HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET FRIENDLY (BUT STILL EPIC) CHEESE BOARD

16/11/20

Everyone loves a good cheese platter, and they’re perfect for any hosting occasion, or just for dinner if you’re like me. The downside is that cheese platters usually cost a pretty penny to prepare, but I’ve slowly but surely mastered the art of creating a beautiful big cheese platter for 4-6 people by spending less than $30! There are a few key things to note when you’re wanting to create an epic, yet affordable cheese board:

  1. Rummage through your fridge first. If you have half of a capsicum left over, use it! Chop it into vege sticks and they’ll sit nice and bright on your platter. Have some unused chutney at the back of your pantry? Half a jar of capers? Use them!
  2. Stick with store brands instead of name brands, it’ll save you a bunch, and nobody can tell once you’ve opened everything up and spread them out on a platter.
  3. Pare down the expensive items (meat and cheese) and bulk up your platter with fruit, nuts and extra bits like that. 
  4. Shop in season! Skip the grapes and tomatoes in winter because they’ll be pricey.

I spent $30.06 on the following ingredients. At the end of this post I’ve also included a pared back two person cheese board for only $13.97! Just omit two of the cheeses, walnuts, the baguette and the sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients:

Crackers

Breadstick

Brie cheese

Creamy blue cheese

Block of cream cheese

Handful of walnuts

Handful of almonds

Salami

Sundried tomatoes

Olives

Apple 

Hummus

Garnishes:

Rosemary sprigs

Chilli flakes

Salt and pepper

Step 1: Place small condiment bowls on your platter or cheese board.

Step 2: Place your cheeses spread out evenly on the board, cut the bigger wheels into halves or thirds to add dimension.

Step 3: Place meats and crackers, add these spread out in separated clusters. 

Step 4: Place the sliced fruit, then the nuts. Fan the apple slices and spread around the board, fill the small spaces with groups of the nuts or any other small items you’re using. Use the green or red items to break up the beige.

Step 5: Fill in the gaps with your olives or capers, or anything else you’re using up.

Step 6: Add your condiments and garnishes! Make sure the colour placement looks good and not too beige in some areas. I sprinkle chilli flakes on top of the brie to add some interest, and some salt and pepper on the hummus. Squeeze some rosemary (or arugula) in the small spaces for a polished and professional finish.

For those of you interested in how the smaller (two person) platter looks, here is the step-by step! How impressive is this at only $13.97?!

ENJOY!