• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Life is but a Dish

Easy, approachable recipes for the everyday home cook

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes, Cupcakes & Cookies
    • Chicken
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Dressings & Sauces
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Gluten Free
    • Grilling
    • Healthy
    • Instant Pot & Slow Cooker
    • Lunch
    • Meat
    • Muffins & Quick Breads
    • Pasta
    • Pizza
    • Quick & Easy
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Stews
    • Turkey
    • Vegetarian
    • Veggies
    • Weekly Inspiration
  • Cook w/ Confidence
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board – Trader Joe’s Style

November 13, 2017 by Life is but a Dish 16 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
meats cheeses and crackers spread on a wooden board using trader joes classics for an appetizer

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleAsk and you shall receive. The time has finally come, and just in time for Thanksgiving! I’m about to teach you how easy it is to build an epic fall cheese board! Every single ingredient used here is from Trader Joe’s, however, you can 100% use these same tips and buy ingredients from any store or farmer’s market.

Let’s get started. I’m going to walk you through each step, give you lots of options, and then at the bottom sum it all up for you. Here we go!

Let’s begin with the cheese, shall we?

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleI like to go with odd numbers when I’m picking my cheeses. Depending on how many people I’m serving, I choose 3 or 5 different types. I try to pick different shapes, colors, tastes and textures. Here I picked up two soft/spreadable cheeses, one hard/salty, one mild semisoft and one staple. Also, know your crowd. I’m not a blue cheese lover, but many people are! Just make sure you have at least one cheese that is considered a “safety” cheese – something that most everyone will eat.

Now you need a vehicle for the cheese. Let’s move on to the crackers.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleTrader Joe’s has so many awesome cracker choices. I usually end up using about 2-4 cracker/bread options. I absolutely love the multigrain pita bite crackers! They’re thick and crunchy and perfect for piling high! When choosing crackers, I like to pick a variety of textures and shapes as well. The Parmesan Crisps and Cheese Sticks are nice as fillers for the board and create some fun movement.

Let’s talk meat.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleWhile adding meat to your board is totally optional, it’s a simple way to add some substance. Pick 2-3 meat options – whichever you like and call it a day. I love the peppered salami and prosciutto, but feel free to mix it up!

Dried fruit. An essential part of a fall cheese board. This adds some sweetness and great texture as well.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleThis time of year the dried fruit is fantastic and I love almost all of Trader Joe’s options! My favorites are the dried apples, pears and figs. The others are fun as well and are also great as fillers.

Nuts!

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleTrader Joe’s has the best nuts and for a great price! I’ll never put out a cheese board without Marcona Almonds. They’re a staple if you ask me. And for fall, these Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds are INSANE. Oh, and candied pecans? Yes please. I say yes to all three.

Next up, fresh fruit.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleThis is a necessity for any cheese board, especially in the fall when you need to brighten up the board a bit. Fresh apples, pears, persimmons and pomegranate seeds work great for this. Even if you simply slice a fruit in half (or leave it whole), it makes for great board decor.

Dips and spreads.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleNo need to go crazy here. I love a simple honey and one or two jams or fruit butter. This fig butter is out of this world delicious!

Treats!

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleTotally optional here, but I love to throw on some little chocolate treats. It’s a fun surprise for people and I love going between the sweet and salty.

Ok, now how do we pull all of this together? It’s easy! Just start layering.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleStart with a blank board. You can use a wood cutting board, a marble slab, even a sheet pan or shallow dish! Anything can be a cheese board if you let it.

Lay out your cheeses. I like to keep some cheeses whole, then slice and dice the others for variety. Cut them into triangles or cubes for easy grabbing, then add some cheese knives to the others.

Next, add your crackers.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleI like to add big groupings of crackers together, and I try to think about putting specific crackers near certain cheeses. For example, I wouldn’t put a flimsy cracker next to a cheese that needs to be spread.

Now let’s add the meat.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleYou can get all fancy and roll the meat if you want, or you can simply lay it out and/or pile it high for people to grab!

Let’s add the fruit. Fresh and dried!

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleHere’s where you can really start to get creative. Slice your fruit and drape it along the board wherever you feel it fits best. There’s no right or wrong here! Think about what might taste good together and put those things near each other.

Lastly, grab a couple small bowls and add your dips and spreads. Place them wherever there’s room!

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleNow comes the fun part. If there’s any room left, just start to fill in the empty spaces.

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleAdd your nuts, chocolates and anything else to fill the space! More crackers, fruits or even more meat! Have fun with it and don’t overthink it. Everybody loves a cheese board!

