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    Home » Grocer to Table » The Best Grazing Platter – Grazing Board

    The Best Grazing Platter – Grazing Board

    Posted on October 28, 2021 By Beth Neels

    136 shares
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    Grazing platter Pinterest image with text overlay.
    Grazing platter Pinterest image with text overlay.
    Grazing platter Pinterest image with text overlay.

    Create the best Grazing Platter for family friends in no time with my helpful tips and tricks to make everything easier! Great for snacks for entertaining any season! It’s also perfect for a quiet night in, when you don’t want to cook!

    large grazing platter on white background with colorful fruits.

    Loading your grazing platter up with colorful cheeses, fruits, meats and breads will make you seem like the most professional hostess since Emily Post! (She was the “queen” of etiquette, look her up 🙂 )

    Make it easy for your guests to enjoy with mini forks or toothpicks. Make sure all of your pieces are cut into bite-size pieces. Only pick fruits and vegetables that are seedless (think things like seedless grapes and olives).

    What is a grazing board / grazing platter?

    A grazing board, unlike a charcuterie board is filled with meats, cheeses and lots of accompaniments a charcuterie board is just meats with a few accompaniments, according to Time!

    A cheese board is a collection of different cheeses with only crackers or breads, usually without all of the accompaniments, except a few.

    The great thing about a grazing board is that you can customize to your tastes and do whatever you fancy! Have fun with it! Get creative! We always add at least one new cheese, a new type of meat and new fruits, veggies and condiments. It’s always fun to try new things, and you never know, you may find your next favorite food.

    What you need

    The Cheeses

    A mixture of hard cheeses and soft, spreadable cheeses is always your best bet. Cut the hard cheeses into bite sized pieces. Make sure you have enough mini cheese knives for each different spreadable cheese on you board.

    Hard cheeses

    • cheddars
    • Swiss / Greyere
    • Monterrey Jack
    • Bleu
    • Stilton
    • Feta
    • Gouda
    • Havarti

    Spreadable cheeses

    • brie
    • boursin
    • cheese spreads
    • chutter
    • camembert
    • port wine cheese
    Mixed cheeses on wooden board.

    The Breads

    It’s nice to use a mixture of breads, crackers and toasts, or even pretzels or sturdy chips will work. For the breads, using mixed flours is great, as well.

    White, wheat, rye, sourdough and even gluten free are great to add for those that are intolerant (place the gluten free in a separate section of the board, or make a separate gluten free board).

    • Good quality, artisan breads
    • Your favorite packaged crackers (there are actually great gluten free varieties available too)
    • We found nice, bite sized toasts at our local grocer.
    • Pretzels (again, great GF available), tortilla chips
    Large loaf of bread, and crackers and toasts.

    The Fruits

    There are so many colors and flavors available. Mix it up so that you have all of the colors of the rainbow, concentrating on local seasonal availability, for the best selection.

    If cut fruit is known to brown, cut them at the last minute, before adding to platter. Some fruits that I don’t recommend are bananas, peaches and nectarines. They brown too quickly.

    • Oranges, tangerines
    • seedless grapes
    • pineapple
    • watermelon
    • cantaloupe or other melons
    • strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants
    • tropical fruits; kiwi, mango, passion fruit,
    • apples, cut up last minute, can brush with lemon juice to deter browning
    • pears, cut up last minute, can brush with lemon juice to deter browning
    • dried fruits are great too! Apples, pears, raisins, cherries, apricots, etc.
    Mixed fruits on wooden board.

    Vegetables

    • carrot sticks
    • celery
    • radish
    • cucumber
    • cherry tomatoes
    • sliced peppers- bell peppers or hot peppers

    The Meats

    Good meat choices are spreadable meats and smoked meats. Freshly cooked pork, beef, venison or chicken can also work.

    • Salami
    • Ham
    • corned beef or pastrami
    • liverwurst or pate’
    • jerky
    • prosciutto, chorizo, andouille, coppa, etc.
    • seafoods, I have even done specialty boards with seafood
    Packaged of specialty meats.

    The Condiments

    • pickles
    • relishes
    • olives
    • hummus
    • homemade or store bought dips
    • chutney
    • deviled eggs
    • fruit spreads and pastes
    • fancy mustards
    • nuts and seeds, like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or kernels, etc.
    Large white board with grazing board.

    What quantities to use on the grazing platter?

    For cheeses and meats, I usually plan on 2 oz (56 gr) per person, for an appetizer. The rest of the additions to your board, I just guestimate. Figuring 5-6 pieces of fruits and vegetables for each guest.

    What if you don’t have a huge board to serve your grazing platter on?

    Get creative and use whatever you have in the house. Old baking sheets will give your board that vintage look. Use baking pans, any shape will work.

    Use any trays, platters or boards that you have on hand. Don’t go out and buy anything special.

