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. So grab your favorite cheese and crackers and get serving!
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 other’s company.
Why I love making a grazing table
- Something for everyone: Include cheeses, meats, crackers, seasonal fruits, veggies, etc. The options are almost endless when it comes to a charcuterie table.
- Effortlessly impressive: With minimal prep maximal aesthetics, this board is guaranteed to “wow” your guests without too much effort.
- Perfect for any occasion: Using seasonal foods and decor allows you to cater this board to any occasion.
- Easily customize: Tailor to dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy free with ease.
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. If you decide to make a holiday version of this, be sure to add our divinity candy.
What food do you put on a grazing table?
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…
Cheese
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, our 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.
Produce
Incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies is a great way to add variety and bright colors to your grazing table. Some common veggies you will see on a grazing table are carrots, snap peas, mini peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
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.
How to make a grazing table
Prep the space: Clean off your counter and roll out a large section of butcher paper. I like adding charcuterie boards to separate foods and add dimension.
Set the base: Place large items like baguettes, rolls, and cheese wheels on the table
Add the small bowls: Place dips and small fruits to small bowls and add the small bowls around the table wherever you see fit
Layer the meats and cheeses: Add the cured meats, crackers, fruits and veggies in a way that’s functional yet appealing. (I love adding olives to this board as well!)
The treats: Add all the sweets like chocolates, candies, cake pops, and these charcuterie board cookies
Final touches: Finish by adding in the green herbs and other fillers 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
How to make a grazing table on a budget
While premium meats and cheeses can elevate a grazing table, they don’t have to make up the bulk of the spread. To create an impressive, yet affordable grazing table, focus on high-quality fillers like artisanal crackers, rustic breads, and seasonal fruits. Incorporating items like dried apricots, figs, or fresh berries can add a high-quality touch without increasing the price.
Shopping in bulk from stores like Costco can also be a great way to balance quality and budget. They always have an impressive selection of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and even chocolates, allowing you to make an abundant, high class, grazing table that looks and tastes expensive without breaking the bank.
Can you make this board 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.
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.
Get our free charcuterie board shopping list printable HERE
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
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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 .
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 🙂