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleHow to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's StyleHow to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's Style

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon
How to Build a Fall Cheese Board - Trader Joe's Style

How to Build a Fall Cheese Board – Trader Joe’s Style

★★★★★ 4.8 from 5 reviews
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

A step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate fall cheese board using all products from Trader Joe’s. 


Ingredients

Cheese (Choose 3-5 of these or your favorites)

  • Goat cheese
  • Triple creme
  • Brie
  • Manchego
  • Havarti Cheese w/ Dill

Crackers (Choose 3-4)

  • Pita Bite Crackers
  • Multigrain Flaxseed Crackers
  • Raisin Rosemary Crisps
  • Rosemary Italian Style Crackers
  • Cheddar Cheese Sticks
  • Parmesan Crisps

Meats (Choose 2-3)

  • Peppered salami
  • Thinly Sliced Prosciutto

Dried fruit (Choose 2-4)

  • Dried apples
  • Dried pears
  • Dates
  • Dried Figs
  • Soft & Juicy Mandarins
  • Dried Blueberries

Nuts (Choose 2-3)

  • Candied Pecans
  • Rosemary Marcona Almonds
  • Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Fresh Fruit (Choose 1-3)

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Persimmons

Dips & Spreads

  • Honey
  • Fig Butter

Treats

  • Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
  • Chocolate Covered Blueberries
  • Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Instructions

  1. Arrange everything in large groupings on a board and serve! 

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @lifeisbutadish on Instagram and hashtag it #lifeisbutadish

Filed Under: Appetizers, Quick & Easy, Snacks

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa

    November 13, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    So gorgeous!!! I have been super excited for this post. Thank YOU!! I’m planning to bring a cheese board or two to a party this weekend and now I’m much more comfortable with how to put it together.

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 13, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      Yay, I’m so glad!!! Send pics of your cheese board!!

  2. Natalie

    November 13, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    I can’t wait to make this. We love a good cheese board at our house. It looks so impressive!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 13, 2017 at 7:46 pm

      Yay! Thank you so much!

  3. Sandy

    November 13, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    Simply gorgeous!! One question – how can I keep the fresh fruit (apples/pears) from browning?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 13, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      Thank you! You can toss them in a little bit of lemon juice which will help a bit 🙂

  4. Kim

    November 13, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    BEAUTIFUL and SO helpful! Thank you for the great tips! Can’t wait to serve at Thanksgiving.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks Kim!!!

  5. Eurydice

    November 17, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    Love this!!! and Love the step-by-step!

    How many does this serve?

    ★★★★

    Reply
  6. Abbie

    November 21, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    I want to make this so bad! But I know nothing about cheeses!? My knowledge is pretty slim. What are some “good beginner” cheesees?

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 21, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Abbie!

      I would say some sort of cheddar, goat cheese, and brie are a good start! At any store if you ask they should be able to help you as well!

  7. Marci

    November 27, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    I fell in love with this cheeseboard the mom t I saw it! I made it for thanksgiving and it was a huge hit …. I am so happy that it was all Trader Joe’s – prices are right on and the quality of their food is ????????
    I took a photo but I’m not sure how to attach it ????????
    Thank you so much!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Life is but a Dish

      November 28, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      Oh yay, I’m so happy!! Feel free to send me a photo via instagram or email! I’d love to see it!

  8. Beth

    November 4, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Perfect timing as I am hosting Wine Friendsgiving Nov 21! I will be sure to share my board. Was planning on Trader Joe’s too!

    Reply
  9. Amanda

    July 24, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    Trader Joe’s has the best cheeses! I’m adding all this to my next Trader Joe’s Haul!

    ~ XOXO, Amanda
    http://www.blondeoutofwater.com

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Weekly Inspiration #136 | Life is but a Dish says:
    November 2, 2019 at 3:02 am

    […] superstar “recipe” of this Weekly Inspiration is a how-to post. We’re building a Fall Cheese Board, Trader Joe’s Style! I’m using only ingredients from everyone’s favorite grocery store. This is perfect for […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆
Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Welcome to Life is but a Dish! I create easy, approachable recipes for the everyday home cook. Behind every recipe, photo and blog post is me – just an everyday mom, home cook and girl who’s obsessed with food. Let me tell you a little bit about what makes me, me!

READ MORE…

This dinner guide will save you countless hours of headaches and stress.

