How to Build a Bagel Brunch Board

    Sometimes I feel like I should maybe just create a whole blog dedicated to my love of cheese and charcuterie boards!  I have shared so many different charcuterie boards, ideas, and recipes over the years on here and it truly is my favorite meal both to serve and eat!  Not only is it easy to prepare but I love how you can really wow guests with the overall presentation, PLUS it feeds a large crowd easily.  This past weekend, I wanted to put a twist on my usual charcuterie board for a Saturday morning event, and the bagel brunch board was born!  Seriously who doesn't love bagels with alllll the fixings?!  I included everything you need for both savory and sweet bagels and once I got going picking out ingredients, it was hard to stop!  There are so many possibilities for this and I love that you can personalize it to your preferences or whatever your crowd may like.  I got all my ingredients for this from Trader Joe's which is my favorite spot for picking up unique and delicious cheese board ingredients.  I've listed all the items I used below as well as tips for assembling your own beautiful brunch board like a pro!

xoxo

Emily 

 assorted bagels + breads ( I used mini plain bagels, everything bagels, sourdough bread, and whole wheat crispbreads)

cream cheese (I used Trader Joe's whipped cream cheese)

creme fraiche

hard boiled eggs (chopped into fourths)

tomatoes (chopped/sliced)

avocado (sliced)

green onion (chopped)

red onion (chopped, or pickled red onion)

cucumbers (chopped/sliced)

capers

smoked salmon

prosciutto

brie

gouda

white cheddar cheese

jam (I used Trader Joe's pink grapefruit marmalade)

peanut butter or almond butter ( I used Trader Joe's mixed nut butter)

raspberries and blueberries (you can also sub in other fruit of your choice here)

dill and arugula for garnish

1. Chop/dice the tomatoes, green and red onions, cucumbers, and hard boiled eggs and place in individual small bowls or dishes.

2. Carefully slice the avocado and sprinkle with lime juice to keep from browning.

3. Sauces and spreads can also go into small bowls/dishes (cream cheese, peanut butter, creme fraiche, etc.).  The grapefruit marmalade I used already came in a cute glass jar so I was able to just place that directly on the board.

4. Slice and cut bagels and breads into halves or fourths so that they are easy to grab and sample with all different toppings!

5. Add several forks, spoons, and knives throughout the board or placed in dishes to help with spreading and serving.

6. Try to evenly disperse color throughout the board (for example the berries, salmon, and prosciutto all had red tones so I spaced them evenly with other things between them). 

7. Soft cheeses like brie can be placed directly on the board and sliced/spread with one of the knives.  Go ahead and cut other cheeses into small bite size pieces then pile on the board. 

8.  Finish by garnishing and filling any holes with arugula and dill for extra color and texture.