Charcuterie boards are trending all over the internet. I can count on a mouthwatering cheese and meat board making its debut on my timeline at some point throughout the day. Each time I see one, I think about ways I can create something equally as delicious and beautiful.
The millennial in me decided it would be great to have these on the go for the kids when we are out and about or even when we are home and they want to snack throughout the day.
So, I put on my creative cap, visited my local Dollar Tree and ended up with really cool to-go charcuterie boxes.
I absolutely love how these turned out. They are so convenient because the snacks stay neat and fresh. My favorite part is saying YES when asked “can we bring a snack in the car, Mom?”
To make them extra special, I added the boys’ names to the boxes so the they can easily identify which box is theirs. The center row of these organizers provide more space for items that may stack taller than the dividers. These reusable snack boxes are so simple and, of course, budget friendly.
HOW TO CREATE AN EPIC TO-GO CHARCUTERIE BOX:
When choosing snack items, try picking foods that are bright and vibrant in color and have a variety of textures and crunchiness. Having a balance of mixes makes for an enjoyable experience for any snacker.
If you are making these for kids, basic is best. Choose foods the kids like to eat and leave out the overly fragrant flavors. Choose items that are easy to handle and bite size. Remember that little mouths need little bites. Also, the small pieces are easier for their little hands to maneuver in and out of the spaces. If you are making this for yourself, by all means… go wild!
VISIT YOUR LOCAL DOLLAR TREE
Head to the local Dollar Tree, Walmart or craft store and pick up a plastic multi-compartment organizer and a few packs of letter stickers (the waterproof kind works best for washing.)
CLEAN IT
Clean the plastic containers in warm soapy water to remove any icky bacteria and let them air dry.
FILL IT
While waiting for the containers to air dry, gather the kids’ favorite healthy snacks. Try to avoid foods that are too watery or juicy to reduce the mess and food sogginess.
LIST OF FOODS FOR CHARCUTERIE TO-GO BOX:
CHEESES
- Mild Cheddar
- Swiss
- Mozzarella
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Provolone
FRUITS
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Mandarin Orange slices
- Cherry/grape tomatoes
- Grapes
- Cherries
VEGGIES
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli
CRUNCH STUFF
- Buttery Crackers
- Thin Wheat Crackers
- Graham Crackers
- Potato Chips
- Veggie Straws
- Croutons
- Goldfish
- Popcorn (Kettle or Butter)
NUTS
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pistachios
GRAINS
- Granola Bar
- Granola
DIPS & SAUCES
- Ranch
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
- Fruit Dip
- Honey Mustard
- Jams/ Jellies
CUSTOMIZE IT
These boxes are perfect for any occasion. Pick foods to follow a theme and make the boxes extra special.
Here are some fun themes:
- Valentine’s Day
- Halloween
- Christmas Eve
- Birthdays
- Sunday fun day at the park
- Movie Night with family
- Daily Lunch for school
- Road trips in the car
- Quick car rides
- Play dates
- After school activities or practice
- Sleep overs… the list goes on.
EAT IT
Now for the best part of all… Bon Appetite! Don’t you just love simple, quick and EASY! These have become a staple in our refrigerator. I even keep a couple of empty ones to put the kids’ left overs in after a meal. Lately, I have been using these to pack the boys’ lunches and they LOVE it and all their classmates agree! This is sure to boost the “cool” parent points up several notches.
Happy Snacking! Find this helpful? SHARE it with a mom friend!