28 Day Dinner Guide Buy Button

lifeisbutadish

Laney Schwartz
“On the other side of fear is freedom.” ⁣
⁣
One of my favorite quotes from @jensincero 🙌🏼⁣
⁣
Isn’t this just the truest of truths?⁣
⁣
SO much of what holds us back in life is based in fear. ⁣
⁣
Fear of failure.⁣
Fear of not being enough.⁣
Fear of struggle.⁣
Fear of pain.⁣
⁣
Sure, getting what you want and going after your dreams isn’t always easy. But, what if I told you that directly on the other side of that mountain of fear is complete and utter freedom? 🤩⁣
⁣
Freedom to believe in yourself.⁣
Freedom to be who you want.⁣
Freedom to rise above the rest.⁣
⁣
Guess what else lies within freedom?⁣
⁣
CONFIDENCE.⁣
⁣
Don’t you dare underestimate the power of confidence. ⁣
⁣
Confidence allows you to do things you never thought possible. ⁣
⁣
Confidence opens up so many doors for you to explore. ⁣
⁣
Confidence = Freedom.⁣
⁣
And both of those things are waiting for you on the other side of that mountain. ⁣
⁣
Today is the LAST DAY to get on the Cook with Confidence waitlist. If you’re on it, you get early access to the application which goes out tomorrow morning! ⁣
⁣
Don’t sleep on it. Let’s do this together. ⁣
⁣
Swipe to see how CWC alum Nicole, got to the other side of the mountain. ➡️⁣
⁣
https://lifeisbutadish.kartra.com/page/cookwithconfidencewaitlist
Spoiler Alert:🚨It’s never the right time. ⁣ Spoiler Alert:🚨It’s never the right time. ⁣
⁣
There’s never gonna be the perfect time to go after your goals, make the change, take the leap or do that one scary thing you’ve been thinking about. Life will keep happening. There will always be a reason to not.⁣
⁣
But what if? What if you decided right now to make it work? What if you decided to prioritize that thing you KNOW will change your life (and the lives of others) forever? ⁣
⁣
What if I told you that in 8 weeks (think about how short that is in the grand scheme), you could feel confident enough in the kitchen to feed yourself and your family healthy, delicious meals that they begged for over and over again. ⁣
⁣
How would that make you feel? Truly... I want you to take a second to think about how you would feel knowing that you and your family were actually excited about the next meal. So excited that they go back for seconds and request it again the next night. Feels pretty good, huh? ⁣
⁣
Feels pretty awesome to put yourself first for a change because guess what? When you put yourself first, everybody wins. ⁣
⁣
When you shine, everybody lights up. Confidence is something we all have within us, sometimes we just need a little help finding it. ⁣
⁣
If you are someone who feels overwhelmed, lost or anxious in the kitchen, I am here to help. In fact, my gift in life is helping people overcome those feelings in the kitchen which ultimately bleeds into other areas of their life, lighting up the people around them. ⁣
⁣
Cook with Confidence is my 8-week high touch, virtual program that helps busy home cooks build confidence in the kitchen and learn how to cook delicious meals without being tied to a recipe. This is NOT your average cooking program. ⁣
⁣
This is NOT a program that hands you a list of ingredients or meal plans and sends you on your merry way. ⁣
⁣
This IS a program that dives deep into the fundamental skills that it takes to achieve ultimate kitchen freedom. Everything from kitchen essentials, to knife skills, to chicken, fish, soup, pasta and more. This IS a program that will change your life. ⁣
⁣
Applications open on Monday for waitlist only so get on it! Stop waiting, the time is now. ♥️
SWIPE FOR THE AFTER ➡️⁣ ⁣ Wanna know the g SWIPE FOR THE AFTER ➡️⁣
⁣
Wanna know the good news? ⁣
⁣
You might already have all these ingredients in your kitchen! ⁣
⁣
Bad news? ⁣
⁣
You haven’t tried this recipe yet.⁣
⁣
Say hello to this Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner! Yeeeerrrrr gonna luuuuv it!⁣
⁣
https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/salmon-and-asparagus-sheet-pan-dinner/
Making my famous Egg Toast 🥚 🍞. Quick live h Making my famous Egg Toast 🥚 🍞. Quick live how-to of making my daily egg sandwich!
Swipe to see how fast this muffin tin snack tray c Swipe to see how fast this muffin tin snack tray came together ➡️⁣
⁣
Then leave a comment with your favorite thing to add to a snack/lunch tray for your kiddos! ⬇️⁣
⁣
Here’s what’s in mine:⁣
@traderjoes 1,000 Day Gouda cheese⁣
Golden Round Crackers⁣
Strawberries⁣
Blueberries⁣
