Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board is a fun and easy appetizer for parties or a fun snack board.
Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a fun and creative way to serve a variety of foods for any occasion.
This kid-friendly version puts a playful twist on the traditional adult appetizer, making it perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or movie nights.
Although charcuterie boards originated as a way to showcase cured meats. Today, they've evolved to include a wide range of foods, from cheeses and fruits to crackers and dips.
This board combines classic kid favorites like chicken nuggets and string cheese with healthier options such as fresh fruits.
One of the best things about charcuterie boards is their versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you're hosting a playdate or looking for an exciting way to serve snacks, this kid-friendly charcuterie board is sure to be a hit. It's a great opportunity to introduce new foods and encourage grazing on a variety of nutritious options.
Ingredients
Pepperoni slices: We're making pepperoni roses with these, so make sure you don't pick up the mini ones, unless you don't want to make the roses.
Medium cheddar cheese: Choose a sharp or mild cheddar depending on what you prefer.
String cheese: These are perfect for kids to pull apart and eat.
Peanut butter: A creamy peanut butter is ideal for easy dipping.
Chocolate syrup: Use your favorite chocolate syrup to drizzle over fruit or as a dip.
Frosting: Store-bought or homemade frosting works here, but I recommend vanilla for a neutral flavor that pairs well with fruits and cookies.
Yogurt-covered raisins: These provide a sweet, tangy bite and are a great snack for kids who love dried fruit with a little extra sweetness.
Grapes: Choose seedless grapes in both red and green for a colorful and sweet addition to the board.
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas, but not too soft. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for kids to grab.
Cheese crackers: Choose a brand with a bold cheese flavor, but not too salty.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add a nice burst of color.
Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries.
Pretzel thins: These are great for dipping, you can also use regular pretzels if you prefer.
BBQ sauce: A smoky or sweet BBQ sauce is a great dip for the chicken nuggets. You could swap this out for honey mustard or whatever you like.
Chicken nuggets: Chick-fil-A nuggets are a crowd favorite, but any brand of crispy chicken nuggets works well.
Chocolate chip bear crackers: These fun little crackers are not only adorable but add a mild chocolatey sweetness that kids will love.
How to Make
To begin, prepare the cheese and fruit.
Cut the cheddar into small cubes and unwrap the string cheese for easy snacking.
Peel and slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces, making them ready for the board.
For the pepperoni, take a shot glass and fold the slices over the rim, overlapping each slice halfway.
Once you’ve added about 8-10 slices, carefully flip the shot glass over and pull it off to reveal the pepperoni flower.
Next, set up the board by framing it with the cheeses and dipping sauces like peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and BBQ sauce.
Begin adding the fruits around the edges—grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and the banana slices—placing them in different sections of the board to keep it colorful.
Fill in the spaces with the crackers, ensuring there’s a balance of salty and sweet.
Finally, add the meat and any remaining empty spots with the chicken nuggets, making sure everything is nicely arranged and easy to grab.
Take a moment to look over the board and adjust any items to make sure there’s variety and no like items are touching too much.
Once it’s all set, your kid-friendly charcuterie board is ready to enjoy!
Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this fun board. Here are some ideas:
Change up the meats – Swap the pepperoni for other kid-friendly meats like ham, salami, or turkey slices. You could also try adding mini cocktail sausages or meatballs for variety.
Use different cheeses – Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or cream cheese spread alongside the cheddar and string cheese.
Add more fruit – Include additional fruits like kiwi slices, pineapple chunks, or blueberries.
Try different crackers – In place of cheese crackers, use graham crackers, pita chips, or even mini pretzel twists.
Leftovers/Storage
Store any leftovers in separate plastic baggies or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
To reheat, warm up the chicken nuggets in the oven or microwave
How to Transport
To transport the Kids' New Year's Eve Charcuterie Board, prep and pack each ingredient separately in airtight containers, such as fruits, crackers, meats, and dips, to avoid squishing or mixing.
If the board is assembled in advance, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to secure everything in place.
For cooler items like cheese and chicken nuggets, place them in an insulated bag or cooler with ice packs.
Upon arrival, assemble the board and enjoy!
F.A.Qs.
What if my pepperoni slices won’t fold into a flower?
If they’re too thin or stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
What can I do if the banana slices turn brown?
Try squeezing a little lemon juice on them before placing them on the board to prevent browning.
What if I don’t have a shot glass for the pepperoni flower?
You can use any small cup or even a glass to help shape the pepperoni, just be sure it’s not too deep.
What if I don’t have yogurt-covered raisins?
You can swap them with chocolate-covered raisins or another small sweet snack, like gummy bears.
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Kids New Years Eve Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 4 ounces pepperoni slices
- 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese
- 8 string cheese
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup chocolate syrup
- ½ cup frosting
- ½ cup yogurt covered raisins
- 1 cup grapes
- 2-3 bananas
- 1 cup cheese crackers
- 1 pint raspberries
- 1 pint strawberries
- 4 ounces pretzel thins
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 10-20 chicken nuggets
- ½ cup chocolate chip bear crackers
Instructions
- You will want to prepare the cheese and or fruit/vegetables for the board.
- We cut the cheddar into small cubes and open the string cheese.
- Using a shot glass, fold slices of pepperoni over the rim and overlap the previous slice halfway. Once you’ve added about 8-10 slices, flip it over and pull off the shot glass to expose the flower.
- Peel and cut the banana into 1” bits
- Start by framing the board with the cheeses and dipping sauces.
- Start adding the fruits and then the crackers.
- Finally add the meat and fill any holes you may have.
- Look over the board and make sure nothing of the same type is touching if possible.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
