What’s the most fun way to prepare an entertaining snack for your family and friends? A beautiful charcuterie board, of course! If you’re unsure of what exactly a charcuterie board is, it’s basically a creative way of arranging deli meats, cheeses and other finger foods in an eye-pleasing pattern on a cutting board or plate. Contents can range from all meat to chips to cheese to fruit and vegetables—it’s all up to you!
But now it’s time for some festive pieces. These St. Patrick’s Day charcuterie boards by the ever-talented foodie @ainttooproudtomeg have everything you love about the holiday and more.
Skip the Blarney Stone—It’s All About Boards!
So, we already know what encompasses an average charcuterie board: finger foods galore! However, we find it much more interesting to see how people take the normal recipe and switch it up a bit. We’re talking themed boards, like Disney-fied boards, Halloween-themed boards and Christmas-themed boards…but what about some other holidays?
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What sets these particular boards about is their color schemes. St. Patrick’s Day calls for a little luck and lots and lots of green. Some things you might include in this board are snap peas, pickle spears, green grapes and broccoli. You may even include some four-leafed clover cookies or seaweed sheets if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.
Whatever screams “Irish” to you is exactly the kind of food you want on your board!
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You may also want to go a more colorful route. Paying homage to the classic “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” lore that inevitably follows St. Patrick’s day, these boards feature fruits, veggies and snacks of all shapes and colors. Include some red bell peppers, orange slices, yellow peppers, cucumbers, blueberries and purple grapes. Just don’t forget the gold-wrapped chocolate coins for the perfect touch!
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These gorgeous boards are the masterpieces from Meg Quinn of the Ain’t Too Proud to Meg blog. Her site and Instagram page are loaded with beautiful boards fit for any occasion, from Christmas to special occasions. Meg even builds dessert boards for when savory just isn’t hitting the spot—and you better believe they’re just as stunning as the rest.
Try Your Luck This Year
No matter how you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no right or wrong way to create a charcuterie board. Choose food items you and your loved ones enjoy, and it will always be a great time. Never tried making a board before? Try one for the first time this year—maybe you’ll get lucky. Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!
These Irish-Inspired Recipes Are Perfect for St. Patty's Day
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Irish Beef Stew
Rich and hearty, this stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec
Classic Irish Soda Bread
This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Homemade Irish Cream
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash of this alcohol-free version of the Irish favorite. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Irish Stew Pie
The only thing more comforting than a hearty bowl of Irish lamb stew is having it baked into a pie! The flavors blend well with lamb, but you can use cuts of beef instead if you wish. —Nicolas Hortense, Perth, Australia
Slow-Cooked Corned Beef
It’s not luck; it’s just an amazing Irish recipe. With this in the slow cooker by sunrise, you can be sure to fill seats at the dinner table by sundown. —Heather Parraz, Rochester, Washington
Favorite Irish Bread
Serve this classic from the Emerald Isle with butter, jam and a hot cup of tea. Baking this beauty in a 9-in. pan means there is enough to go around. —Sadie Rotondo, Rockland, Massachusetts
Irish Spiced Beef
The story goes that my Irish ancestors brought this recipe along when they immigrated to the U.S. Start it at least five days ahead to spice and tenderize the meat; the flavors are worth it. —Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Red Roasted Potatoes
Roasting red potatoes is one of my favorite way to prepare them. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. This dish is simple to prepare, yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Hearty Beef & Sweet Potato Stew
I have fond memories of growing up in an Irish-Italian family and learning to cook from my grandparents. Beefy stew reminds me of their precious contributions. —Renee Murphy, Smithtown, New York
Asparagus Swiss Quiche
Fresh asparagus stars along with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese in this hearty quiche. —Mary Ann Taylor, Rockwell, Iowa
Smoked Salmon Cheese Spread
Pretzels, chips and veggies all taste awesome with this creamy blend of salmon, cheese and herbs. Thanks to a food processor, it's always ready in a hurry. —Jill Campbell, Huntsville, Texas
Saucy Beef & Cabbage Supper
My beef and cabbage supper began as a Reuben sandwich idea without the gluten. We also make it with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Rutabaga Pie
This is a variation of a recipe my mom used to make. I changed a few things so it's easier to prepare. My whole family enjoys this hearty main dish. —Patricia Kron, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Apple Walnut Slaw
