How To Create The Perfect Dairy Free Charcuterie Board
At most parties and gatherings there tends to be one person that either has an allergy or food sensitivity. Dairy allergies or intolerances are very common these days and It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when hosting your loved ones who have specific dietary needs. We know you want to serve the best and most appealing food for all of your guests, that's why we are here to help you create the perfect dairy free charcuterie board.
One of the most amazing things about cheeseboards and charcuterie boards is that you can customize however you would like! The options and creativity are limitless.
Now, for example, let's say you are hosting a group of 10 people. 8 of them have no dietary needs, but 2 of them eat dairy free. Our recommendation would be to serve 1 very large regular charcuterie board for the 8 people (find our XL Cheeseboard board here). Then you can serve 1 medium sized Cheeseboard for the other 2. You will just want to make it very clear to your guests which board is diary free and which one is not.
So what should you include on a charcuterie board? Generally there are 6 steps to making a classic charcuterie board.
1. Cheese
2. Meat
3. Produce
4. Crunch
5. Dip
6. Garnish
Luckily in our day and age, it is not overly difficult to find dairy free options. Most large grocery stores contain dairy free cheese. However, if you are unable to find any, there is no shame in leaving the whole cheese aspect off the board! One dairy free cheese brand we love is Daiya. They have a huge selection of cheeses that are also certified Vegan, soy free & gluten free.
Now, most meat will not contain dairy, but it is always best to read all of your labels to be sure.
For charcuterie boards we love to use salami and prosciutto. However, feel free to experiment with more budget friendly options such as black forest ham or turkey slices. If you have a vegan attending your party, there are also Vegan meat alternatives you can buy at the grocery store as well.
Now produce is the easy task of a dairy free charcuterie board. You can simply choose a variety of all your guests favorite fruits and vegetables! Some ideas would be grapes, figs, raspberries, blueberries, cucumber, carrots and peppers.
For the crunch you may choose a variety of crackers or baguettes. Consider something that will pair well with your dips. A wonderful option for your dips would be having one savory and one sweet. Such as a hummus and a fruit jam. Most people enjoy a mix of savory and sweet during their charcuterie experience. We also always enjoy adding a ramekin of a crunchy nut such as pistachios or walnuts. You can also use nuts to fill in any gaps on the charcuterie board. The secret to the best charcuterie boards is to make sure there are no empty spaces.
As for garnish, don't overthink it. A simple sprig of rosemary will do the trick! If you really would like to get fancy, consider purchasing edible flowers online.
Now your delicious and beautiful dairy free charcuterie board is ready to serve! Here at Lynn and Liana we carry a large variety of resin cheeseboards. With tons of color options, you can find the perfect one to match your kitchen and impress your guests! You can grab your very own here.
Taking the time to make a beautiful diary free charcuterie board will ensure that your guests feel special and cared for. You will be the host of the year!
That's all for now, happy hosting!