This post shares tips on creating the ultimate family snack board.
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There is something about a snack board that takes everyday food and makes it a bit more fun. Instead of picking out one snack and hoping everyone enjoys it, creating a family snack board lets everyone pick and choose their favorites. Most parents know that no two kids have the same taste in food so having options is always a win! You can make it as fancy or simple as you would like. A mix of cheeses, crackers, meats, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, dried fruit and a few sweet treats is all it takes. You can easily customize it based on what your family loves or simply use what you already have on hand.
I’m someone who believes the actual board itself is very important! This particular one was gifted to us but I love having a long board like this, or even better, one that has hidden pull-outs. That way if you’re just making a small tray for a snack or a large gathering you’re all set. I will link one that I love here! Little cheese knives and forks for meats make a big difference so make sure you grab a board that has one or pick up a set separately.
Whether it’s for family movie night, an after-school snack, game night or an easy weekend lunch, here’s how to build a family snack board everyone can dig into.
Start with Crackers
I think everyone can agree every good snack board needs some crunch and crackers are an easy place to start! I like to use a variety of different types and sizes placing them on different places around the board. By not keeping them clumped together in one place you give yourself a bit of a framework to work with making it easier to start filling in the rest of the space.
Being mindful of what you plan on serving with the crackers will help you know which ones work best. However, you can absolutely just use what you have on hand. All crackers are delicious!
Add Fresh Fruit, Dried Fruit and Nuts
Next, start filling in some of the larger empty spaces with a mix of fresh fruit, dried fruit, and nuts. Green grapes and apples (cosmic crisp) are some of our favorites and I love the color it adds to the board.
Dried fruit is an easy addition to any board pairing incredibly well alongside nuts. We chose to use apricots, apples, and some kiwi hiding underneath those crackers. The addition of nuts is great for a couple of different reasons. There are a huge variety of types and flavors plus they give some added protein which is helpful if you, a family member, or a friend don’t eat meat.
Using a mix of fresh and dried fruit also gives you different flavors and textures without taking up a ton of space on the board.
Bonus: dried fruit and nuts last a long time so you can have them on hand in a pinch! Ayoub’s is a family-owned Canadian business specializing in premium nuts, dried fruits, sweets and specialty snacks, so there are plenty of options for keeping your pantry stocked. This essentials pack is perfect for keeping a variety on hand during the summer when your kids are begging for snacks all day long, or over the holidays when you find yourself hosting more often.
Fill In With Veggies and Cheese
Now it’s time to start filling in the board with veggies and cheese. I love picking veggies that require very little prep like baby carrots, cucumbers, and mini bell peppers. However, I usually take this opportunity to use up any vegetables I have in the fridge so, nothing is off limits. We always add in some ranch since that helps our kids eat a bit more veggies but you can also serve up hummus for added protein.
For the cheese, choose a couple of different varieties your family already enjoys. Cutting them into different shapes and sizes is an easy way to add some visual interest to the board without making things complicated. I like placing them in different spots on the board so everyone can reach them no matter where they are sitting.
Finish With Meats and a Few Treats
Once most of the board is filled, add your meats and a few treats. We kept the meats simple with some mild salami we had on hand but my kids also enjoy sliced turkey and ham if yours don’t like any spice.
And of course, every family snack board needs a little something sweet! Adding a few treats makes the board feel extra fun, especially for the kids. You don’t need much—a few small sweet options tucked into the remaining spaces is plenty.
Fill In the Gaps
This last step is where it really comes together! Take a look at any empty spaces on your board and fill them in with smaller items. A handful of nuts, dried fruit, extra crackers, grapes or a few more veggies are perfect for filling those little gaps.
Don’t worry about everything looking perfectly arranged on the board. The fun part of a family snack board night is having it look fun, colorful, and delicious. Once you’re happy with it, put it out and let everyone dig in!
A Snack Board the Whole Family Can Enjoy
The best thing about making a family snack board is that there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Start with foods your family loves, add a little variety to get your kiddos to try new things, and have fun with it!
Ours was a hit with the whole family, and I love that everyone could grab what they wanted and go back for more. Whether you make one for movie night, when your kids have friends over, or just because , it’s a simple way to turn everyday snacks into something a little more fresh and exciting.
*Disclosure: I was compensated for inclusion in this article. As always my opinion is my own*