Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast)
Happy Halloween! I published this post a few years ago and it is a fall favorite. I decided it was time to dust it off and rewrite it. I love entertaining particularly this festive time of year here in wine country. Hosting should never be stressful, and in my book, the perfect appetizer is one that looks amazing but requires virtually no cooking! That’s why today, I am so excited to share my go-to “recipe” for an absolutely gorgeous and seasonally friendly harvest charcuterie board built entirely from the budget-friendly, simple ingredients from my localTrader Joe’s. Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and let’s dive into how to create Trader Joe’s ultimate harvest charcuterie board (simple & fast)
Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast)
Choose Your Board
For my trader joe’s charcuterie board I like using my big vintage breadboard for a large group. Yes, they have been thoroughly cleaned. I follow a process similar to this on Real Simple here. About once a month I treat them with this cutting board oil. I add a few fall leaves for color and texture before I start assembling the board. You can find many vintage bread boards on Etsy here. I Have also linked several options at the bottom of this post.
Layout
It should look overflowing and generous.I layer small bowls in the leaves for the fig jam, hummus, and walnut dip (or whatever dips you choose). Fill in all the gaps with ingredients of your choosing
Essential Tools
Small bowls, various cheese knives, small spoons and cocktail napkins are all you need.
Trader Joe’s Shopping List
Here is my Trader Joe’s haul spread out on my breakfast nook table. Keep in mind I will be serving a large group. You may not need all of this for a smaller group. Leftovers are always delicious however!
Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast)
Cheeses (At lest 3-4 Selections for Variety)
Hard Cheese /Aged ( Unexpected Cheddar, Spanish Manchego, Blue Cheese)
Soft Cheese /Creamy (Goat Cheese, Brie, or Boursin-style,) or spreadable cheeses
Semi-Soft (Havarti, Mozarella, Edam, Gouda, Teleggio etc.)
Flavored or Seasonal ( Cranberry Chevre, Mushroom Brie or other seasonal cheese options)
Meats (2-3 Selections)
Salty/Cured ( Sliced Salami, Prosciutto, Chorizo , Serrano Ham etc.)
Crackers & Breads (3-4 varieties)
Baguette, Water Crackers, Breadsticks, Fig or Olive Crisps, Pretzels
Seasonal Harvest Accents
Fresh Fruit ( Grapes, Sliced apples, persimmons,pears, or figs)
Jams, Spreads, Dips
Sweet/Fruity (fig jam, pumpkin butter, cranberry chutney etc.)
Savory/Earthy (honey, hummus etc.)
Nuts
Marcona Almonds, Candied Pecans etc.
Dried Fruits
Apricots, Cranberries, Cherries etc.
This is my Trader Joe’s shopping list, you can substitute according to availability at your local Trader Joes.
Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast)
Assembly
I honestly go about this willy nilly , but place the bowls that will be needed on the tray for the dips etc. on the board first.
I found this list online that might be helpful
Step 1: Place the Cheeses: Start with the anchor pieces, spacing them out.
Step 2: Add Jams/Dips: Place small bowls around the cheeses.
Step 3: Arrange Meats: Group the meats near the cheeses.
Step 4: Scatter Crackers: Place the cracker/bread piles strategically.
Step 5: Fill in with Produce & Nuts (The Finishing Touch): Use fruit, nuts, and dried items to fill every empty space, to achieve that abundant harvest look.
Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast)
Drinks
Keep it simple if you aren’t a wine aficionado. Steve would go into great detail selecting the wines, but for simplicity I chose two commonly available wines at TJ’s. the Pontificis & A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. A variety of whites and reds would be nice, but is not necessary if you aren’t into wine. TJ’s often has someone in their store that is familiar with wines and could help you make selections according to your taste or budget.
SHOP THE CHARCUTERIE
Thank you so much for reading Trader Joe’s Ultimate Harvest Charcuterie Board (Simple & Fast). For a simpler version of this for a smaller group you might find my post Last Minute Cheese and Charcuterie from Costco helpful. You might also enjoy Four Appetizers and the Wines that Love Them.
This simple charcuterie board is proof that beautiful hosting doesn’t have to break the bank or require hours in the kitchen. Once you master the simple ‘fill in the gaps’ technique, you’ll be able to pull together a gorgeous, generous spread in minutes. I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite seasonal Trader Joe’s item you’d add to the mix? Leave a comment below.Now let’s pop over and visit my friends for the rest of the Autumn menu. Click on the links to read.
If this is an appetizer, what do you serve for dinner?
Do you use paper products for the appetizer?
Hi Ethel
This was a party with only appetizers. A simple wine and cheese affair. I use paper cocktail napkins and clear glass salad plates ( I hate wasting all the paper) that I purchased super reasonably many years ago. You certainly could use pretty paper plates..
Lovely presentation as always. The antique board and the fall leaves make this platter so inviting. Thank you for including the photos of the items in its packages too. I think everyone who’s reading this is thinking “hmm, where am I going to get those grape leaves.” I guess I’ll have to google to get some faux ones. I also love the red leaves/branches. Is that from a Japanese Maple Tree? Thanks for inspiring us into the Fall.
Hi Tara
The red leaves are from our pistache trees. FYI would you be willing to be interviewed about your gardening expertise early spring? You are such a wealth of knowledge!!
Thanks for this! Perfectly timing for the holiday gatherings.
What do you know about the previous use of paddle boards mention on Etsy?
What is the.measurements of your dough bowl? Did it come from Etsy?
What are the branches displayed from your yard?
Thanks. Always watching for your next post.
