Go From Boring to Blown Away with These Four Fun Charcuterie Boards

We’ve all tried the classic charcuterie board. Meat, cheese, and crackers, maybe some fruit or veg. But, why not take it up a notch? Often the center of the table for gatherings, this buffet-style appetizer turned trendy smorgasbord has swept the foodie world by storm in recent years with seemingly endless new takes on an old classic. Even better, you can support local businesses in the process. We’ve given you a few deliciously different takes as “charcuterie” takes on a whole new meaning. 

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Charcuterie Board

Satisfy two dietary restrictions in one with this gluten-free charcuterie board that also happens to be vegetarian-friendly. Making a gluten-free charcuterie board is mostly about ensuring any bread or crackers are lacking in the gluten department. The same goes for processed meats, which can contain gluten! Some good go-to GF crackers are Wasa Gluten-Free and most rice crackers. Add a locally made dressing to the mix with Apricot Sun’s charcuterie board sauce. All of their products are gluten-free and you can choose from a variety of flavors like Herby & Spicy or Garlic & Herb.

Indy locals are lucky to have a bounty of local cheese on their doorstep. Because this board is sans-meat, fromage should be the leading lady. Showcase Tulip Tree Creamery’s award-winning Trillium, a mouthwatering hybrid of Brie and Camembert. Traders Point Creamery is another great Indianapolis dairy farm that offers organic, handcrafted, cheeses like their seasonal Fleur de la Terre, which is similar to Gouda or the Riverbend Blue, which is produced year-round. You’ll find Apricot Sun’s delicious condiments and Tulip Tree cheeses at local farmers markets around Indy, including Broad Ripple and Carmel, as well as brick-and-mortar distributors around the city. 

Brunch Board

Have a group over for brekkie? Or maybe you want a unique spin on the classic breakfast-for-dinner trope. Waffles are the backbone of this board, best made with a homemade waffle maker. You can add a little razzle-dazzle by adding blueberries, bananas, or walnuts to the mix. Pair with hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and local bacon from Old Major Market, which produces several kinds of good stuff, including maple bourbon and smoked black pepper. Include dipping sauces like Nutella, peanut butter, and maple syrup from local producer Maplewood Farms, who alternate between the Carmel and Broad Ripple farmers markets. Yogurt also makes for a great fruit dip.

Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

Mediterranean cuisine is all about zingy and zesty pops of flavor. This charcuterie board packs a punch but keeps it light, pulling inspiration from Italy, Greece, and other far corners of the Med. Start strong with local Tulip Tree Creamery Nettle, which mimics a herbed goat cheese and can be both crumbled or spread. Next up is meat from Smoking Goose, a Holy Cross neighborhood joint that specializes in smoked meats. Their soppressata or Spanish chorizo would both be great additions. 

Med-inspired accouterments to sprinkle around your board include Kalamata olives, bunches of grapes, cucumber, Marcona almonds, dried apricots, and dolma, also known as stuffed grape leaves. If you want to include dips, go for a classic hummus or whipped feta, while local honey from Garfield Honey Co. would also be a great addition to drizzle. Serve it all with pita bread and pita chips to round out this crowd-pleaser. Another Indy farmers market favorite, Home Ec Preserves brings the Mediterranean tang with Moroccan preserved lemons and Five Citrus Marmalade. You can also go the extra mile by grilling halloumi cheese fingers and your pita bread for a charred and smoky element that will create a depth of flavor. 

Movie Night Board

No movie night is complete without a snack board at its core. Popcorn is the main ingredient for this grazing board, and there’s no better place to source it than the local gourmet popcorn company, Just Pop In! Fun flavors like Beer Cheese and Carmel, Bacon, and Cheddar, will make your board feel even more elevated and exciting. Add a mix of classic movie theater candies like Junior Mints, Raisenettes, Twizzlers, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids, but don’t forget Albanese gummy bears for another homage to an Indiana favorite.