Description

This festive 4th of July charcuterie board features a beautiful mix of sweet and savory red, white, and blue snacks including cheese, fruit, crackers, and patriotic treats—perfect for celebrating with a crowd!

Ingredients

Dairy & Protein

🧀 Star-shaped cheddar cheese (found at Aldi—great to buy early!)
🧀 Sliced grass-fed cheddar cheese
🧀 Cheese curds
🧀 Marinated mozzarella balls (look for red seasoning for patriotic flair)
🥓 Salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni
- Look for uncured, nitrate- and nitrite-free options like:
  - Applegate Naturals
  - Columbus Craft Meats
  - True Story Foods
- Avoid added sugar, “natural flavors,” and seed oils when possible

Fruits

🍇 Organic blueberries
🍓 Organic raspberries
🍒 Red cherries (halved)
🍇 Red grapes (sliced)
🍉 Fruit cut into stars (watermelon or pineapple, using mini star cookie cutters)

Carbs & Crunch

🍞 Sliced Parisian bread (or homemade sourdough)
🧀 Assorted crackers
🔵 Red, white & blue tortilla chips (optional—look for cleaner brands like Siete or Boulder Canyon to avoid seed oils)

Sweets & Extras

🍪 Red, white & blue M&M cookies (store-bought or homemade using Unreal M&Ms if available)
⭐ Star-shaped bowls (Dollar Tree or similar—perfect for fruit, nuts, or candy)
🎉 Optional extras: Yogurt-covered pretzels, popcorn, or patriotic skewers

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Instructions

Start early. Holiday-themed snacks like red, white & blue chips and cheese often hit the stores in May—grab them when you see them.
Lay your foundation. Use a large tray or wooden board. Place star-shaped bowls first to anchor the design. Add a few small dishes on top of the tray to create height.
Layer cheeses and meats. Place sliced and star-shaped cheeses, mozzarella, and meat slices around the board. Fan or roll meats for visual appeal.
Add fruit. Arrange blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes, and fruit stars in clusters to emphasize patriotic colors.
Add crackers, chips, and bread. Tuck these between fruits and cheeses for balance and crunch.
Add sweet touches. Place cookies and other treats in the center or bowls for a bold finish.
Garnish. Use herbs, small flags, or mini skewers for a fun, festive look.

Notes

Use star cookie cutters on fruit or cheese for a simple patriotic detail.

Incorporate different heights with bowls or ramekins to create visual interest.

Balance sweet and salty so it can serve as both an appetizer and light dessert.

Keep it budget-friendly by using what you already have or checking stores like Aldi and Dollar Tree for seasonal finds.

Prep Time: 30 minutes