A co-worker shared this slaw recipe with me. Now it's a favorite at my house, too. Apples, walnuts and raisins are a fun way to dress up coleslaw. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Date Pecan Tea Bread
Packed with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Lamb Stew
My grandmother used to make this stew as a special Sunday meal. It's an unforgettable treat from Ireland. —Vickie Desourdy, Washington, North Carolina
Chocolate Guinness Cake
One bite and everyone will propose a toast to this silky-smooth chocolate Guinness cake. The cream cheese frosting reminds us of the foamy head on a perfectly poured pint. —Marjorie Hennig, Seymour, Indiana
Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby Carrots
These delicious glazed carrots come to the rescue when I’m preparing a special meal. They cook while I prepare the other dishes, and the slow-cooker simmering saves me precious oven space. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage
It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Chunky Apple Cake
After taste testing apple cake recipes, I've found this particular recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Contest-Winning Braised Short Ribs
I've been relying on this braised short ribs recipe ever since I bought my first slow cooker some 19 years ago. The fall-off-the-bone-tender entree is much appreciated on busy days. —Peggy Edwards, Heber City, Utah
Easy Potato Rolls
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread Crumbs
Why settle for traditional mashed potatoes when you can enjoy three times the flavor? Combine spuds with rutabaga and parsnips, along with the zip of horseradish, for a taste treat. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Caramelized Baked Custards
Creme brulee is our favorite dessert and we love Irish cream liqueur, so I decided to put them together for a dinner finale we truly love. With a last name like Moynihan and a husband named Patrick, you can tell St. Patrick's Day is a very big holiday in our house! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Favorite Irish Soda Bread
My best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona
Mini Pork Pies
As a child, I discovered my love of pork pies. I used to help my father deliver oil on Saturdays, and we would stop at a local place to have the meaty pastries for lunch. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Grandma's Seafood Chowder
My grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Winning Apple Crisp
I live in apple country, and a delicious crisp is one good way to use them that doesn't take a lot of time. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Stout & Shiitake Pot Roast
Mushrooms, onions and a bottle of Guinness add excellent flavor to my pot roast. This one-dish wonder may taste even better the next day. —Madeleine Bessette, Coeur d Alene, Idaho
Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries
A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Potato and Leek Soup
Chock-full of veggies and bacon with just a little tanginess from sour cream, bowls of this comforting soup taste just as terrific with a sandwich as they do with crackers. —Melanie Wooden, Reno, Nevada
Bread Pudding with Nutmeg
I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
Colcannon Irish Potatoes
My mother came from Ireland as a teen and brought the comforting recipe with her. I find that it's a great way to get my family to eat cooked cabbage...hidden in Grandma's potatoes! —Marie Pagel, Lena, Wisconsin
Guinness Float
That very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Blueberry Scones
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Ham and Leek Pies
I've been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can't find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia
Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd
We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top it with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
My trick to roasting veggies is to choose ones that cook in the same amount of time. Other combinations to try? Cauliflower florets with baby carrots or okra with cherry tomatoes. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Comforting Beef Stew
This slow-cooked beef stew just screams comfort to me. It's also family-friendly—my toddlers gobble it right up! —Courtney Percy, Brooksville, Florida
Browned Butter Roasted Cauliflower
When I was growing up, my mother (who insists on loving some of the least popular vegetables) always raved about how deliciously sweet and tender cauliflower can be. Here, the briny capers, lemon juice and sweet raisins allow the caramelized, nutty cauliflower to shine. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Beer-Braised Roast with Root Vegetables
I like the combination of seasoned vegetables and lean meat in this recipe, and my wife likes how the seasonings complement the meat. I serve the roast with a garden salad and crusty multigrain bread. —Malcolm Cieszko, Washington, North CarolinaThe post These Gorgeous St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Boards Are the Best Idea for March 17 appeared first on Taste of Home.
Melany Love