What is a Grazing Board & Why Are They Popular?

If you’ve been to any gathering or scrolled through your social media feeds lately, you’ve probably come across the delightful trend of grazing boards – a colourful spread of luxurious meats, cheese, fruit, and everything in between. Our grazing experts want to tell you a little more about the history behind them and why they are such a big trend at the moment… but first, what exactly is a grazing board? 

A grazing board is a small spread of cheese, charcuterie, and other accompaniments, usually arranged in a visually appealing manner on a wooden board or plate. Grazing platters are a social dining option, with guests sharing the food whilst mingling with one another.

Read on to find out more about when grazing boards became popular, the items that they usually include, and why they are a great option for your next event.

What is a Grazing Board?

A grazing board is a small spread of cheese, charcuterie, and other accompaniments, usually arranged and served together on a wooden board. Grazing boards are designed for guests to share and dip into as they please, whilst continuing to mingle with one another. 

This is becoming the preferred option for weddings, birthdays, and corporate do’s alike, as it takes away the need for a formal (and often expensive!) sit-down meal.

Here’s what you’d usually find on a grazing board:

• Cheese 
• Charcuterie (cured meat)
• Pate 
• Crudites
• Olives
• Pickles (like pickled onions or cornichons)
• Seasonal fruits
• Nuts & seeds
• Dried fruits (like apricots or cranberries)
• Honey
• Wholegrain mustard
• Fresh herbs
• Chutney
• Crackers
• Bread
• Dips & spreads

Crudites are simply chopped vegetables often served with a dip. Find out more in one of our helpful blogs: ‘What Is a Crudités Platter & How Do You Keep One Fresh?’

Where Do Grazing Boards Originate From?

Grazing boards and grazing tables saw a boom in popularity in the 2010s in Australia and New Zealand. Since then, they’ve started to gain more traction in the US and UK, and the trend particularly boomed in the Spring of 2020.

What Is the Difference Between a Grazing Board and a Charcuterie Board?

We get asked this question a lot! Both grazing and charcuterie boards share similarities, such as cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, so the names are quite interchangeable. 

However, there are subtle distinctions. Charcuterie boards typically only include cured meats, whilst grazing boards take a more holistic approach, incorporating a wider array of ingredients like cheese, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dried items like nuts or crackers.

Why Are Grazing Boards So Popular?

But why are grazing boards all the rage these days? And why are they all over social media at the moment? Well, several reasons contribute to their popularity:

Instagramability

Grazing boards are stunning – there is no doubt about that! The artful arrangement of colors and textures makes them a showstopper at any event or gathering, making them perfect for sharing on social media.

If you’d like to find out more about making your grazing board look gorgeous, read our recent blog: ‘What To Put On a Cheese Board + Styling Tips!’

Versatility

Grazing boards cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Your guests can pick and choose the elements that they would like to eat, eliminating any awkwardness around not liking set menu options. You even can create vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free boards to accommodate all your guests.

Social Eating

Sharing a grazing board is a communal experience. It encourages conversation and bonding as everyone gathers around to sample the array of delicious offerings. Grazing platters usually incorporate elements that don’t require formal place settings or cutlery, so guests can stand and chat whilst digging in. 

Customisation

You have the creative freedom to personalise your grazing board to suit your taste and the occasion. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a festive holiday gathering, you can tailor the board to fit the mood. Add or take away cheeses depending on your tastes, or change up the fruit on the board depending on what’s in season.

Want to know what produce is in season right now? Explore our Month-By-Month Seasonal Eating Guide.

Easy Preparation

Grazing boards are relatively simple to put together. With some planning and creativity, you can assemble an impressive grazing board in no time. If you are really short on time, businesses like Savery Grazing offer cheese and charcuterie boards that can be delivered directly to your door!

What Can Grazing Boards Be Used For?

Grazing boards are great for any type of social event, particularly if you want to avoid an overly formal sit-down meal or if you have a preference for warm food. Grazing platters are ideal for:

• Cosy Date-Nights In
• Dinner Parties
• Girly Get-Togethers
• Weddings
• Hen Dos
• Baby Showers
• Birthday Parties
• Corporate Events & Functions
• Business Lunches
• Funerals

Delicious Grazing Boards From Savery Grazing

At Savery Grazing, we specialise in creating stunning food platters that suit a variety of occasions. Our professionally crafted boards are not only visually appealing but are also crafted with delicious, local cheese and charcuterie. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, we’ve got you covered!

Please your order by contacting our team, or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook. If you’re keen to learn more food tips & tricks, explore the food blog on our website.

Related Questions

How Long Can a Grazing Board Be Left Out?

Grazing boards can be safely left out for up to 4 hours during your event. However, it’s essential to monitor the temperature and make sure that perishable items, like cheeses and meats, are not left at room temperature for an extended period. After your event, refrigerate any remaining items to maintain their freshness. If these leftovers have been sitting out for more than 4 hours, however, it is best to throw them away.

Find out how to wrap and store your leftover cheese in one of our other articles.

Can You Make a Grazing Board the Day Before?

Yes, grazing boards can be made the day before your event, saving you time on the day itself. However, they are best consumed on the day of preparation as sometimes soft cheeses can dry out, nuts can go soft, and fruit might go sticky. Instead, consider refrigerating your grazing board overnight and adding any delicate items, like fresh fruits or dried ingredients, just before serving.

How Can I Estimate Portions For My Grazing Board?

Estimating portions for your grazing board depends on the number of guests and the context of your event. A general rule of thumb is to plan for 100g of food per person when serving a grazing board as an appetiser portion. If you’re serving your grazing platter as a main meal, simply double the quantity. 

How Can I Create a Vegetarian Grazing Board?

Grazing boards are highly adaptable and can easily accommodate various dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian grazing board, focus on an assortment of cheeses, nuts, fresh and dried fruits, olives, and a selection of plant-based dips. In our experience, we’ve found that there is no need to add meat-free charcuterie substitutes to a vegetarian board, and a wide selection of cheese works just fine.

How Can I Create a Vegan Grazing Board?

Creating a vegan grazing board is a bit more of a difficult task. Start by replacing dairy-based products with vegan cheeses and plant-based charcuterie. Load up on the fresh fruit and crudites, and add gluten-free dips like salsa, hummus, or tzatziki to your grazing platter. La Fauxmagerie offers a great selection of vegan cheese.

How Can I Create a Gluten-Free Grazing Board?

For gluten-free options, you don’t have to change much. Most cheese and charcuterie are gluten-free already, but ensure you check the back of the packaging to confirm this. Simply swap out the crackers for gluten-free crackers or biscuits (our go-to is the Olive Oil Crackers From The Fine Cheese Co).

---