carbs, a fruit or two, and a spread like hummus or a jam. Having more than one carb is great for different kinds of cheese – I love goat on a piece of bread and cheddar or hard cheese on a cracker.
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Grocery List
Prepare to be amazed. Trader Joe’s really does have everything you’d ever need including delicious and reasonably priced cheese/charcuterie board building goodies. Here’s everything that’s on this board and yes, I got it all for $30!
Meats:
- Deli Variety Pack – $5.49
Cheese:
- Brie – $3.77
- Cheddar Cheese – $1.39
- Goat Cheese – $2.99
Fruits:
- Granny Smith Apple – $0.69
- Green Grapes – $2.99
Crackers/Bread:
- Cracker Variety Pack – $3.49
- Ciabatta Baguette – $1.29
Other:
- Nuts (partial bag price) – $0.75
- Seasonal Jam (I chose hot red pepper) – $3.99
- WINE! – $3.99
TOTAL: $30.83
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board Hacks
- Arrange all items on a large platter or cutting board!
- After the board is done, keep it refrigerated until 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with small spoons and/or knives for easy enjoyment.
- For the meat, present them differently – fold, roll, and bunch.
There ya have it, and yes that’s all there is to it, friends! A cheese and charcuterie board made with ingredients all from Trader Joe’s that don’t break the bank. It’s sure to wow your guests with its deliciousness.
Cheeseboard from wine enthusiast, shop it here: Lazy Susan Cheese Board
You can also check out all my favorite Trader Joe’s cheese on this blog post!
~ XOXO, the balling on a budget cheeseboard queen, Amanda // Blonde out of Water
