Dairy Free Charcuterie Board

This dairy free charcuterie board is a take on the classic party appetizer, perfect for any gathering or celebration. Charcuterie boards are typically loaded with meats, cheeses, crackers and other nibbles, but traditional charcuterie boards can be difficult to enjoy for people with dairy allergies or intolerances. That’s where dairy free charcuterie boards come in! These boards offer the same delicious flavors and textures of traditional charcuterie boards, but without the dairy. With a variety of dairy free cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, veggies and dips to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These are the perfect appetizer for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Charcuterie Board

It’s easily customizable! The options are honestly endless.

It is easy to make allergy-friendly.

Charcuterie boards are fun and festive! They are perfect for the holidays.

It can make a fun and delicious dinner.

This dairy free charcuterie board can be made kid-friendly!

This board is packed with flavor and texture.

Charcuterie boards are so fun to make!

Equipment Needed

All you need to make this dairy free charcuterie board is a board, knife, cutting board and mini ramekins.

Ingredients Needed

Meats: There are a variety of meats that can be used on charcuterie boards. Some options are: salami, prosciutto and chorizo. I used salami on my charcuterie board.

Cheeses: There are so many dairy free cheese options these days! Luckily, this makes it easy to create a dairy free charcuterie board. Some of my favorite brands are Violife and Miyoko’s. I cut the cheeses into fall shapes using these fall cookie cutters. This dairy free charcuterie board is good for year round though!

Nuts/Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a versatile and delicious addition to any charcuterie board. They provide a variety of flavors and textures, and they can help to balance out the richness of the other foods on the board. Some popular choices are: almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and pepitas. I used pepitas on this board.

Fruit: Fruit is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any charcuterie board. It provides a contrast to the richness of the meats and cheeses and it can help to balance out the flavors of the other foods on the board. Try using berries, apples, grapes, pomegranate, pears or citrus fruits! I used pomegranate, grapes and blackberries on this dairy free charcuterie board.

Chocolate: Chocolate is a delicious and versatile addition to any charcuterie board, including dairy-free charcuterie boards. It provides a sweet and decadent contrast to the other foods on the board, and it can help to balance out the flavors. When choosing chocolate, make sure it is dairy free. Some of my favorite brands include: Enjoy Life, Hu Kitchen, Pascha and Honey Mama’s.

Olives: They provide a salty, briny flavor that complements the other foods on the board, such as meats, cheeses, and fruits.

Jam: Jam is a delicious and versatile addition to any charcuterie board. It provides a sweet and tart contrast to the other foods on the board. I used Chia Smash jam here! I like to serve it in a small ramekin.

Honey: Honey provides a sweet and floral addition to this dairy free charcuterie board. I like to serve it in a small ramekin.

Crackers/Pretzels/Chips: Crackers are a staple of any charcuterie board, and they are especially important on a dairy free charcuterie board. Crackers provide a neutral base for the other foods on the board, and they can help to soak up some of the stronger flavors. Be sure that the crackers you purchase are dairy free! You can also use pretzels or chips! I used pretzels and crackers on my board.

Seasonal Centerpieces: I used pumpkins on this board because I made it in the fall! Feel free to use

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start by placing the mini ramekins and any centerpieces.

Step 2: Arrange the meats and cheeses on the board. You can overlap the slices to create a more visually appealing presentation.

Step 3: Next, add the fruits, nuts, chocolates and crackers. Be sure to spread them out evenly so that everyone has a chance to try them.

Variations

How To Style

Choose a board or platter. The size of your board will depend on how many people you are entertaining. A good rule of thumb is to allow 10-12 inches of board space per person. You can use a variety of different types of boards, such as a wooden cutting board, a marble slab or a slate platter.

Start with the largest items like the centerpieces. Add the mini ramekins. Place your meats and cheeses on the board. Fill in the gaps with smaller items. Add your fruits, nuts and crackers in between the meats and cheeses. Use different heights. This will create a more visually appealing presentation. Group like items together. This will make it easier for your guests to find what they are looking for.

Use color to your advantage. Choose foods with different colors to create a visually appealing presentation. There are no rules when it comes to styling a charcuterie board. Have fun and be creative!

Storage

If you are looking to make the charcuterie board ahead of time, place everything on the board and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this board ahead of time? 

Yes! Place everything on the board and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge.

Can a charcuterie board be a meal?

Yes, a charcuterie board can be a meal. Charcuterie boards are typically loaded with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers, which makes them a well-balanced meal. Depending on how much food is on the board, it can be a light meal or a heavy meal.

What do you put on a dairy free charcuterie board?

A dairy free charcuterie board can be just as delicious and satisfying as a traditional charcuterie board. There are many dairy free options available, so you can still create a board that is full of flavor and variety. Try using dairy free cheese, meats, fruits, nuts and seeds, honey, jam, crackers and chocolate!

What cheese is dairy free?

There are many dairy free options these days! My favorite dairy free cheese brands are Miyoko’s and Violife.

What can I use instead of a cheese board?

If you don’t have a charcuterie board, you can use any large platter or cutting board that you have. You can also use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a sheet pan or even a large plate.

What kind of charcuterie do vegans eat? 

There are also many different brands of vegan cheeses available, such as vegan cheddar, vegan mozzarella and vegan brie. These cheeses are made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, such as cashews, almonds and coconut milk. Fresh fruits and nuts, vegan dips and spreads, vegetables and crackers are also great options!

What size board should I use?

Any size board can be used for this dairy free charcuterie board. It all depends on how many people you are serving.

Here is a general guide:

• For 2-4 people, a board that is 12-16 inches long and 8-10 inches wide is a good size.
• For 4-6 people, a board that is 16-20 inches long and 10-12 inches wide is a good size.
• For 6-8 people, a board that is 20-24 inches long and 12-14 inches wide is a good size.
• For 8+ people, a board that is 24 inches or longer is a good size.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these appetizer ideas next:

Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

Gluten Free Taquitos

Hummus Plate

Gluten Free Chicken Wings

Gluten Free Toasted Ravioli

If you make this dairy free charcuterie board and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.