Cucumber sticks⁣
Green grapes⁣
Sumo oranges ⁣
@sietefoods potato chips⁣
Dark Chocolate Non-Pareils ⁣
After 14 months, 5 cancelled trips and 2 vaccines After 14 months, 5 cancelled trips and 2 vaccines later Mimi finally made her way back to California for a 10 day visit! ⁣
⁣
We ate ALL the snacks, went on adventures, made a big Passover dinner and simply just enjoyed time together. ⁣
⁣
Covid took away a lot of our time but it’s also been the best teacher and reminder of what’s important. ⁣
⁣
Back to our party of 4 plus 1 🐶 but don’t worry, the snack queen will be back again soon!
THE BEST CARROTS OF ALL TIME 🥕🤩⁣ ⁣ Serio THE BEST CARROTS OF ALL TIME 🥕🤩⁣
⁣
Seriously, if you’re not eating carrots this way, you’re doing it all wrong.⁣
⁣
Roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper and cumin and drizzled with a garlic butter sauce 🤤 you can’t imagine how good (and easy) these are.⁣
⁣
Perfect for your Passover or Easter table and even better for any night of the week! ⁣
⁣
https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/cumin-roasted-carrots-with-garlic-butter/
LOOK WHAT I MADE! My first 6-braid challah! 😍⁣
⁣
I’ve been super inspired by this new book JEW-ish by @jakecohen. ⁣
⁣
I love his story, the why behind the book and of course, the recipes!⁣
⁣
Jew-ish is the perfect way to describe how I grew up. Sure, I was raised Jewish, we celebrated all the big holidays and I had a Bat Mitzvah, but I never really built a strong connection with Judaism itself. ⁣
⁣
I’ve learned most everything I know about Judaism through having kids and learning alongside them. It’s been a beautiful journey for me and this book has inspired me to continue learning, celebrating and being proud. ✡️⁣
⁣
@jakecohen writes about making Shabbat and Jewish traditions whatever you want them to be without the pressure of making it perfect. He also teaches you how to make this challah! For me, food is what brings us all together and BOOM CLAP it doesn’t get more Jewish than this big ass challah! ⁣
⁣
Let’s do a GIVEAWAY to celebrate! ⁣
⁣
Enter for a chance to win a copy of @jakecohen book JEW-ISH.⁣
⁣
1. Tag a friend you love and tell them you love them! Let’s spread joy! ♥️⁣
⁣
That’s it! I’ll pick a winner tomorrow night. Shabbat Shalom friends!
SAVE THIS POST FOR ST. PATTY’S DAY ☘️ ⁣ Sp SAVE THIS POST FOR ST. PATTY’S DAY ☘️ ⁣
Spinach Breakfast Muffins your kids will actually like! ⁣
⁣
Head to my stories for the play-by-play.⁣
⁣
https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/spinach-breakfast-muffins/
Sunday Farmer’s Market days have quickly become Sunday Farmer’s Market days have quickly become my favorite. ♥️⁣
⁣
One of the best things about living in California is the year round amazing produce. Nothing makes me happier. 🙌⁣
⁣
Food is love and man-oh-man this just fills me up. Literally and figuratively. ✨⁣
⁣
DO NOT MISS next week!! I’ll be shopping with a very special guest! Any guesses? 🤔 ⁣
RECIPE OF THE MONTH CHALLENGE! ⁣ ⁣ In case you RECIPE OF THE MONTH CHALLENGE! ⁣
⁣
In case you missed it, I’m starting a new challenge every month where you have the opportunity to make dinner and easily enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the grocery store of your choice! 🎉⁣
⁣
This month the recipe is my Honey Glazed Salmon and truuuuust me you’re gonna wanna make this simple dish because everybody loves it. ⁣
⁣
Head to my stories for the step-by-step on how to make it (also saved to a highlight). ⁣
⁣
How does it work? Glad you asked 👇⁣
⁣
1. Make the recipe of the month.⁣
⁣
2. Leave a star rating/review on the blog post. ⁣
⁣
BONUS ENTRY: Take a pic and share on IG. Tag @lifeisbutadish so I can see/share! If you’re private or don’t want to post but want the bonus entry, DM or email me a pic. ⁣
⁣
That’s it! ⁣
⁣
I’ll pick a winner on the first of every month for the previous month. ⁣
⁣
Love seeing your creations so far! Have fun and happy salmon making! ⁣
⁣
https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/honey-glazed-salmon/⁣
When I tell you these are the best cookies of all When I tell you these are the best cookies of all time, you should believe me. 🍪 ⁣
⁣
Are you team sea salt on your cookies no?⁣
⁣
https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/dark-chocolate-chunk-oatmeal-peanut-butter-cookies-w-sea-salt/
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework · Privacy Policy

5 Days of Dinner Meal Plan Button to push to learn more