35 Cheap Charcuterie Boards That Will Wow Your Guests

Great charcuterie doesn’t have to mean expensive cheeses or specialty-cured meats. With a little imagination (and smart shopping), you can build crowd-pleasing snack boards that fit even the tightest budget. Below you’ll find 35 wallet-friendly ideas—each one designed to mix, match, and multiply for parties, picnics, or low-key movie nights. Grab an inexpensive cutting board or baking sheet, layer on some parchment, and start arranging.

1. Cheddar Cubes & Saltine Stackers

Few things beat the salty-savory crunch of classic cheddar and saltines. Buy a block of store-brand sharp cheddar, cube it yourself, and stack alongside an inexpensive sleeve of crackers. Add a ramekin of mustard if you have it for a flavor boost. It’s the definition of cheap, cheerful, and filling.

2. Pepperoni Roses with String Cheese

Transform bargain pepperoni into something special by curling slices into little rose shapes; the visual upgrade costs nothing. String cheese—often the least-expensive mozzarella on the shelf—adds a creamy counterpoint. Pull the sticks apart for fun, shareable pieces and tuck them around the meat. Kids and adults both dig the playful vibe.

3. Deli Turkey Pinwheel Minis

Grab a few slices of sale-priced deli turkey and roll them in tortillas with a swipe of cream cheese. Slice the log into bite-size pinwheels for instant finger food. Because tortillas are cheap and widely available, this stretches a small amount of meat into many portions. A sprinkle of dried herbs inside adds a gourmet touch for pennies.

4. Honey-Drizzled Apple & Colby

Pairing sweet apple with mellow Colby offers a budget version of the classic apple-cheddar combo. Slice the fruit just before serving to keep it crisp and bright, then lay Colby rectangles alongside. A quick drizzle of honey ties everything together and feels fancy without costing much. Use store-brand honey packs if that’s what’s in the pantry.

5. Smoked Sausage Coins & Pickles

Pre-cooked smoked sausage is inexpensive, widely available, and easy to slice. Cut the links into coins, sear them quickly in a skillet if you have time, and cool before plating. Dill pickle rounds add tang and help cut through the sausage’s richness. The two together taste like a backyard cookout—minus the cost.

6. Hummus with Carrot & Cucumber Sticks

Store-brand hummus is often less than the cost of making it yourself, especially when chickpeas go up in price. Scoop it into a bowl and swirl the top with the back of a spoon for a pro look. Carrot and cucumber sticks are some of the cheapest fresh veggies year-round, and they add welcome crunch. Sprinkle a dash of paprika over the hummus for color.

7. Budget Brie & Generic Crackers

Yes, Brie can be budget-friendly—look for small wheels at discount grocers. Warm it for five minutes in a low oven until it barely softens, then center it on a pile of no-name crackers. The creamy cheese feels posh even though the price isn’t. Add a spoonful of store-brand jam if you can spare it.

8. Hard-Boiled Egg Medley with Everything Seasoning

Eggs remain one of the most economical protein sources. Hard-boil a batch, then slice in half and dust with everything-bagel seasoning for instant flavor. The poppy, onion, and sesame bits make the eggs taste far more interesting than their cost suggests. Serve warm or chilled—both work well on a board.

9. Canned Tuna Salad Scoops

Canned tuna is fully cooked and shelf-stable, meaning you can stock up when it’s on sale. Mix with a little mayo, relish, and mustard for a quick salad. Spoon dollops onto crackers or cucumber rounds for neat one-bite “scoops.” It’s economical, protein-packed, and surprisingly elegant.

10. Cottage Cheese & Cherry Tomato Cups

Cottage cheese often hides in the dairy aisle with a bargain price tag. Portion it into little cups or ramekins so guests can spoon it onto crackers as they like. Sweet cherry tomatoes add freshness and color contrast. A sprinkle of black pepper elevates the humble duo for almost no extra money.

