Entertaining this time of year often means opening your home to friends and family. And while hosting can sometimes feel tied to buying lots of extra ingredients, a beautiful grazing board doesn’t have to cost much and can be created using everyday items.
Start by raiding your pantry and fridge. Many simple, affordable foods make great grazing board staples, including:
- Whole–grain crackers, pretzels, or tortilla chips
- Fresh produce like sliced apples, oranges, celery, or carrots
- Nuts or seeds (even a small handful adds variety)
- Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries
- Simple proteins like hard-boiled eggs or a classic chicken salad
- Cheese cubes or slices (use what you have, even in small amounts)
- Dill or bread and butter pickles (or other pickled veggies)
- Quick dips like hummus, yogurt dip, or seasoned cream cheese
If you’re picking up a few extras at the store, inexpensive add-ins like these can bulk up your board without stretching your budget:
- Popcorn
- Salsa
- Peanut butter (for dipping fruit or crackers)
- Green or black olives
- Iceberg, romaine, or leaf lettuce
- In season or on sale produce
Grazing boards are all about presentation. Grouping similar items together creatively, adding small bowls for dips, and filling gaps with colorful produce or crackers, invites guests to enjoy a simple spread arranged thoughtfully.
If you’re feeding a larger group, round out the table with other budget-friendly favorites like roasted potatoes, a pot of soup, or a pasta salad. With a little resourcefulness, you can create a warm, welcoming table, no matter your budget. After all, the best part of entertaining isn’t what’s served, but who’s gathered around it.
