Build Your Own Grazing Board
The best grazing board trick may be knowing how to make a little look like a lot. Because once you start adding cheeses, crackers, fruit, spreads and all those little extras, the shopping list can grow fast. We’ve got a few tricks to help you create that full, festive look by getting more from what you buy and what you already have on hand.
Toast What You Have
Bread can go a long way toward filling out the board. Slice baguette, raisin bread or another sturdy loaf thin and toast until crisp for an easy, budget-friendly alternative to pricier specialty crackers and crisps. Add a few crackers or pretzels from the pantry for even more variety in shape, texture and flavor.
Make Cheese Count
You only need a few cheeses to bring plenty of variety to the board. Keep Brie in a wedge, cut aged Gouda into bite-size pieces and choose different flavors and textures to make each selection feel distinct. Look for Market 32 specialty cheese at your local Market 32 or Price Chopper, then add fruit, honey, marmalade or mustard to mix and match.
Slice It Thin
Use a mandoline to slice produce thinly and make a little go a long way. In fact, all the cucumber slices pictured above came from just one cucumber! Fan sliced pears across the board, keep grapes in small clusters and tuck clementine or orange segments into open spaces. Playing with shapes and placement helps fill the board while making everyday produce look even more abundant.
Give Them Something to Crack
Leave nuts in their shells and let guests do the cracking themselves. You’ll save yourself the prep while adding a hands-on element that encourages everyone to slow down, snack and linger a little longer around the board.
Dress Up the Basics
Use ingredients you have on hand to create something all your own. Stir whole berry cranberry sauce and fresh thyme into cream cheese for a seasonal spread, or toss canned olives with orange and rosemary. Simple additions like these bring extra flavor and personality to the board without adding another specialty item to your shopping list.