"I firmly believe that it isn’t a party without a charcuterie board. Even if you’re hosting a dinner party planned around a specific menu, your guests will need something to snack on while you finish up cooking. So whenever I’m hosting friends at home or tasked with bringing something for a family gathering, I always plan on stopping by Trader Joe’s first to stock up on charcuterie board supplies. TJ’s has a huge selection of fancy cheeses and cured meats, along with tons of fun and unique ingredients that make delicious additions to a board. And while the price for all these specialty items would add up fast at any other grocery store, you can easily find all the Trader Joe’s ingredients you need for a well-rounded charcuterie board while staying within your grocery budget.
Below, I walk you through all the different components you need to build the perfect Trader Joe’s charcuterie board and break down exactly what I buy whenever I’m hosting.
How to Build a Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
Cheeses
The Trader Joe’s cheese section is truly unmatched. Where else can you find fun varieties like caramelized onion cheddar and cranberry chèvre for just a few bucks apiece? Since the cheese is the main draw of a charcuterie board, aim to include at least three different varieties (for a larger gathering, you may want to add in 2-3 more). Be sure to include a variety of different textures and flavors. For example, start with a soft and creamy cheese, choose a firm and nutty variety to contrast it, and finish it off with something tangy and unexpected.
Meats
Next up, add in your cured meats of choice to round out the base of your board. Trader Joe’s has several charcuterie options like salami and prosciutto in pre-cut portions, which make putting your board together extra easy. However, if you are a vegetarian or just not a fan of cured meats, opt for a few extra cheeses so you still have plenty of selection.
Crackers
Different types of crackers pair well with different types of cheeses, and thankfully TJ’s has a huge variety of options. I always like to switch it up and pick out crackers with a range of flavors, textures, and main ingredients. For me, three different cracker options is typically the sweet spot.
Spreads
A charcuterie board isn’t complete without a few dips and spreads to round it out. These add in some contrasting flavors and textures and allow you to build your own perfect bite. Some of my favorite options to include are fruit spreads, stone-ground mustard, and tapenade, but you could also go for a more classic dip like hummus or spinach artichoke.
Extra Accompaniments
This is where you can really get creative and cater your board to your tastes. Olives, nuts, fruits, and pickled veggies are all classic accompaniments to charcuterie and are great for adding some interesting textures and color to your charcuterie board. If you want to really take it up a notch, you can also layer in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These will fill in any empty spaces and add a fragrant touch to your board.
Everything I Bought for My Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
If you want to see this formula in action, keep scrolling for my tried-and-true favorites in each category. Here is everything you need to build the perfect Trader Joe’s charcuterie board:
1. Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions
This cheese is one of those items I have to buy whenever I go to Trader Joe’s, regardless of whether I’m hosting. The caramelized onions add a delicious sweet and savory flavor to this cheese, making it taste way more special than your average cheddar.
2. Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper
Another personal favorite of mine, this Toscano cheese has a flavor similar to Parmesan but with a slightly softer texture that’s great for slicing. The addition of cracked black pepper gives it a little extra zip without overwhelming the cheese itself.
3. Chevre with Honey
Trader Joe’s has a few different varieties of chèvre—including a cranberry version around the holidays that is incredible—but this one made with honey is a classic any time of year. The touch of sweetness really mellows out the tanginess of the cheese, making it very palatable even if you’re not a huge goat cheese fan.
4. Uncured Salame di Parma Mild Salami
You might save a little money by buying the uncut logs of salami from Trader Joe’s, but I prefer to buy the pre-cut version to make my life easier. It makes one less thing to prep, and the perfectly thin slices are way better than anything I could cut myself.
5. Fig & Olive Crisps
Thanks to the mix of dried figs, olives, and seeds baked in, these crackers have incredible texture and are a huge upgrade to your basic saltine. They also pair well with so many different types of cheeses, so they’re an absolute must for any Trader Joe’s charcuterie board.
6. Scalloped Cracker Trio
This cracker assortment is technically a seasonal item, but it’s worth stocking up on for year-round use. I love that it includes three different flavors—garlic, rosemary, and spicy chili—so you can experiment with different meat and cheese combinations. Plus, the scalloped edges make these look extra fancy on a board.
7. 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers
These crackers have a texture similar to tortilla chips but with a bit of sweetness thanks to the sweet potato. They make a great gluten-free option that still offers fantastic flavor and crunch.
8. Truffle Marcona Almonds
These Truffle Marcona Almonds are completely addicting and make a delicious salty, crunchy accompaniment to a charcuterie board. I like to sprinkle these around the board to fill in any empty spaces and add some textural contrast. If truffle isn’t your thing, however, Trader Joe’s has a huge selection of different types of nuts to choose from.
9. Dried Pitted Tart Montmorency Cherries
Fresh fruit is also great on a charcuterie board, but I personally like using dried for easy prep and cleanup. You can literally just open up the bag and dump, and you don’t have to worry about bright red juices staining your nice wooden board. I love these dried cherries in particular because of their sweet-tart flavor.
10. Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
Mustard works so well with cheeses like cheddar and brie, so I always like to include a little dish of it on my charcuterie boards. This whole grain option from Trader Joe’s has a nice seedy texture and tangy flavor that adds a delicious boost to a cracker-and-cheese combo.
11. Fig Butter
Trader Joe’s has so many different options for fruit spreads, but this fig butter is one of my all-time favorites. The fig flavor makes it taste a little fancier than your average jam, and the slightly thicker texture is perfect for spreading on a cracker.
12. Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
This is completely optional, but I think fresh rosemary adds such a nice finishing touch to a charcuterie board. You can typically find packages of fresh herbs at Trader Joe’s for under $2, so it’s a very inexpensive way to elevate your board.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.