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How to make a Fall Charcuterie Board for Under $40

by Jessie Daye

First published: September 23, 2019 | Updated: June 10, 2026
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Whoever said Mondays drag clearly never had a Charcuterie Board for breakfast!

The older I get the more I just want to drink wine and eat cheese. Robert and I go to dinner and I literally just want to order a Charcuterie Board and a glass of Pinot Noir. I want pickles and cheese and crackers and wine and cheese and more crackers and more pickles. I am obsessed. I went to Trader Joe’s yesterday afternoon and I was so excited to see all the Fall goodies. I bought a bunch of cheese and made a Fall Charcuterie Board (ahemmm that we literally ate for breakfast). Hey, when you’re a grown up you can do whatever you want. It is the first day of Fall after all. See how I made this board for under $40 by purchasing everything at Trader Joes. Some tips and tricks on how to make your Charcuterie Board pop as well. Happy Monday!

JessieDaye-FallCharcuterie Board.jpg
JessieDaye-TraderJoesFallCharcuterie Board.jpg

How to make a Fall Charcuterie Board for Under $40

Fall Charcuterie Board for Under $40

Author: Jessie Daye
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A budget-friendly fall charcuterie board assembled with items from Trader Joe's featuring cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and seasonal accents.

Ingredients

  • 1 box Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps $3.99
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Dried Mango Slices $2.99
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Marcona Almonds with Rosemary $5.99
  • 1 block Trader Joe's Manchego Anejo Cheese $4.52
  • 1 block Trader Joe's White Stilton with Apricot Cheese $3.36
  • 1 block Trader Joe's Truffle Cheese $4.88
  • 1 block Trader Joe's Petite Brie Cheese $3.99
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Prosciutto $6.49
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Spiced Pumpkin Seeds $2.99
  • 1 whole Trader Joe's Mini White Pumpkin $0.69
  • Fig Preserves or any preserves you have on hand
  • Cornichon Pickles or any pickles or olives you have
  • Blackberries or any fresh fruit such as apple slices, berries, or cantaloupe
  • Fresh Sage or fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Method

  1. Find a pretty wood platter or tray in warm natural colors like brown, orange, or rustic wood. Start on one side of your board by slicing one type of cheese into thin slices that people can pick up and eat on the go.
  2. Place another cheese on the opposite side and add a cheese knife. Cut two or three slices, but leave this cheese whole.
  3. Add your fig preserves in a small ramekin somewhere in the middle. Around the ramekin place your meats, followed by piles of berries and/or nuts.
  4. Create balance on your board by pairing bigger cheese pieces with smaller items such as nuts and pickles. Gradually add more cheese and nuts, olives, or berries until your board is almost full. Balance your colors too by avoiding placing all brown items together.
  5. Place a big handful of crackers on one side of your tray, piling them unevenly for a more rustic appearance.
  6. Add your sage, rosemary, or other green herbs sporadically throughout the board. Cover the stems and tuck them under the cheese. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

This board is designed to be assembled and served as-is, not cooked. All items should be kept refrigerated until serving. Total cost is approximately $40 when purchased at Trader Joe's. The board works well as a breakfast, brunch, or entertaining platter. Get creative with your fruit and cheese selections based on what you have on hand. For garnish, use fresh herbs that complement your color scheme.

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Hi, I'm Jessie. 

I’m a Los Angeles mama, home renovator, and lifelong creative, sharing the things that make everyday life a little more beautiful. I believe food is one of the best ways to bring people together, which is why I love cooking: it turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering. From recipes I make on repeat to DIY projects, home design, and a little bit of real life in between — welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m so glad you’re here.

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