Holiday party season is in full swing.  Last weekend alone, I attended three different cocktail parties!  I love to bring a yummy appetizer to these gatherings and a charcuterie platter is one of my favorite things to make.  But buying all those flavorful meats and cheeses can get expensive.  I went to my local Trader Joe’s determined to find a way to make a budget friendly, yet deliciously gourmet, platter full of savory snacks.  Here is how I made not just one, but two, delicious charcuterie boards, from Trader Joe’s, for $25.

To me, a good charcuterie board is full of different textures and flavors.  I wanted my platter to have at least two different types of bread or crackers, something sweet, something spicy, something savory, a tasty spread, and both hard and soft cheeses.  With this game plan, I headed to the deli section at Trader Joe’s and bought the following:

Italian Breadsticks with Olive Oil – $1.49

Brioche Toasts – $1.99

Fig Butter – $2.49

Truffle Macarona Almonds (these spicy almonds were my guests favorites) – $5.99

Italian Meat Tray (a pack of 3 different Italian deli meats) – $5.49

Grano Padono Cheese (similar in taste and texture to Parmesan Reggiano) – $3.14

Double Cream Brie (so good on top of a piece of the brioche toast spread with fig butter) – $2.93

Gorgonzola Cheese – $2.22

GRAND TOTAL – $25.74

This charcuterie board is the perfect pairing for any get together, holiday or otherwise, that is budget friendly, delicious, and easy to buy and make.  Serve this at your next gathering with family and friends.  Cheers!