Construction Site Charcuterie: A Toolbox Twist
What You'll Need
- Clean toolbox (preferably new or dedicated for food use). Here’s our favorite from Amazon.
- Variety of cheeses:
- Stilton
- Goat Cheese (Cranberry and Sesame Seed + Red Pepper Flake varieties)
- Cheddar Cheese Cubes
- Boursin
- Smoked Gouda
- Cured meats:
- Prosciutto
- Capicola
- Pepperoni
- Salami
- Fresh fruit (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes)
- Nuts (pistachios, walnuts, pecans)
- Crackers (variety of shapes and sizes)
- Marinated olives
Assembly Guide
1. Prep Work
1. Thoroughly wash all fruits
2. Clean toolbox with soap and hot water, dry completely
3. Line toolbox with food-safe parchment paper
4. Bring cheeses to room temperature for better flavor
2. Base Layer
1. Place larger items first:
- Position goat cheese logs along the back like building materials
- Create cracker foundations in corners and along edges
- Add small bowls or cups for olives and nuts
3. Building the Board
1. Create height and dimension:
- Stack cheese cubes in "construction site" piles
- Roll prosciutto into roses and place throughout
- Fan out salami and pepperoni in circular patterns
2. Add visual interest:
- Create diagonal lines with meat and cheese alternating
- Group fruits in clusters like "construction materials"
- Position nuts in corners like "gravel piles"
4. Final Touches
1. Fill gaps with smaller items:
- Tuck berries into empty spaces
- Scatter extra crackers and nuts
2. Keep items secure:
- Use toothpicks to anchor taller items
- Ensure everything is snug to prevent shifting during transport
Pro Tips
- Use different compartments of the toolbox for separate dietary needs
- Create mini "construction zones" with themed groupings
- Keep wet items separate from crackers to maintain crispness
- Consider adding small construction-themed props for decoration
- Transport toolbox flat to maintain arrangement
Author:
Nikki Murillo
Richard Chef + Food in Your Fridge Owner
www.foodinyourfridge.com