Make a Kosher Charcuterie Board with Vegan Cheese

Make kosher charcuterie board with vegan cheese with me. There’s just something so satisfying about a beautifully arranged charcuterie board filled with an assortment of delicious meats, crackers, and fruits. Not only are they great for special occasions, a major holiday, Shabbat, or even a quick lunch (no cooking involved!), but there are endless ways to make them your own.

I make my charcuterie board without cheese since kosher dietary laws forbid the consumption of meat and dairy together. But with the help of vegan cheese, I have discovered a way to create a kosher charcuterie board inclusive of “cheese” that hits all the cravings. So here are my tips to create a delicious kosher charcuterie board with vegan cheese.

Meats

When it comes to the number of meats to use on a charcuterie board, it’s best to aim for a variety without overwhelming the board. Generally, including 2-4 different types of meat is a good rule of thumb. This allows for a range of flavors and textures while keeping the board visually appealing and balanced.

Remember to consider the size of your board and the number of other components you plan to include, such as fruits, nuts, condiments, crackers, and vegan cheese. Ultimately, the goal is to create a well-rounded and enjoyable charcuterie experience for your guests.

Salami is my meat of choice, and I always go with beef, but there are a variety of other salami meats to choose from. I love to mix and match different kosher beef salamis from Holy Jerky by Graze Smokehouse.

1. • Salami Classico: It’s exactly what you think – classic! This salami offers a rich, salty, and savory flavor.
   • Salami Toscano: This salami is balanced with a more mild spice and a hint of sweetness.
   • Salami Calabrese: This salami is great with its added savory and spicy flavor.
   • Spicy Chorizo Salami Sticks: This Mexican-flavored sausage is delicious and adds a different shape of salami to your board.
   • Santa Fe Salami Sticks: This is also another great stick option with some southwestern cuisine-inspired flavors. Also, add a little bit of heat with hints of garlic.

Vegan Cheese

Now let’s talk about vegan cheese. Vegan cheese has really come a long way, and there are some great dairy-alternative cheeses to use for a kosher charcuterie board. Here are some of the best vegan cheeses that you can include:

1. • Cream Cheese: Choose a creamy and spreadable vegan cream cheese, which can be flavored with herbs, garlic, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added variety. Kite Hill is a great vegan choice. It comes in a variety of flavors like plain, garden herb, everything seasoning, and more. Monty’s is another great brand.
   • Cheddar: Opt for a vegan cheddar cheese that offers a sharp and tangy flavor. It can be sliced or grated to add a classic cheese element to your board. Violife is a great brand, along with Daiya.
   • Brie: Look for a vegan brie cheese that has a soft and creamy texture, perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with fruit preserves.
   • Blue Cheese: If you enjoy bold and tangy flavors, include a vegan blue cheese option. It adds a distinctive taste to your charcuterie board.
   • Gouda: Choose a vegan gouda cheese that offers a smooth and slightly smoky flavor. Traditionally one of the harder cheeses, it can be sliced or cubed for easy snacking. Daiya has a great Smoked Gouda-style block, which is perfect for a charcuterie board.

Remember to consider the preferences of your guests and include a variety of flavors and textures, including soft cheeses and hard cheeses. You can also experiment with different brands and flavors to find the best vegan cheeses that suit your taste.

Crackers

No charcuterie board is complete without a selection of crispy and flavorful crackers to pair with all the delicious elements of the board. Here are some cracker options to consider for your charcuterie board:

1. • Classic Water Crackers: These plain and neutral-flavored crackers serve as a versatile base for showcasing the flavors of the other components on the board.
   • Whole Wheat Crackers: Opt for whole wheat crackers to add a nutty and slightly earthy taste to your charcuterie board. They also provide a heartier and more substantial option.
   • Multigrain Crackers: Multigrain crackers, made with a combination of grains like oats, flaxseeds, or quinoa, offer a crunchy texture and a hint of complexity to your board.
   • Seed Crackers: Choose crackers that are loaded with seeds like sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds. These crispy crackers add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to complement the other elements.
   • Herbed Crackers: Look for crackers infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. These crackers bring an aromatic and savory element to your charcuterie board.
   • Gluten-Free Crackers: If you have guests with dietary restrictions, consider including gluten-free crackers made from alternative flour like rice, almond, or chickpea flour.

To keep things simple, I love to pick up Carr’s Entertainment Crackers, which includes 9 varieties of crackers to use all in one box.

Arrange the crackers in clusters or in a fan-like pattern to make them easily accessible for your guests. With a diverse selection of crackers, you’ll provide the perfect base for enjoying the delicious flavors and combinations on your charcuterie board.

Fresh and Dried Fruit

Next, gather an assortment of dried, fresh, and sweet fruits to elevate the flavors and textures on your charcuterie board. Dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, and tangy cranberries, bring a sweet and chewy element to the board. Their concentrated flavors and natural sugars provide a satisfying contrast to the savory components. Apricots are usually my go-to dried fruit. Arrange these fruits in small bowls or directly on the board, making sure to leave enough space for other elements.

In addition to the dried fruits, incorporate an array of fresh fruits to add a burst of freshness. Grapes, bursting with flavor, can be arranged in small clusters, while vibrant berries, like plump strawberries, sweet blueberries, or tart raspberries, offer a burst of color and a pop of sweetness. Sliced apples, with their crisp texture and natural sweetness, provide a refreshing and crunchy element to the board too.

With some of your main elements on the board, it’s time to spice it up with all the extras. There are so many good choices that you can include on your charcuterie board to enhance the flavors, provide a variety of textures, and create different flavor combinations. Here are some suggestions below.

All the Extras

1. • Endives or Lettuce Leaves: These crisp and refreshing greens can serve as a vessel for holding other ingredients or as a palate cleanser between bites.
   • Olives: Add a selection of olives, such as Kalamata, green, or stuffed olives, to provide a briny and savory element to your board. Their rich flavors complement the meats and cheeses beautifully.
   • Pita Bread or Breadsticks: Include some pita bread or breadsticks alongside the crackers for a different texture and shape. Toasting is an option for these, which can also be left untoasted. They offer a satisfying crunch and are great for spreading or dipping.
   • Condiments and Spreads: Offer a variety of condiments and spreads to enhance the flavors of the charcuterie board. Some popular options include whole-grain mustard, fig jam, honey, balsamic glaze, or fruit preserves. These additions provide a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
   • Nuts: Consider adding a bowl of mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, to provide a crunchy and protein-rich element. You can relish them separately or couple them with other elements for a more fulfilling experience. a more fulfilling experience.
   • Pickles and Gherkins: Include some pickles or gherkins to add a tangy and crunchy element to the board. They provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats and cheeses.

These additional elements add depth, variety, and a touch of personalization to your meat and cheese board.

​​I encourage you to create your own version of a kosher charcuterie board with vegan cheese. I would even consider the alternative of using vegan meats and kosher cheese instead. I’d love to see what you’ve put together, and I’m always looking for different ways to mix things up. So please share any of your tips and suggestions below. Happy eating!