Can I prepare the charcuterie board ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most elements of the charcuterie board ahead of time. Arrange items like salami, cheese, and nuts on the board and cover it with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated until just ready to serve. Add heat-sensitive items like blueberries and cauliflower close to serving time to maintain freshness.

What are some alternative cheeses I can use besides brie for the charcuterie board?

If you prefer different cheeses, consider using cheddar for a sharp taste, gouda for a sweet and creamy texture, or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Look for other types of white cheeses at your local grocery store. These can be sliced or served in wedges to add variety to the board. If you wish to make the board dairy-free, replace any dairy-based cheeses with plant-based options.

How can I make this charcuterie board suitable for guests with nut allergies?

To accommodate guests with nut allergies, simply omit the pistachios and cashews. You can replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or additional fruits like strawberries or cherries to keep the festive color scheme.

4th of July Charcuterie Board (Red, White, and Blue Theme)

Ingredients

Units Scale

7 ounces of thinly sliced salami
1 small head of cauliflower, broken into bite-sized florets
1 cup of blueberries
7 ounces crackers (use gluten-free crackers if necessary)
1 bunch of grapes, preferably dark-colored
1 cup of shelled pistachios
1 cup of unsalted cashews
1 wheel of brie, for placing whole or slicing
6 ounces of cheese slices, assorted varieties

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Instructions

Prepare the cauliflower by washing and cutting it into small, bite-sized florets. Use the grapes to create natural clusters around the board as the foundation, providing color and volume.
Fold or roll the salami slices into rosettes and arrange them prominently on the board. Salami rosettes can be made by folding the slices in half, rolling them tightly, and securing with a toothpick if needed.
Place the crackers strategically near the salami for easy access and pairing.
Place pistachios in a small blue dish and cashews in a small red dish, adding a colorful thematic touch to the arrangement.
Position the cauliflower florets around the board to add a textural contrast.
Add the wheel of brie to the center of the board, cutting into it if preferred to show its creamy texture. Arrange the assorted cheese slices neatly around the board to offer variety.

Notes

You can easily adapt to your board for various dietary preferences. But, try not to include vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free options on the same plate or level as foods that don’t meet those restrictions. This helps reduce cross-contamination for those who have food allergies or strict food restrictions.
Blanch the cauliflower florets for a softer texture if desired, then cool in ice water, drain and pat dry.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Category: Snacks
Method: Easy
Cuisine: Patriotic
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 small plate's worth
Calories: 379
Sugar: 8.4 g
Sodium: 346.5 mg
Fat: 27.2 g
Saturated Fat: 9.4 g
Carbohydrates: 21.6 g
Fiber: 3.9 g
Protein: 15.8 g
Cholesterol: 46.2 mg