    You can make multiple smaller boards and scatter them throughout the area, so that wherever someone is standing, they are close to a board.

    Don’t feel that you have to put everything on the same board. Mix them up.

    You can even do special boards for special dietary restrictions. Be it gluten, diary, vegetarian, vegan, you can make a board for each and put a cute label on them.

    Grazing platter with colorful cheeses and fruits.

    What utensils and containers work?

    I use small containers for any dips or spreadables. Ramekins, small bowls, even shot glasses are great for condiments. If you buy or make dips, put them in a small container to serve, then refill as needed.

    Make sure you have lots of spreading knives and small spoons for scooping out dips and condiments. You can find cheap sets online (links below).

    Grazing board with meats, cheeses and fruits.

    Pro tips

    • Start with an itemized list with the total quantities that you will need for the amount fof guests you expect.
    • It is easy, at least for us, to go crazy in the cheese shop. Make sure you plan out how much you will need, for the people attending your gathering. Don’t go overboard. Many cheeses don’t freeze well, so you have to be able to use up your leftovers within a week. Same goes for the meats and the perishable fruits and vegetables.
    • Get anything you can get done the day before, including; cutting up the hard cheeses and placing in plastic wrap or bags. (Keep varieties separate)
    • Wash any fruits the day before, except fruit that will perish if wet, such as strawberries and raspberries.
    • Anything that will spoil in the hot weather, should be kept refrigerated until the last minute, such as; mayonnaise based dips and sauces, meats, deviled eggs, etc.
    • Hard cheeses or very sharp cheeses will cut better if they are room temperature.
    • Try new things on your boards.
    • Decorate your boards with pretty fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley and dill.
    • Arrange your platter so that have pops of color all over to make the platter more appealing.
    • Be careful, it is easy to spend a ton of money when you are shopping for specialty cheeses and meats. If you stick to the first tip above, this will be less of a danger.

    Other delicious appetizers that would be great on your grazing board

    • oysters rockefeller
    • brie with balsamic strawberries
    • easy 10 minute shrimp dip
    • hot drab dip
    • chicken stuffed tomato bites

    Supplies I use to make grazing boards

    Contains affiliate links, for full disclosure, see FTC Disclosure, here.

    • mini forks
    • ramekins
    • small bowls
    • small spoons
    • spreading knives
    Colorful board with wine.

    That’s how easy it is to make the best grazing platter or grazing board. Thanks for stopping by today!

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    Binky’s Signature
    Grazing platter with cheese, sliced meats and colorful fruits.

    How to Make the Best Grazing Platter

    Create the best Grazing Platter for family friends in no time with my helpful tips and tricks to make everything easier! Great for entertaining any season! It’s also perfect for a quiet night in, when you don't want to cook!
    See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American, French
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 660kcal
    Author: Beth Neels
    Cost: $20

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 lb brie cheese
    • 1/2 lb favorite cheddar
    • 1/2 lb muenster cheese
    • 1 bunch red grapes
    • 1 whole orange
    • 1 apple
    • 1 large loaf fresh, crusty bread, such as French or Ciabatta
    • 1 bottle favorite wine

    Instructions

    • Wash and prepare all fruit into bite sized pieces. Arrange on serving board.
      Slice cheeses into bite sized pieces. Arrange on serving board.
      Serve with broken chunks of bread, assorted crackers and a glass of wine.
    cutting board, bamboo
    cheese spreading knives
    cheese slicer
    See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    Cheeses to add to your board;
     
    Hard Cheeses;
    • cheddar
    • Swiss
    • muenster
    • Mimolette
    • gouda
    • provolone
    Spreadable cheeses;
    • brie
    • aloutte type 
    • cream cheese blends
    • port wine cheese
    • chutter
    • Stilton cheeses
    Meats suitable to add to your cheese platter;
    • salami
    • ham
    • bacon
    • sausage
    • pork
    • turkey
    • pate
    Fruits to add;
    • apple
    • pear
    • grape
    • orange
    • pineapple
    • cantalope
    • melons
    • apricot
    • peach
    • plum
    • dried cranberries
    Any other of your favorites. I find bananas don’t work well because they brown so quickly. Apples, peaches or anything that browns can be tossed into lemon juice, before adding to board.
    If you love seafood, check this post out for Charcuterie Platter with Seafood

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 183mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 610IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 377mg | Iron: 0.6mg
    Get New Recipes Sent to Your Inbox Every Friday!Sign up to our newsletter Binky’s Culinary Carnival!


    Originally published 2/20/17 Newly updated 5/8/20

    « Venison Meatballs – Deer Meat Meatballs
    Venison cuts plus their uses »
    136 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth

      June 05, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness does this look so yummy! It’s so pretty and has a lot of color to it. I can’t to make this!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 08, 2020 at 1:32 pm

        Thanks so much Beth! It’s so easy to make! Let me know what you think when you make it!

