Charcuterie boards. There may be no appetizer that offers a more impressive sensory experience than a charcuterie board. The varying colors and textures, and lots of fresh items…what’s not to love? The creativity that has been put into the art of preparing and assembling these boards the last several years have taken them beyond their traditional French roots of cured meats, into an area of limitless options.
They also happen to be one of my favorite ways to encourage kids to eat healthy snacks and try new things! Not only is it a great way to reinforce healthy snacks, but it is also a great way to get kid’s involved in the kitchen.
There really are no rules when it comes to making your own charcuterie board. This is a great way to bring creativity into the kitchen and allow your children to express themselves. There are, however, a few guidelines that will help put together an epic board.
- Presentation. We know with kids, presentation makes a huge difference in what they will choose to eat. So keep that in mind as you create your board. Choose a pretty platter, cutting board or other tray to use as the base.
- Follow the 80/20 rule. In health, this rule means the majority of your diet builds your foundation, allowing for some flexibility the rest of the time. Try to build your board mostly healthy, and sprinkle in a treat or two. Start building your board t with the healthier options to make up the bulk of the tray.
- Mix it up. I always try to add a variety of colors and textures, not only for aesthetics, but to get the different phytonutrients that the varying colors provide. The more the merrier. More variety makes for one pretty platter!
OK, let’s get started! Following are some of my favorite things to include:
- Dips. Choose whichever dips your kids like, or use it as a way to introduce a new one. My kids love hummus, yogurt dips, guacamole, ranch.
- Fresh veggies. The color and texture variety are awesome, along with the nutritious punch they pack. Remember to vary the colors as each color family provides different phytonutrients. Sugar snap peas, carrots, belgian endive, cucumbers and celery are all good staples.
- Fruits. Berries are great finger foods and superfoods, and a great addition. Sliced apples, pears, oranges or kiwi slices work well. Literally anything you have around or your child’s favorites. Dried fruits also pack a nutritional punch, but use these sparingly as they can be high in added sugar. Some good choices are dried cherries, mangoes or apricots.
- Meats. More traditionally charcuterie, meats are great for added protein. Salami, turkey, ham, and pepperoni are tasty options.
- Cheeses. Cheeses are great choices for protein as well as calcium. Have fun with the presentation – offer cubed, string cheese, or sliced.
- Nuts and Seeds. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein and add a crunchy texture. Cashews, almonds, pistachios, pumpkin or sunflower seeds are popular with kids.
- Protein balls. Protein balls add a pretty aesthetic and combine several nutrients in one treat. Click here for how to make your own.
- Misc. Crackers, pretzel thins, almond crackers, melba toast, trail mixes or granola.
There is no wrong way to charcuterie. Have some fun and build a delicious, health-packed snack board your kids are sure to love!
