• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
    • About the Vivacious Girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Charcuterie ยป 30-Minute Grazing Table for 40!

    30-Minute Grazing Table for 40!

    Modified: Jun 19, 2025 ยท Published: Mar 31, 2022 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 13 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Grazing Table pin

    A grazing table doesn’t require any cooking and in only 30 minutes you can have this show stopping meal (yes, it’s that hearty) for 40 guests! And don’t worry, you can pair it down if needed for your size of gathering. Because when it comes to entertaining, a grazing table is the perfect way to serve, and impress, a large crowd with minimal effort. Charcuterie is fitting for any season with a variety of textures and flavors that you can cater to any gathering or theme.

    Large charcuterie grazing table with crackers, cheeses, pretzels, vegetables, and dips on a table


     

    I absolutely love hosting and entertaining so if I can find a way to easily entertain without compromising on aesthetics, I go all in! This grazing table is my tried and true method that encourages mingling and snacking at a relaxed pace, giving your guests enough time to enjoy the yummy food and each otherโ€™s company.

    Why I love making a grazing table

    • There is truly something for everyone: Include cheeses, meats, crackers, seasonal fruits, veggies, etc. The options are almost endless when it comes to a charcuterie table. I’ve made themed grazing boards from a giant birthday charcuterie board style graze to breakfast where you have a large pancake charcuterie board and waffles plus breakfast meats and hard boiled eggs. I also found that people really love the toy Dash waffle makers with cute bottles of waffle mix where they can make their own hot waffle right there!
    • Easy to customize for any occasion or dietary restrictions: Using seasonal foods and decor allows you to cater this board to any occasion. We love combining it with our hot chocolate bar and layering in lots of fresh chocolate, divinity candy and complimentary cheese. I LOVE the blueberry cheese and find it looks so gorgeous. I have also used some amazing dairy free cheeses from Rebel Cheese (their brie and pimento are amazing!) and gluten free crackers to make it a gluten-free charcuterie board. You know what? Nobody can even tell!
    • You can even make this budget friendly: While premium meats and cheeses can elevate a grazing table, they donโ€™t have to make up the bulk of the spread. High-quality fillers like artisanal crackers, rustic breads, and seasonal fruits can add a high-quality touch without increasing the price. I always shop in bulk from Costco and go with what they have in stock at the time to balance quality and budget.
    A group of women laughing and sitting around a large charcuterie grazing table filled with meats, cheeses, pretzels, and other snacks

    Here’s what I love to include on a grazing board…

    Close up of charcuterie table with pretzels, meats, fruit, veggies, crackers, cheeses, and more snacks in little bowls.

    When putting together a grazing table, or any charcuterie board, it’s all about balance and variety. Mixing and matching textures and flavors will keep your guests coming back for more. Here are my favorite things to include on a snack board…

    • Cheeses: At the heart of any great charcuterie board is a variety of cheeses. Some of my favorites are are chunks of parmesan, swiss, and brie. A selection of gourmet cheeses ensures your charcuterie table will wow both in taste and presentation. If you’re feeling creative, ourย easy pineapple cheeseball, classic cheeseball, this hearty cheeseball, the BEST cheeseball or our cute mini cheeseballs are great additions. As is our delicious baked brie with jam. Pro Tip: Here’s our picks for best cheese for charcuterie
    • Cured Meats: Meat is another crucial element of a complete grazing table. Classics like prosciutto, Genoa salami, sopressata, and sliced pepperoni not only taste delicious but are perfect for crafting charcuterie roses. If you’re catering to vegetarians, simply skip the deli meats or opt for plant-based options.
    • Fillers: To elevate both the flavor and presentation, fillers are a great option to showcase the meats, cheeses, and veggies that are the true star of the show. My favorite fillers include a variety of crackers, pretzels, thin slices of artisan bread, etc. To take your grazing table to the next level, feel free to add small decorations that match the theme of your event. Fresh flowers, seasonal greenery, or even themed decor can enhance the aesthetic and create a more inviting spread.

    Let’s set up the graze!

    Butcher paper with crackers and a wood tray on it.
    1. Prep the space. I like adding wooden and white charcuterie boards plus little bowls to separate foods and add dimension. Then just have fun making small groupings of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and fillers! It doesn’t have to be anything meticulous, this really is your edible canvas so get creative.