Hi Nan
My bread board came from Patine in Santa Cruz. The branches are pistache. The measurements are 27 1/2 x 21 1/2. I would not be afraid to buy from Etsy. Most of the boards come from the former Eastern Block, Hungary, Romania etc. Many claim they are French but most aren’t. If you like the look don’t worry about it. You could also contact Dani at Patine(she probably ships), Tancredi & Morgen in Carmel Valley, or Atrium Mercantile in Atascadero. They are all very reputable and carry them regularly.
I love Trader Joe’s for charcuterie board ingredients! Your board looks amazing and I will be making one soon for holiday guests.
Sadly, the Iberico grilled artichokes aren’t available anymore. The manager told me that they were discontinued a couple of years ago, but he couldn’t understand why because they were very popular. The jarred artichokes just don’t hold a candle to the grilled ones. Every time I go in I look to see if they have returned. If you come across a similar product that can be shipped to Florida please let me know!
Hi Janet
I wasn’t sure if it was a temporary thing or if the artichokes were gone forever. I think our market Etto carries them here, and I know I have gotten them from Star Market in Salinas as well. I will keep my eyes open! They are so good aren’t they?
Thanks for that information! I looked at the Star Market website and discovered that I can buy the same brand at Whole Foods here in Gainesville, FL!
Hi Janet
You are a good detective! So glad you found them. I always like to keep some on the shelf in case of unexpected guests!
Great job! I wish your shopping list was printable. We live in wine country north and often host people at wineries we are club members at. Most of them allow you to bring your own food. We bought a tackle box that doubles as a “snackle” box. Your list will make shopping quick and easy, and most items keep for a long time so we can be ready anytime.
Hi Cristi
If you send me your email address I will send you the list that you can print out!
Late to the table – literally! We were at river over weekend.
So! I think I might do the same same thing! I have about half that group so will plan accordingly. But I love how you laid it all out. I also use a huge bread board when I do this! Making my grocery list now…. 💋
PS – Can you fed ex me some grape leaves??? 😉 I will look for some flat fake ones at the grocery. They are so elegant looking.
Hi Gray
It was so easy. I invited a few neighbors and friends over and we had a great time. I always try to over complicate things. It was simple and everyone had a great time.
Fabulous! Your presentation is just beautiful. Will be using this as a go to for holiday boards. Too funny about the fireplace (would have never noticed). Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Barb
I love using old breadboards. They have so much character.
Lovely board! I am a huge fan of charcuterie and cheese boards, too. I love collecting little plates, spreaders, etc. to make them special too. Love what you did with yours.
We have a number of vegan / vegetarian folks in the family so I tend to separate them by type (meat, cheese, veg, etc.).
My family is originally from Spain so tapas are my go-to, and they go so well with these boards.
Hi Valletta
I love Tapas! I usually wouldn’t serve everything from TJ’s but thought it would be an easy option for those on Thanksgiving day.
Was this assembled in 2022? I haven’t seen the cornbread crisps in my Trader Joe’s for a very very long time. I noticed some very interesting items on your kitchen table still in their packages that weren’t on your shopping list or on the charcuterie board! And I also noticed some items on your beautiful charcuterie board display that were not on the shopping list. Rather disappointing
Hi Kay
There was nothing on the board that was not on the shopping list. There were a couple that I did not use however, because I did not have room. Everything was purchased last week and assembled on the spot. I did not use the orange slices but other than that I can’t think of a thing. What were you speaking of just out of curiosity?
Whoops, I also did not use the pumpkin butter. I ran out of small dishes. The leaves did not come from Trader Joes. They came from my yard.
The corn bread crisps are seasonal and are in the Raleigh store night now.
You have given me some great ideas to include in my charcuterie board! And thank you for the wine suggestions as I am not a wine drinker and am at a loss when I need to purchase for guests.
I think everyone loves a charcuterie board.
Would have not noticed the fire wasn’t real. The decorations on the fireplace are so beautiful.
Hi Mary Ellen
Those wines are consistently good, so you can’t go wrong. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!
Cindy … I’ll be leading the pack to your house! Charcuterie and wine … my favorite food groups. And all from TJ’s! Your vintage bread board is a treasure. I’d love to find one like it. And it’s perfect for party charcuterie. I had to laugh about the fake fire. First of all, I would never have known it wasn’t real. And second, when I need our outdoor gas fire pit turned on I need Jim on hand. I don’t know why. Anyway, charcuterie and wine in your courtyard is sure to be the highlight of our autumn progressive dinner. So fun! Cheers. xo
Hi Juliet
I don’t know how to work ours either! Steve isn’t here Monday-Thurs afternoon so I couldn’t lite it! Loved your cocktail! Gorgeous!
I’d love to come right over and have this for breakfast!! I’m pinning EVERYthing,
I remember driving to Santa Barbara with an ice chest to load up on TJ’s products long before we had one locally. They are pretty much the only place I shop anymore. Your board is gorgeous and I recognize many items that I have on repeat. I usually have some of these items in my pantry for impromptu gatherings. 25+ is going to be a big gathering and your guests will be the recipients of a wonderful meal and day.
Cindy this is stunning and looks so delicious! Is there anything better than a good charcuterie board? I mean, who needs dinner, right? 🙂 Thank you for including me as always! xo
Gorgeous! I love a charcuterie board. So festive and something for everyone.
Something to look forward too!
Somehow I think your guests will roll out of there with full tummies!
Cindy! This looks gorgeous!! I love how you have some pumpkin Madeleines tucked in! This will be perfect for your thanksgiving dinner of 25+!!
Cindy,
This looks festive and delicious. There’s something for everyone. I’ll be saving your list of TJ items for my next autumn get-together.
Karen B.