Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to get charcuterie board ingredients – you can find a range of fun items and often you can buy just enough for your board. Today we’re going to make an under $50 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board that is perfect to share with friends and family at your next gathering.
Welcome to my series on how to make an under $50 Charcuterie Board. Each month I am visiting a new store and making a charcuterie board for up to $50. Follow along with me to see what I can create from each store. Looking for specific charcuterie board ideas? Check out my top ideas of follow along with me over on Pinterest.
Shopping Haul: Ingredients from Trader Joes
The hardest part of making this board was choosing which ingredients I wanted to get from Trader Joes. I actually stood in the cheese section for about 20 minutes, and wow – the nut section was completely overwhelming. Here is a complete list of the ingredients I used for this board:
- Naan Garlic Crackers – $3.49
- Strawberries – $3.99
- Brie – $4.80
- Blueberries – $4.99
- Figs – $4.99
- Gouda – $4.71
- Pickles – $2.99
- Mustard Dill Sauce – $1.99
- Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts – $4.99
- Italian Combo Pack – $5.99
- Chocolate Coated Butterscotch – $3.99
- Wheat Crisp Crackers – $2.49
Grand Total: $49.41
Note – you can easily adjust your ingredients based on preference – there are SO MANY options so don’t stick to what I selected.
How to Assemble a $50 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
To assemble this board, start by collecting all your ingredients.
Place the sauce and the pickles into small bowls and place these on a medium sized charcuterie board.
Next put the other foundational ingredients like cheese and meat. Get creative with serving you the meat by folding the meat in fun ways and cutting your cheese into cubes or slices.
For the remainder of the ingredients, place them in groups or rows around the charcuterie board. Break up the colors, sizes and textures. If you are placing small ingredients that are likely to roll around, use other ingredients to help support them.
Finish by places strawberries and figs around the board as decoration or consider adding edible flowers.
Watch the Video
Serving a $50 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
- Bring Cheese to Room Temperature – Let cheeses sit out for 30–45 minutes before serving to enhance their flavors and textures.
- Pre-Slice and Arrange Smartly – Cut some cheeses and meats into bite-sized pieces or folds to make it easier for guests to grab.
- Layer Flavors and Textures – Arrange a mix of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet elements for a balanced bite every time.
- Use Small Bowls for Dips and Spreads – Contain honey, jams, or mustards in small bowls to keep things tidy and visually appealing.
- Offer a Variety of Crackers and Breads – Provide at least two different textures, like crispy crackers and a sliced baguette, to suit different toppings.
- Label the Cheeses – If you’re serving multiple cheeses, small labels or place cards help guests know what they’re tasting.
- Serve with the Right Tools – Use cheese knives, small spoons for spreads, and cocktail picks for easy serving.
- Balance Colors and Heights – Arrange ingredients in a way that makes the board visually appealing, layering and stacking elements for variety.
- Refresh as Needed – Keep an eye on the board and refill popular items to maintain a full, inviting look.
- Pair with the Perfect Drink – Complement your board with an affordable bottle of wine or a non-alcoholic pairing like sparkling water with citrus.
