The Best DIY Beach Charcuterie Board For Summer

A beach charcuterie board is all you need if you want to make your summer getaway extra special this year. It’s the perfect way to enjoy food during your beach trip. Imagine yourself sitting by the beach, hearing the sound of the waves, surrounded by the people you love, and enjoying the most delicious snacks arranged so beautifully on a board. There’s nothing quite like it!

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Whether you’re planning to create a charcuterie board for a family vacation or a romantic summer getaway for two, I’m happy to share with you how to build one, what ingredients to put, plus a few beach charcuterie board ideas that were a huge blast with my family and friends!

Beach Charcuterie Board Ideas

A charcuterie board is usually enjoyed indoors during special occasions like Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, birthdays, and even weddings. A beach charcuterie board would especially be ideal for a beautiful outdoor wedding or any summer party. No more settling for a plain old cheese board when you can enjoy a variety of snacks.

What sets beach charcuterie boards apart from traditional charcuterie boards is that they can be enjoyed outdoors – it’s like having a picnic at the beach but better. Of course, they also make a great gift for a beach lover, a wedding gift, or a statement piece at a family reunion.

A good beach charcuterie board is creative, easy to set up, and portable. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Fruits of Summer Charcuterie Board

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the harvest of the season! Fill your board with in-season stone fruits such as apricots, cherries, peaches, and nectarines, and pair them with sides like cheese, honey, and bread. There’s nothing more refreshing than enjoying some fresh fruit while enjoying the ocean breeze.

I also like to add jams and fruit preserves to my summer spreads. Fig jam, apricot preserves, cranberry compote, and orange marmalade are among the best jams for your charcuterie board this season!

The Ultimate Summer Platter

If you like a little more variety, you can put a little bit of everything in your beach grazing board, including berries, cherries, cantaloupes, peaches, salami, sausages, prosciutto, walnuts, brie, mozzarella, honey, fig jam, breadsticks, and crackers! Whew!

Grilled Steak Charcuterie Board

Need something heavier? Make grilled steak the star of the show! Add an array of grilled or fresh fruits and veggies to add color and variety to your board. You can opt for asparagus, bell peppers, eggplant, corn cobs then add pineapple rings and watermelon slices for a summer touch!

Burgers By the Beach Board

Burgers are a hit anywhere, so you can make a huge hamburger board complete with buns, patties, classic sauces (ketchup, spicy mayo, and mustard), and your favorite toppings like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and more. Add some chips and some bite-sized fruits to complete this kid-friendly charcuterie board.

S’mores Platter

A s’mores platter would be perfect if you’re staying at the beach until nighttime and building a bonfire! Load up your board with the usual s’mores ingredients like marshmallows, different chocolates, and graham crackers. Include some berries for added fun!

Ingredients for a Beach Charcuterie Board

When selecting snacks for your beach charcuterie board, choosing ingredients that can withstand the heat and remain fresh throughout the day is important. Choose items that won’t wilt, melt, or spoil easily.

It’s ideal to curate a selection with a great mix of colors, flavors, and textures to make beach time snacking more enjoyable. Here is a list of beach-friendly ingredients that you can include in your charcuterie board:

Meats

• Cured meats like salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto are ideal because they don’t spoil quickly.
• You can also use kid-friendly options like bacon, hotdogs, ham, or sausages. 

Cheeses

• It will be hot out, so aged and firm cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, Manchego, and Parmesan are ideal as they are less prone to melting.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Incorporate seasonal and tropical fruits and vegetables to balance out the savory elements.
• Fresh berries, grapes, pineapple chunks, watermelon slices, sweet peppers, and even artichoke hearts are all great options.
• Include pickled fruits and vegetables to your spread. They’re great for variety, plus they don’t spoil easily.

Bread and Crackers

• Choose bread or crackers that won’t easily crumble and can withstand being transported.
• Breads like baguette, sourdough, or whole grain bread are ideal.
• Mini breadsticks and wheat or water crackers are also excellent choices.

Dips and Spreads

• Honey, hummus, or guacamole are ideal for a beach charcuterie board.
• Don’t forget to pack small bowls or containers for your dips and spreads!

Extras

• Other beach-friendly snacks that you can add to your board can include dried fruits, nuts, pretzels, trail mix and other non-perishable items.
• Aim for a good balance between sweet and savory foods!

How to Build a Summer-Perfect Beach Charcuterie Board

It’s time to assemble your beach charcuterie board! Assuming you’re already at the beach, unpack all the items and ingredients you’ll need so you can start building. Depending on how many people you plan to serve, you’ll need this many ingredients for your summer-perfect beach charcuterie board:

• 1 to 3 meats
• 2 to 3 cheeses
• 2 to 3 fruits or veggies
• 1 to 2 breads or crackers
• 1 to 3  dips or spreads
• 3 to 4 fillers

Step 1: Get your board ready

Select a sturdy serving or cutting board that’s big enough to hold all your snacks. Walnut wood, hard maple, or any hardwood are great options because of their durability. For added fun, I like to use beach-themed boards like the Sea Turtle Shaped Charcuterie Board or the Surfboard Shaped Serving Board. Make sure it’s cleaned with mild soap and dried thoroughly before you put food on it!

Step 2: Arrange the meats

Start arranging your meats, making sure they’re evenly distributed across the board for easy access. You can fold, roll, or stack them in small piles for a more visually appealing presentation.

Step 3: Bring in the cheese

Next, add the cheese. It’s best to arrange each cheese near the meat they best pair with.

Step 4: Add your fruits and vegetables

Then add your fruits and vegetables, placing them in a way that complements the meats and cheeses. As I mentioned above, opt for a mix of in-season and tropical fruits for the ultimate beach vibe!

Step 5: Add the bread and crackers

Now, distribute your bread and crackers across the board. Make sure to have different flavors and textures for variety, like seeded, sourdough, wheat, or grain crackers. 

Step 6: Finish off with spreads

Finally, add any dips and spreads which can include honey, jams, or condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Use small bowls of containers for easy dipping.

Step 7: Fill in spaces with extras

If you still have spaces to fill on your board, you can add extras like nuts and candies. You can also use fresh herbs or flowers to add an elegant touch. Remember, every little detail counts!

Wrapping Up

Beach charcuterie boards make a perfect gift or a great highlight for your trip to the beach. Using ingredients that are not a hassle to transport and can withstand the hot weather are of great importance when crafting a beach charcuterie board. Whether you’re going to enjoy it from your dining room for your next event or by the shore during a trip, prioritize convenience by choosing portable food items that have a long shelf life. Be creative when assembling your board – it shouldn’t only be a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! 

Planning to make your own beach charcuterie board this summer? Don’t forget to bookmark this post and use it as a guide when the time comes!