      Pro Tip:ย The cups are especially great for berries, olives and anything with โ€œjuicesโ€ so they donโ€™t get your other board ingredients soggy

          Get our free charcuterie board shopping list printable HERE

          Large Grazing Table on butcher paper with pretzels, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, and more snacks in small bowls.

          More charcuterie recipes

          • Summer charcuterie board
          • Halloween Charcuterie Board
          • Individual charcuterie boxes or Charcuterie cones
          • Super Bowl Charcuterie Board
          • Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
          • Christmas Charcuterie Board
          • Valentines Charcuterie Board
          • Small Charcuterie Board
          • Breakfast Charcuterie Board with pancakes, French toast, fruit and more
            Breakfast Charcuterie Board
          • cracker in hand with artichoke dip
            Best Crackers for Charcuterie Board
          • Easy Charcuterie Board on a wood board - Italian charcuterie board
            Italian Charcuterie Board
          • Charcuterie Rose on a platter with fruit
            Charcuterie Rose

          Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
          Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

          NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

          Grazing Table (Easy & Delicious!)

          Grazing table filled with crackers, cured meats, fruit, veggies, olives and dips.
          5 from 15 votes
          A grazing table doesn't require any cooking and in only 30 minutes you can have this show stopping meal (yes, it's that hearty) for 40 guests! And don't worry, you can pair it down if needed for your size of gathering. Because when it comes to entertaining, a grazing table is the perfect way to serve, and impress, a large crowd with minimal effort. Charcuterie is fitting for any season with a variety of textures and flavors that you can cater to any gathering or theme.
          PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
          Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
          Total Time: 30 minutes mins
          Course: Appetizer
          Cuisine: American
          Keyword: board, charcuterie, grazing
          Servings: 40 people
          Calories: 671kcal
          Author: Chandice Probst

          Ingredients

          • 72 ounces Cheese in varied flavors and sizesย 
          • 72 ounces Cured meats
          • 48 ounces Crackers (we do gluten-free)
          • 48 ounces Pretzels (gluten-free for us)
          • 48 ounces Fresh berries
          • 48 ounces Fresh veggies, cut up
          • 24 ounces Chocolates
          • 6 small jars Sweet dips and savory if you like
          • 4 cups Olives
          • Fresh greenery for estheticย 

          Instructions

          • Step 1: Clean off the counter space you will be using and roll out butcher paper then place large trays out
          • Step 2: Place large items like baguettes, rolls, and cheese wheels on the tableย 
          • Step 3: Add dips and small fruits to small bowls and place the small bowls around the table wherever you see fit
          • Step 4: Add the cured meats, crackers, fruits and veggies (I love adding olives to this board!)
          • Step 5: Add all the yummy treats!ย Charcuterie board cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, cake, etc. are perfect here
          • Step 6: Finish by adding in the green herbs to give it a live, effervescent look

          Video

          Notes

          Pro Tip: Add some fresh flowers to your grazing table to take your spread to the next level.
          Pro Tip:ย If you want less clean up mess, add some wax paper to the board first
          Pro Tip: The cups are especially great for berries, olives and anything with โ€œjuicesโ€ so they donโ€™t get your other board ingredients soggy

          Storing and make ahead

          You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the firdge overnight or until you’re ready to serve. Prepping the meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies will save you so much time day of. This way, you can just throw everything on the board and serve!
          I recommend storing leftover meats, cheeses ,fruits, and other perishables in airtight containers in the fridge. Crackers, breads, cookies, etc. can be stored in a ziplock baggie at room temperature.

          Nutrition

          Serving: 1serving | Calories: 671kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1964mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 5007IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 329mg | Iron: 3mg

          Share:

          Chandice of This Vivacious Life

          Hi, I'm Chandice!

          Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

          FREEBIES

          Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

           

          Reader Interactions

          Comments

          1. Jess says

            April 07, 2022 at 12:03 pm

            5 stars
            Oh. My. Gosh. This looks SOOOO good! I always feel overwhelmed when I try to make grazing boards, never mind a grazing table. Thanks for breaking it down so well! This came in handy!

