Got a wooden board or a pretty platter and some cured meats or cheeses? Then you’ve got the makings of a delicious cheese- or charcuterie board. Follow these handy tips and ideas and great grazing is within reach!

From cheeseboards to charcuterie platters—and including a plant-based board sure to please)—we’ve got you covered with ideas, tips, and tricks for savoury shareables.

The ultimate cheeseboard

Served as an appetizer or an alternative to dessert at the end of a meal, a good cheeseboard is always a crowd-pleaser. Here are some of our top tips for assembling your showstopper:

• Before you buy your favourite cheeses, calculate around 30 grams of cheese per person.
• Is your group fewer than six people? Choose about three different types of cheeses.
• More than six people? Buy at least five different types of cheeses.
• Vary the cheeses with different flavour and texture profiles. The most popular milks used in cheese-making include cow, sheep, and goat.
• Ideally, set cheeses out 30 minutes before serving so they’re at room temperature—this is key to bringing out their flavours.

Cow’s milk Cheeses

• Cow’s-milk cheeses are usually milder in flavour and can be creamy, sweet, hard, or salty.
• Examples include creamy French brie, sweet fresh mozzarella, hard aged British or Canadian cheddar (try our selection of Snowdonia cheddars from Wales for something different), or salty Italian Parmigiano Reggiano.

Sheep’s milk Cheeses

• Slightly sweeter in flavour, sheep’s-milk cheeses also offer a world of flavours and textures.
• There’s crumbly and salty Greek feta, semi-hard blue French Roquefort, as well as the nutty, buttery beauty from Spain, Manchego, from which to choose.

Goat’s milk Cheeses

1. These cheeses are known for having a slightly sour tang and a distinct aroma. They’re terrific to pair with other cheeses for a completely different flavour profile.
2. Think of a creamy log or pyramid of Canadian or French chèvre, a piece of grilled squeaky Cypriot halloumi, or the caramel-like notes of aged Dutch goat’s-milk Gouda.

Round Out the Board

• Add some Panache Fig or crisps, slices of our Bakery Dept. baguette or crusty loaves, and a Panache Apple & Fig or Apricot & Chili Pepper Spread and Topper to give your board a touch of sweetness, plus fresh fruit like clementines, pear and apple slices, or grapes for a burst of freshness. Or pick up one of our pre-cut fruit or vegetable containers in our Produce Dept. to keep prep simple.
• Arrange attractively on a board, label each cheese, and set out cheese knives/spreaders.

The meat lover’s charcuterie board

Easy to make and fun to enjoy as an appetizer or during a cocktail party, this versatile favourite will impress guests. Here’s how to make the ultimate meat lover’s charcuterie board:

• Calculate about 60 g of meat per person when you’re shopping, especially if you’re serving your board as an appetizer. If it’s fruit, veg, and other fixings to round out your selections.
• Consider a variety of meats, including cured pork, dry cured sausages, salamis, beef, and turkey, and spicy as well as herbed and spiced options.

The Cured Meats

As with your cheeseboard, mix things up with the cured meats. Set out room-temperature paper-thin slices of salty-sweet

• Add salamis and sausages that offer different flavours, including a fennel-flecked Toscano from Tuscany, a fiery Calabrese with hot peppers and garlic, or a red-hued Sicilian made with smoked paprika.
• Fan out slices of your favourite deli meats, including mortadella, smoked ham, turkey, or roast beef.

The Accompaniments

Elevate your cheeseboard by adding a variety of cured meats and nuts. Serve paper-thin slices of room-temperature, salty-sweet:

• A variety of salamis and sausages, like a fennel-flavored Toscano from Tuscany, a spicy Calabrese with hot peppers and garlic, or a smoky Sicilian made with paprika.
• Your favorite deli meats, such as mortadella, smoked ham, turkey, or roast beef.
• Add a bit of crunch with nuts. Roasted almonds, crunchy cashews, or hazelnuts are great choices for extra texture and flavor.

The Plant-based board

A plant-based board is fresh, healthy, and a great option for an appetizer or light meal! Here’s how to put together a satisfying spread that will wow everyone:

• Start with a selection of plant-based dips like Compliments Garlic & Herb or beet hummus.
• Add a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and celery are a good option. Time-strapped? Our Entertaining Trays take the chopping off your hands!
• You can include roasted squash and root vegetables for a bit of heartiness.
• Add some olives, pickled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and chutneys.
• Finish with Medjool dates, dried nuts, toasted seeds, and plant-based crackers.

Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives

Plant-based cheeses have come a long way, offering the creamy texture and rich flavours you expect from traditional cheeses.

• Violife Cream Cheese: Available in original or chive, this spreadable cheese alternative is perfect for pairing with crackers or fresh veggies.
• Nut-Based Cheeses: Made from cashews or almonds, these come in a variety of flavours, from tangy to smoky. Try a soft, creamy cashew cheese or a firm, sliceable almond cheese with herbs.

Savoury Bites

For heartier options, these plant-based savoury bites will leave you wanting for more.

• Pizza Oggi Beyond Meat Baci Bites: Gluten-free and plant-based, these Pizza Oggi Beyond Meat Baci Bites are packed with flavour and are perfect when served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Seasoned Tofu or Tempeh: Pre-roast or pan-fry tofu or tempeh slices, seasoned with your favourite spices or marinades. These protein-rich options will definitely add a satisfying bite to your board.

Finishing Touches

Complete your plant-based board with some final flourishes that will elevate the presentation and flavour.

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with sprigs of rosemary or mint for a pop of colour and a refreshing aroma that enhances the other flavours.
• Sweet & Salty Pantry Party Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit adds a crunchy texture and a balance of sweet and salty notes, perfect for snacking in between bites.