Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
By Justin Long, Writer at Switch4Good
Charcuterie boards have taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these trendy, artfully arranged platters of delicious bites are perfect for creating a communal dining experience, indulging in a variety of flavors, and offering a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible potential of dairy-free alternatives.
We’ve put together a guide to assembling a beautiful vegan charcuterie board, along with a selection of delectable vegan treats that will transform it into a “charcuterave,” wowing your guests with a dazzling array of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy delights that even the most discerning foodies won’t be able to resist!
Ingredients for Your Vegan Charcuterie Board
Plant-based Cheeses
Vegan cheeses have come a long way and can be found in various flavors and textures. These innovative substitutes offer rich, creamy, and indulgent options that can satisfy any cheese lover. Look for soft cheeses like cashew-based brie or herb-infused spreads, ideal for spreading on crackers or pairing with fruits. Firm vegan cheeses such as cheddar and gouda provide a satisfying bite and can be sliced or cubed. Aged nut cheeses deliver a tangy, sharp component that adds depth to any charcuterie board. Some terrific vegan cheese brands to consider are: Miyoko’s Creamery, Treeline Cheese, Violife, GOOD PLANeT, Sri Mu, Yvonne’s, Rebel Cheese, Vromage
Meat alternatives
For plant-based meats, try vegan deli slices like salami, pastrami, or pepperoni, and marinated tofu or tempeh thinly sliced and seasoned. Great vegan meat brands include: Mia, Field Roast, Tofurky, Upton’s Naturals, Yves, Plant Provisions
Crackers and Bread
Ideally, you want to have several flavors to complement the spreads and cheeses. Include plain water crackers, seeded and herbed varieties, and sliced baguettes or sourdough. A few popular brands are: Mary’s Gone Crackers, Back to Nature, Izzio sourdough
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce can add color and a natural sweetness. Classic choices include grapes, figs, apple slices, and berries for fresh fruits, and apricots, dates, and cranberries for dried fruits. Crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes are perfect for dipping.
Dips and Spreads
A good board needs a selection of spreads for pairing with crackers and veggies. Hummus (classic, roasted red pepper, or garlic) and nut butters like almond or cashew butter add a creamy, rich element. Excellent brands include: Hope Foods hummus, Majestic Garlic hummus, Justin’s nut butters
Nuts and Olives
These provide a satisfying crunch and savory flavor. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are great for snacking, while a mix of green and black olives add a salty burst. Some good brands for these items are: Daily Crunch Sprouted Nut Snacks, Divina organic olives, Whole Foods 365
Pickles and Fermented Items
Pickles and fermented veggies can add a tangy flavor to your board. Include cornichons, pickled onions, sauerkraut, or kimchi for an unexpected twist. Consider brands like: Whole Foods 365 and Trader Joe’s pickles, Wildbrine sauerkraut and kimchi
Sweets
A touch of sweetness can round things out. Small squares of dark chocolate, chocolate-covered nuts, or fruit pastes add a decadent note. Great brands for vegan sweets include: Hu Kitchen, Endangered Species Chocolate, Unreal Snacks
Arranging Your Vegan Charcuterie Board
Choose Your Board
Start with a large, flat surface. Wooden boards are classic, but slate or marble can also be used.
Place the Cheeses and Spreads
Arrange your spreadable cheeses or dips in small bowls or on small plates around the board. Evenly space them out for balance. Sliceable cheeses or cubes can be placed directly on the board.
Add the Vegan Meat
Place your meatless products near the cheeses, fanning out slices or arranging small piles for easy grabbing.
Crackers and Bread
Fill in the gaps with crackers and bread slices. Make sure they’re easily accessible.
Fruits and Veggies
Arrange fruits and vegetables in clusters around the board. Use the bright colors for visual appeal.
Fill in with Nuts, Olives, and Pickles
Scatter nuts and olives in small piles, and place pickles in tiny bowls or directly on the board.
Garnish with Sweets and Herbs
Finish with a few pieces of dark chocolate, vegan sweets, or fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or mint for a fragrant touch.
Tips for a Stunning Vegan Charcuterie Board
Aim for a variety of colors to make the board eye-catching, use seasonal fruits and vegetables for the freshest flavors, and include your favorite vegan snacks and homemade items for a personal touch.
Crafting a beautifully curated vegan charcuterie board is an art that blends creativity with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. With all the essentials in hand, you’re poised to create a masterpiece. Bon appétit!
If you’re looking for something specific, email us and we’ll help you find it.
If you want to elevate your board to the next level, check out the first official episode of Switchen, hosted by renowned vegan chef Jason Wrobel! https://www.youtube.com/live/lmltTyfqDXY
Here’s a dairy-free guide with a list of must-try vegan cheeses: Dairy-Free Alternatives: The Ultimate Guide
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn how to make some spectacular dairy-free cheeses here: 6 Easy Dairy-Free Nut Cheese Recipes – Switch4Good