If you picture a charcuterie board, you probably picture meat, cheese, and bread – and there’s a reason for that! The word “charcuterie” actually refers to a way of preparing meat in French cuisine so a traditional charcuterie board needs to include some kind of prepared meat. That’s why you might hear them referred to as cheese boards instead. 

Although cheese boards and charcuterie boards are as popular as ever, many alternative charcuterie-inspired boards are going viral online these days and are perfect for those who are avoiding dairy, eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, or for those who just want to try something different. 

Here are some ideas for unconventional charcuterie boards for you to try. 

Waffle or Pancake Board

Breakfast boards are all the rage right now, and there are so many different variations you can try. Waffle or pancake boards are some of the most popular because they’re easy to put together but they look and taste incredible. 

Here are some things to add to your waffle or pancake board:

• Waffles
• Pancakes
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Whipped cream
• Slices of butter
• Peanut butter
• Bacon
• Nutella
• Chocolate Chips

Movie Snacks Board

If you’re planning a movie night for a group or are just planning on unwinding with a new film or TV show you’ve been excited to watch, this board is a great idea. You can customize it with all of your favorite movie snacks, or pick food that fits in with what you’re watching (a chocolate board if you’re watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for example!)

Here are some things to add to your movie snack board:

• Popcorn
• Pretzels
• Red Vines
• Raisinets
• Sno-Caps
• Gummy bears
• Any fun-size candy bar or candy packet that’s kept in its original packaging

S’mores Board

For a fun twist on a dessert board, try a s’mores board. You can set these up for people to use while you have a bonfire going, or you can pre-toast the marshmallows yourself. Either way, a s’mores dessert board is sure to be a hit!

Here are some things to add to your s’mores board:

• Marshmallows
• Bars of chocolate – you can experiment with different types of chocolate and include white chocolate, dark chocolate, flavored chocolate, etc.
• Graham crackers
• Oreos
• Sliced strawberries
• Peanut butter
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Nilla Wafers

Bagel Board

For a fun brunch idea that has sweet and savory options, consider a bagel board. You can pre-slice the bagels and leave a toaster accessible nearby so people have options.

Here are some things to add to your bagel board:

• Bagels – try mini bagels or full-sized bagels or both
• Cream cheese
• Sliced hard-boiled eggs
• Bacon
• Berries
• Lox
• Sliced red onions
• Capers
• Cucumbers
• Avocados
• Egg salad
• Hummus

Hot Chocolate Board

For another sweet option, try a hot chocolate board! Serve it near a pot of hot water or milk, or premake the drink and focus on toppings for the board.

Here are some things to add to your hot chocolate board:

• Hot chocolate – either put a vat of the drink on the board/nearby or add small bowls of hot chocolate powder
• Marshmallows – have fun with the size, color, or shape of the marshmallows you pick! 
• Candy canes
• Chocolate chips
• Pirouettes 
• Caramels
• Sprinkles
• Stroopwafels

Remember, these are just some ideas to get you started. One of the most fun things about food boards is the opportunity to get creative and customize them to your own personal taste. Speaking of which – what alternative food boards have you tried? What are your favorite things to add to them? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re ready to start planning your next event, head over to thesocialsetters.com/startplanning to get started with one of our Social Setters!