            Reply
          2. Silvia says

            April 04, 2022 at 6:55 pm

            5 stars
            Your guide is right on the money! Grazing tables are my favorite go-to for my parties. I love how versatile they are and how they can feed different people with different preferences.

            Reply
            • Chandice says

              April 05, 2022 at 4:08 am

              Thanks Silvia, glad you enjoyed it too…

              Reply
            • JD says

              May 06, 2022 at 12:48 pm

              5 stars
              I love the idea of these, but they always feel intimidating to make. After trying this, I know I can handle it. Thanks for sharing!

              Reply
          3. Moop Brown says

            April 04, 2022 at 6:41 am

            I don’t think I’ve ever made a grazing table before now but this makes it seem so easy and perfect for parties and large gatherings.

            Reply
          4. Nicoletta says

            April 04, 2022 at 5:55 am

            5 stars
            This is a fabulous grazing table! Love how it is customizable and allows you to add to meats, breads, cheeses, etc, also seasonal fruits.

            Reply
          5. Jenny says

            April 04, 2022 at 5:43 am

            5 stars
            This is a great guide. Have always wanted to make a grazing board as a “wow appetizer for a dinner party. Well, your post is so informative and knowledgeable, I actually followed your advice and made a table grazing board for a gathering this Saturday. Thank you for all the great info!

            Reply
          6. Tracy says

            April 04, 2022 at 3:28 am

            5 stars
            This is so so so fun. I loved this for a party and so did all of our friends! Great tips!

            Reply
          7. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

            April 04, 2022 at 1:15 am

            5 stars
            What a wonderful post this and so informative. I have always wanted to make something similar for my parties but had a fear. I am now confident after planning and making this!

            Reply
          8. Aya says

            April 03, 2022 at 7:25 pm

            5 stars
            Seeing this post makes me want to host a gathering just to make a grazing table. The pictures are beautiful and thank you for all the awesome tips.

            Reply
          9. Debbie says

            April 03, 2022 at 2:55 pm

            5 stars
            I love this detailed explanation of how to make a grazing table. This was perfect for an upcoming party I hosted, thanks for this .

            Reply
          10. Allyssa says

            April 01, 2022 at 9:40 am

            5 stars
            Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

            Reply
          11. Allison says

            March 31, 2022 at 6:08 pm

            5 stars
            Yum!! Iโ€™ve never done a grazing table before, so I was excited to try it out! Iโ€™ve always been nervous about making one, but this post broke it down well! Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

            Reply
          5 from 15 votes (1 rating without comment)

          Leave a Reply Cancel reply

          Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

          Recipe Rating




          Primary Sidebar

          Chandice of This Vivacious Life

          Hi there, Iโ€™m Chandice!

          I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

          Read More

          • Email
          • Facebook
          • Instagram
          • Pinterest
          • Twitter

          Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

          Gluten Free Soft Pretzels on parchment paper square image

          Easy Gluten Free Soft Pretzels (Bites Option Too)

          Gluten Free Bagels all next to each other some with seeds

          Homemade Gluten Free Bagels (Chewy NYC Style)

          Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders on a marble plate

          Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders

          Featured Posts

          Easy Tater Tot Casserole on a spoon

          Easy Tater Tot Casserole (Grandma’s Recipe)

          Grazing Table on butcher paper

          30-Minute Grazing Table for 40!

          Single cinnamon roll sitting on a speckled plate, slathered in cream cheese frosting and a bite taken out to show the soft texture.

          Homemade, Fluffy Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

          Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl

          20-Minute Creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (in the Instant Pot)

          Plate of golden brown gluten-free crescent rolls

          Flaky, Buttery Gluten Free Crescent Rolls (That defy gluten free gravity!)

          gluten free ramen in a white bowl with egg on top and seasoning

          8-Minute Gluten Free Ramen (Just like you remember!)

          Footer

          As seen on

          Footer

          โ†‘ back to top

          About

          • About Me
          • Privacy Policy

          Newsletter

          • Sign Up! for emails and updates
          • Check out my web stories

          Contact

          • Contact

          As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

          Copyright ยฉ 2022 This Vivacious Life

          Rate This Recipe

          Your vote:




          A rating is required
          A name is required
          An email is required

          Recipe Ratings without Comment

          Something went wrong. Please try again.