Grazing Table (Easy & Delicious!) - This Vivacious Life (2023)

Grazing tables are perfect for any and every event since they include a bit of something for everyone. They are super simple to put together and absolutely delicious.

Charcuterie boards are tasty and perfect for any season. They are a crowd favorite and also super easy. This is definitely a recipe you need to use for your next event.

I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to find the perfect appetizers for when I throw events. Everyone has their own preferences and allergies, so it is hard to find something that is just right.

Luckily, charcuterie boards are perfect for every event. Bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers, you name it! You can even use them for a Halloween party (I have a post about this: Halloween Charcuterie Board: CharBOOterie) or a summer charcuterie board.

Charcuterie boards have many uses and can even be made into individual charcuterie boxes or charcuterie cones. They are visually appealing, tasty, and perfect for a gathering area.

I always love to make a Super Bowl Charcuterie Board because it is easy and a great appetizer to snack on while watching the game. Another thing I love about charcuterie boards is that they are perfect for any season.

You can use seasonal fruits to change up the spread and visual interest depending on the season. For example, check out my Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board and my Christmas Charcuterie Board or CharcuterWREATH recipes.

What is another name for a grazing table?

If you have not heard of a grazing table, you may have heard of a charcuterie board. They are the same thing, both containing a beautiful spread, bread sticks, artisan cheeses, and other yummy finger food.

Grazing tables or charcuterie boards are perfect for cocktail hours, a corporate event, and even wedding receptions. They are an impressive way to create a delicious appetizer and a visual interest for the table.

You can even go the breakfast route by turning our pancake charcuterie board in a brunch grazing table.

What is the difference between a buffet and a grazing table?

Buffets are usually made with hot pans and can be considered more of a meal, compared with a grazing table that is meant more for snacking and the social side of eating.

Grazing tables can be adjusted to any type of event, whereas buffets are more casual. You can make a grazing table look picture perfect for your social media page, unlike buffets which are not as aesthetically pleasing.

One great way to upgrade your grazing table is using alternative surface options, such as your counter tops or cake stands rather than a wooden board.

What should be on a grazing table?

Something I love about a good grazing table is the versatility. I have used grazing tables for intimate gatherings, using my Small Charcuterie Board recipe and Valentine’s parties (Valentines Charcuterie Board).

I’ve even used them for wedding receptions, using my wedding Charcuterie Table recipe. Grazing tables are the perfect way to elevate an event.

Cheese

Cheeses are a staple when it comes to charcuterie boards. Having multiple types of cheeses will make for the ultimate cheese board.

Some of my favorite cheeses to use are chunks of parmesan, swiss, and brie. Having gourmet cheese selections will create the best grazing table.

Cured Meats

Meat is another stable in a tasty grazing table. Meats like prosciutto, genoa salami, sopressata, and sliced pepperoni are common.

You can always omit cured meats from your charcuterie board for a vegetarian option. Or use meat substitutes.

Fresh Veggies

Local fresh fruits and veggies are a fun way to change up your grazing table. Each season provides fresh veggies that add a pop of color into the table look.

Some common veggies you will see on a grazing table are carrots, snap peas, mini peppers, olives, and tomatoes.

Fillers

Fillers are the things you put all of the yummy cheeses and meats on. This could be crackers, pretzels, thin slices of bread, or whatever you prefer.

It’s always fun to have a variety of fillers for visual appeal and taste. These can be both sweet and savory.

Pro Tip: Add some fresh flowers to your grazing table to take your spread to the next level.

How do you make a cheap grazing table?

Meats and cheeses can be expensive, so for a cheaper grazing table, go with more fillers, such as cheap crackers, breads, and inexpensive fruits. Apricots and figs are yummy on a charcuterie board and will not break the bank.

Dried fruits are also a good option. Costco makes it so much easier to buy everything in bulk.

From cheese and cured meats to crackers, olives, fruit and veggies. They even have cute chocolates in bulk!

How to make a grazing table

• Step 1: Clean off the counter space you will be using and roll out butcher paper then place large trays out
• Step 2: Place large items like baguettes, rolls, and cheese wheels on the table
• Step 3: Add dips and small fruits to small bowls and place the small bowls around the table wherever you see fit

• Step 4: Add the cured meats, crackers, fruits and veggies (I love adding olives to this board!)

• Step 5: Add all the yummy treats!Charcuterie board cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, cake, etc. are perfect here
• Step 6: Finish by adding in the green herbs to give it a live, effervescent look

Pro Tip:The cups are especially great for berries, olives and anything with “juices” so they don’t get your other board ingredients soggy

What is the difference between a grazing table and charcuterie board?

Grazing tables are more diverse and include lots more sweets than a traditional meat and cheese charcuterie board. There is a variety of flavors in a grazing table, such as salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, unlike a charcuterie board that typically has salty and sometimes sweet.

Here are a few things that are great on a grazing board:

• Jams or jellies
• Pickled vegetables

• Candied nuts
• Sweet treats (such as chocolates, tarts, or mini pastries

Can you make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply using gluten-free crackers and pretzels will make this board gluten-free. Just check all ingredients when making your gluten-free charcuterie board.

Get our free charcuterie board shopping list printable HERE