Grazing tables are perfect for any and every event since they include a bit of something for everyone. They are super simple to put together and absolutely delicious.
Charcuterie boards are tasty and perfect for any season. They are a crowd favorite and also super easy. This is definitely a recipe you need to use for your next event.
I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to find the perfect appetizers for when I throw events. Everyone has their own preferences and allergies, so it is hard to find something that is just right.
Luckily, charcuterie boards are perfect for every event. Bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers, you name it! You can even use them for a Halloween party (I have a post about this: Halloween Charcuterie Board: CharBOOterie) or a summer charcuterie board.
Charcuterie boards have many uses and can even be made into individual charcuterie boxes or charcuterie cones. They are visually appealing, tasty, and perfect for a gathering area.
Subscribe to This Vivacious Life
Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!
I always love to make a Super Bowl Charcuterie Board because it is easy and a great appetizer to snack on while watching the game. Another thing I love about charcuterie boards is that they are perfect for any season.
You can use seasonal fruits to change up the spread and visual interest depending on the season. For example, check out my Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board and my Christmas Charcuterie Board or CharcuterWREATH recipes.
What is another name for a grazing table?
If you have not heard of a grazing table, you may have heard of a charcuterie board. They are the same thing, both containing a beautiful spread, bread sticks, artisan cheeses, and other yummy finger food.
Grazing tables or charcuterie boards are perfect for cocktail hours, a corporate event, and even wedding receptions. They are an impressive way to create a delicious appetizer and a visual interest for the table.
You can even go the breakfast route by turning our pancake charcuterie board in a brunch grazing table.
What is the difference between a buffet and a grazing table?
Buffets are usually made with hot pans and can be considered more of a meal, compared with a grazing table that is meant more for snacking and the social side of eating.
Grazing tables can be adjusted to any type of event, whereas buffets are more casual. You can make a grazing table look picture perfect for your social media page, unlike buffets which are not as aesthetically pleasing.
One great way to upgrade your grazing table is using alternative surface options, such as your counter tops or cake stands rather than a wooden board.
What should be on a grazing table?
Something I love about a good grazing table is the versatility. I have used grazing tables for intimate gatherings, using my Small Charcuterie Board recipe and Valentine’s parties (Valentines Charcuterie Board).
I’ve even used them for wedding receptions, using my wedding Charcuterie Table recipe. Grazing tables are the perfect way to elevate an event.
Cheese
Cheeses are a staple when it comes to charcuterie boards. Having multiple types of cheeses will make for the ultimate cheese board.
Some of my favorite cheeses to use are chunks of parmesan, swiss, and brie. Having gourmet cheese selections will create the best grazing table.
Cured Meats
Meat is another stable in a tasty grazing table. Meats like prosciutto, genoa salami, sopressata, and sliced pepperoni are common.
You can always omit cured meats from your charcuterie board for a vegetarian option. Or use meat substitutes.
Fresh Veggies
Local fresh fruits and veggies are a fun way to change up your grazing table. Each season provides fresh veggies that add a pop of color into the table look.
Some common veggies you will see on a grazing table are carrots, snap peas, mini peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
Fillers
Fillers are the things you put all of the yummy cheeses and meats on. This could be crackers, pretzels, thin slices of bread, or whatever you prefer.
It’s always fun to have a variety of fillers for visual appeal and taste. These can be both sweet and savory.
Pro Tip: Add some fresh flowers to your grazing table to take your spread to the next level.
How do you make a cheap grazing table?
Meats and cheeses can be expensive, so for a cheaper grazing table, go with more fillers, such as cheap crackers, breads, and inexpensive fruits. Apricots and figs are yummy on a charcuterie board and will not break the bank.
Dried fruits are also a good option. Costco makes it so much easier to buy everything in bulk.
From cheese and cured meats to crackers, olives, fruit and veggies. They even have cute chocolates in bulk!
How to make a grazing table
- 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 table
- 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! 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
Pro Tip: The cups are especially great for berries, olives and anything with “juices” so they don’t get your other board ingredients soggy
What is the difference between a grazing table and charcuterie board?
Grazing tables are more diverse and include lots more sweets than a traditional meat and cheese charcuterie board. There is a variety of flavors in a grazing table, such as salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, unlike a charcuterie board that typically has salty and sometimes sweet.
Here are a few things that are great on a grazing board:
- Jams or jellies
- Pickled vegetables
- Candied nuts
- Sweet treats (such as chocolates, tarts, or mini pastries
Can you make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply using gluten-free crackers and pretzels will make this board gluten-free. Just check all ingredients when making your gluten-free charcuterie board.
Get our free charcuterie board shopping list printable HERE
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!)
Ingredients
- 72 ounces Cheese in varied flavors and sizes
- 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 esthetic
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 table
- 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! 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
Jess says
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!
Silvia says
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.
Chandice says
Thanks Silvia, glad you enjoyed it too…
JD says
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!
Moop Brown says
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.
Nicoletta says
This is a fabulous grazing table! Love how it is customizable and allows you to add to meats, breads, cheeses, etc, also seasonal fruits.
Jenny says
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!
Tracy says
This is so so so fun. I loved this for a party and so did all of our friends! Great tips!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
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!
Aya says
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.
Debbie says
I love this detailed explanation of how to make a grazing table. This was perfect for an upcoming party I hosted, thanks for this .
veenaazmanov says
This is a real feast. Everything looks so tempting and inviting. Friends and family to enjoy all of it for sure. This is so creative.
Allyssa says
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!
Allison says
Yum!! I’ve never done a grazing table before, so I was excited to try it out! I’ve always been nervous about making one, but this post broke it down well! Thank you 🙂