        Reply
    2. Emese

      June 05, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, which cheese is the one that looks like a cake? To me a grazing board is perfect if I have a hard time choosing which ones to try first. Just like this one.

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 05, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        The one with the layers is a specialty cheddar and the layers are bleu! It was awesome! Thanks Emese!

        Reply
    3. Irina

      June 05, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Well, I am barely holding myself: the cheese board is mouthwatering! Thanks for the great ideas to make it more beautiful than I usually make 🙂

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 05, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        You’re welcome Irina! Thanks for the comment.

        Reply
    4. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      June 05, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      You just can’t beat a grazing platter, can you? They’re always delicious and there’s something for everyone!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 05, 2020 at 5:12 pm

        That’s true! It’s perfect for a party! Thanks Bintu!

        Reply
    5. Reg

      March 05, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and outstanding design.

      Reply
    6. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

      February 22, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      This looks super easy but a lovely meal especially for a couple. You can never have too much wine or too much cheese in your life

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 22, 2017 at 5:48 pm

        You are right there! NEVER enough wine and cheese! Thanks Bintu!

        Reply
    7. Christine

      February 22, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      What a lovely array of foods. There is something for every taste!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 22, 2017 at 7:44 pm

        Thanks Christine! It really is so delicious!

        Reply
    8. Luci {Luci's Morsels}

      February 22, 2017 at 7:13 pm

      The beef in the middle looks like a delicious addition as well. This looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 22, 2017 at 7:43 pm

        Thank you Luci! A well done beef steak is a nice addition to break up the heaviness of the cheese!

        Reply
    9. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

      February 22, 2017 at 7:11 pm

      I LOVE a good cheese board. Especially with wine and crusty bread!!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 22, 2017 at 7:42 pm

        Yes the wine is requisite, Becca!

        Reply
    10. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish

      February 22, 2017 at 7:05 pm

      Wow that is quite a fabulous spread! So many yummy things to nosh on.

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 22, 2017 at 7:42 pm

        Thanks Emily! It is a family favorite!

        Reply
    11. Sarah

      February 21, 2017 at 1:24 am

      Congrats on your 100th post!! Isn’t blogging the most fun creative outlet?! I love it! This board looks absolutely delicious! Can never have too much cheese and wine in your life!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 21, 2017 at 5:25 pm

        I agree with you there, Sarah! Never too much wine and cheese! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Andrea Metlika

          June 05, 2020 at 3:38 pm

          5 stars
          This looks incredibly delicious. A perfect grazing platter.

          Reply
          • Beth Neels

            June 05, 2020 at 5:13 pm

            Thanks so much Andrea!

            Reply
    12. Brandi Crawford

      February 21, 2017 at 12:25 am

      Cheese and wine make the perfect combo for an amazing night IN! Kick back and relax with this in mind. LOVE!

      Reply
    13. Mindy Fewless (@ Coco and Ash)

      February 20, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Um do I see steak?! YES PLEASE!!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 21, 2017 at 5:26 pm

        You absolutely do! It adds greatly to the dish! Thanks Mindy!

        Reply
    14. Rae

      February 20, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      I’d actually go with a merlot with the cheese and steak, especially with a nice creamy brie!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 21, 2017 at 5:26 pm

        OK! I’ll buy that, too! Thanks Rae!

        Reply
    15. Jessy @ The Life Jolie

      February 20, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Now this is my kind of meal! Cheese = happiness!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 20, 2017 at 7:16 pm

        Agreed, Jessy! Thank you for comment! Have a great week!

        Reply
    16. Nicole

      February 20, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      The simple ideas are the best! beautifully done, it looks awesome.

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 20, 2017 at 6:43 pm

        Thank you Nicole! You are right, sometimes simplicity reigns!

        Reply
    17. jacquee | i sugar coat it!

      February 20, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      No cook, no fuss – I like it already and I’ll certainly take the pinot or any other libation you care to serve up. I love a good cheese board!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 20, 2017 at 6:44 pm

        Thank you Jacquee! Easy is always good, isn’t it?

        Reply
    18. Luci's Morsels

      February 20, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      This looks amazing! The fruit, the cheese, the bread, yum!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 20, 2017 at 6:00 pm

        It’s also super easy! Thanks for your comment, Luci!

        Reply
    19. Platter Talk

      February 20, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      There are few things that I like better then a cheeseboard such as this one!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 20, 2017 at 5:10 pm

        Agreed, Dan! Thank you for your comment!

        Reply

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    Welcome! Thanks for stopping by! I am Beth "Binky" Neels, wife, mother of 2 boys and 3 dogs! I will impart tips and tricks I have learned over the years, to make cooking easier and fun for you!

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