11. Peanut Butter, Banana & Pretzel Bites

This sweet-savory combo is a budget superstar, especially when bananas are in season. Spread a dab of peanut butter on each coin of banana and press a mini pretzel on top for crunch. Serve chilled for cleaner handling and longer shelf life on the board. Kids usually pounce on these first.

12, Pimento Cheese Spread & Celery

Pre-made pimento cheese can be pricey, so whip up your own with shredded cheddar, jarred pimentos, mayo, and a dash of hot sauce. It costs less and tastes fresher. Celery sticks, often one of the cheapest veggies per pound, act as crunchy edible scoops. The spread also pairs nicely with crackers if budget allows.

13. Popcorn & Parmesan Shaker Mix

Pop a pot of stovetop kernels—still one of the least expensive snacks around. Toss with a drizzle of melted butter and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan from the green can. The result tastes like gourmet cheesy popcorn at a fraction of store prices. Serve in paper cups so guests can grab and mingle.

14. Caprese Toothpick Skewers

Mini caprese bites look luxe but rely on low-cost ingredients—especially if you use store-brand mozzarella sticks cut into chunks. Thread tomato, cheese, and basil onto toothpicks for tidy, poppable pieces. A tiny drizzle of balsamic vinegar just before serving brightens the flavors. Better yet, basil grows easily in a windowsill for even more savings.

15. BBQ Meatball Nibbles

Frozen meatballs frequently go on sale and reheat in minutes. Simmer them in inexpensive barbecue sauce for a sticky, crowd-pleasing glaze. Arrange with toothpicks for easy grabbing and minimal mess. Leftovers make excellent sub-sandwich fillings the next day.

16. Canned Smoked Mussels & Saltines

Smoked mussels come fully cooked and shelf-stable, offering a hint of luxury without the seafood-counter price. Drain and plate them, letting their smoky oil double as a dip for crackers. Saltines keep costs ultra-low and soak up those savory juices. Add a lemon wedge if one’s handy for a fresh squeeze.

17. Roasted Chickpea & Almond Crunch

Canned chickpeas roast into addictively crunchy snacks when tossed with oil and spices. Combine with store-brand almonds bought in bulk for a protein-rich munch. The mix adds texture variety to an otherwise soft cheese-and-meat board. Make a big batch; any leftovers double as salad toppers.

18. Bagel Chips with Cream Cheese

Save stale bagels by slicing thin and baking until crisp—homemade bagel chips cost pennies. Pair them with plain cream cheese whipped with a splash of milk for spreadability. Sprinkle dried chives or everything seasoning on top for flavor. The combo feels reminiscent of a deli platter but at supermarket-aisle prices.

19. Sharp Cheddar & Grape Combo

Cheddar and grapes offer a sweet-savory balance that never goes out of style. Red grapes often go on sale in bulk; chill them for a refreshing bite. Slice cheddar into same-size cubes so everything stacks neatly. It’s a simple duo, yet it always disappears first.

20. Salami & Pepper Jack Squares

A bargain block of pepper jack brings gentle heat without needing extra condiments. Layer slices with pre-packaged salami rounds straight from the deli drawer. Alternating the two in a tidy row looks curated even if the purchase was last-minute. Add jarred banana peppers on the side for extra zing if budget permits.

21. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus & Pita Chips

Jazz up plain hummus by blending in a spoonful of jarred roasted red peppers—much cheaper than buying the flavored tub. Bagged pita chips lend sturdy crunch and hold up under generous scoops. Arrange them in a loose fan to make the platter inviting. Leftover dip works well in lunch wraps the next day.

22. Mini Corn Dogs with Mustard Dip

Frozen mini corn dogs regularly go on deep discount and bake in under 15 minutes. Serve them warm on the board with classic yellow mustard for dipping. The nostalgic fair-food vibe delights guests without draining your wallet. They also help bulk up the protein count on a snack-heavy spread.

23. Pickled Veggie Jar Board

Pickled vegetables add acidity that brightens fatty meats and cheeses. Look for mixed pickles or giardiniera in large jars—they’re inexpensive and last ages in the fridge. Drain and pat dry before plating to avoid puddles on the board. Their vibrant colors also make everything else pop visually.

