Luxury doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a few smart choices, you can create a stunning charcuterie board for two – perfect for a date night, cozy evening, or small gathering without spending a fortune.
Why Charcuterie?
Charcuterie boards instantly make any occasion feel special. They’re visually appealing, interactive, and feel fancy, even if your budget says otherwise. With a few simple ingredients and smart presentation, you can elevate your night without overspending.
Staples You’ll Need
- Meat: Salami
- Cheese: Havarti & Extra Sharp Cheddar
- Fruit: Strawberries, grapes
- Crackers: Plain or wheat
Optional Luxuries (under $5 extra):
- Dried fruits: dates, figs, cranberries
- Jams or fruit preserves
- Olives or pickled items
- Nuts or seeds
- A glass of wine (varies in price, depending on your liking)
Display Tips:
- Wooden board, serving plate, or even a clean countertop works.
- Serving utensils or small knives help guests feel like it’s a 5-star experience.
Shopping List
We’re shopping at Aldi today (just fans, not sponsored) to get the best budget-friendly finds. Style doesn’t have to be expensive!
| Item | Price |
| Priano Salame Italiano, 3oz | $3.55 |
| Emporium Selection Plain Havarti Cheese, 8 oz | $3.19 |
| Happy Farms Extra Sharp New York Cheddar Cubes, 8 oz | $3.19 |
| Strawberries, 1 lb | $2.59 |
| Green Grapes (~2.25 lb) | $3.33 |
| Savoritz Wheat Crackers, 8 oz | $1.49 |
| Fancy Medjool Dates, 1 lb | $3.65 |
| Total: | $23.98 |
Assembly Tips to Make It Look Luxe
Even a simple $25 board can look elegant if you arrange it thoughtfully. Here’s how:
- Cluster by Type: Group your cheeses, meats, and fruits into distinct sections. This keeps the board organized and visually appealing.
- Mix Textures & Shapes: Combine soft and hard cheeses, round grapes with sliced strawberries, and smooth salami with stacked crackers. Variation makes the board feel curated.
- Add Height & Dimension: Stack crackers, fold or roll salami slices, or pile fruit slightly higher in the center. Height creates a professional look.
- Use Color Wisely: Alternate light and dark items. Bright red strawberries, green grapes, and golden cheddar create visual interest.
- Leave Some Space: Don’t overcrowd the board. Negative space lets each item shine and keeps the display looking clean and luxurious.
- Optional Luxuries: Sprinkle nuts, drizzle honey, or scatter a few dried fruits to instantly elevate the board. Even one small addition can make it feel fancy.
- Serving & Utensils: Small knives, tongs, or toothpicks make it easy to grab items and add a polished touch.
- Final Touches: A linen napkin, clean plates, or a small candle nearby can turn a simple board into a 5-star presentation.
Pro Tip: Pair grapes with Havarti, cheddar with dates, and don’t forget a few crackers for texture. Your board will look curated, feel indulgent, and still keep your wallet happy.
Affordable Board Options
Even if you don’t have a fancy display board, a plate works beautifully. But if you want to upgrade, here are some options for under $20:
- Solid Acacia Wood Tray – $10.99
- Large Bamboo Cutting Board – $15.99
- Bamboo Charcuterie Board & Knife Set – $15.99
- RoyalHouse Bamnoo Cheese Board – $19.99
Final Touch
Set the mood with simple touches: a linen napkin, clean glasses, or even a small candle. Luxury is about the experience, not the price tag. Even under $25, your charcuterie board can look classy, inviting, and sophisticated, just the way Bougie Broke likes it.