24. Baked Tortilla Chips with Queso

Cut supermarket tortillas into wedges, spritz with oil, and bake for a crunchy chip that costs less than bagged versions. A jar of store-brand queso warmed in the microwave completes the duo. The melty, mildly spicy cheese offers a change of pace from traditional charcuterie flavors. Leftover chips stay crisp for lunchbox snacks.

25. Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip & Strawberries

Sweet boards have their place, too, and Greek yogurt is budget-friendly when bought in large tubs. Sweeten it lightly with honey and serve alongside seasonal strawberries. The high protein content balances the sugar, making this feel more like a snack than dessert. Any leftover berries can join tomorrow’s breakfast.

26. Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Cups

Slice smoked kielbasa—often cheaper than fancier cured meats—and warm it in a skillet or the oven. Serve with tangy sauerkraut spooned into little mounds or cups. The combo recalls classic Polish flavors at a fraction of restaurant cost. Guests can spear sausage and scoop kraut in one motion.

27. Deviled Egg & Bacon Crumble

Stretching eggs into deviled halves doubles your yield for just a bit of extra effort. Mash the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice for zip. A sprinkle of crumbled bacon—leftover from breakfast or bought pre-cooked—adds smoky crunch. They vanish quickly, so make more than you think you need.

28. Budget Antipasto Mix

Hit the salad bar or canned-goods aisle for marinated olives, peppers, and artichokes, then combine them into one colorful bowl. Buying in bulk or from discount grocers keeps costs low. The briny flavors balance richer cheeses and meats on the platter. Plus, the mix stores well for later snacking.

29. Pizza Roll Pile-Up

Frozen pizza rolls frequently go on sale and bake in minutes, making them a fun, kid-friendly filler. Pile them in the center of your board to create height and visual interest. Serve a side of inexpensive jarred marinara for dipping. They bring classic pizza flavors without the delivery fee.

30. Cheese Curds & Ranch

Fresh cheese curds often cost less per pound than aged blocks, yet still provide that squeaky, salty goodness. Serve them chilled so they keep their signature bounce. A side of ranch dressing turns the combo into a Midwestern snack dream. They also pair surprisingly well with spicy meats like pepperoni.

31. Falafel Bites & Tzatziki

Boxed falafel mix is inexpensive and only needs water before baking or pan-frying. Shape into small balls for poppable bites. Cool them slightly, then present with a quick tzatziki made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. The Middle Eastern flavors diversify your spread without breaking the bank.

32. Smoked Salmon Spread & Bagel Crackers

Canned or bargain-brand smoked salmon trimmings blend easily with cream cheese, lemon, and dill for a luscious spread. Bagel crackers deliver the perfect crunch and echo classic lox vibes. Because trimmings are cheaper than full slices, you get big flavor for little money. Leftover spread makes a stellar bagel topper tomorrow morning.

33. Chicken Nugget Dippers with Honey Mustard

Family-size bags of frozen chicken nuggets give amazing “protein per penny.” Bake until crispy and let them cool slightly to avoid wilting nearby veggies. Honey mustard—equal parts mustard and honey—mixes up in seconds and costs next to nothing. The nuggets anchor the board for hungrier guests.

34. Dark Chocolate & Dried Fruit Finish

Round out your savory spread with an affordable sweet note. Break an inexpensive dark-chocolate bar into rustic shards and pair with bulk-bin dried fruit. The combo satisfies dessert cravings without requiring separate dishes. Plus, a square of chocolate feels more luxurious than its price tag suggests.

35. Sweet-Salty Pretzel & Nut Cluster

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stir in pretzels and peanuts, and drop spoonfuls onto parchment to harden. You’ve just made candy clusters for pennies per serving. The sweet-salty crunch offers a perfect last bite after heavier charcuterie items. Store extras in a zip-top bag for future snacking.