Thursday, August 27, 2020

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

As soon as the kids get off the bus, they're ready for a snack!  So build an After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board with all of their favorites!

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

This will be the first year that all four of my kids will be in school!  They always say, time goes by fast, but I don't think I really believed it til moments like this.  School technically started on Tuesday of this week for our district but due to COVID-19 our school is starting the year in a hybrid learning model.  For the first two weeks my kids have distance learning at home the first part of the week and then go in person for the end of the week.  My oldest three had a great first day at school today and my youngest will start PreK after Labor Day.

First Day of Homeschool
First Day of School At-Home earlier this week

1st day of school picture

1st day of school picture

1st day of school picture

No matter if your kids are on the bus for over a half-hour, or they're a two minute walk away, there is something built inside kids that makes them hungry when they get home from school.  After school snacks help give kids enough energy to sustain them for the rest of the day and regulate their appetite.  Snacks also add some nutritional value and variety to their diet.

My kids love it when I make an After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board because it includes a variety of salty & sweet snacks.  I always make sure to include a protein, cheese, vegetable/fruit and carbohydrate to balance out the board.

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

I like making Sheet Pan Charcuterie Boards because they're easy!  I just use what we have on hand in our refrigerator and pantry.  This after school snack is simple, yet nutritious, and can quickly be put together once you see the kids hop off the school bus.  I also like the layout of the board because it limits serving sizes.  You can put as much or as little of a food on the board as you like, verses just putting the entire box or bag out on the table from them to eat out of.

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

Protein ideas:
  • Summer Sausage
  • Pepperoni
  • Beef Sticks (cut in 2-3" pieces)
  • Beef Jerky
  • Salami
  • Pastrami
  • Ham
  • Mixed Nuts
Cheese ideas:
  • Cheese curds in assorted flavors
  • Sliced cheeses in assorted flavors
  • Cheese cubes in assorted flavors
  • Cheese Ball
Vegetable/Fruit ideas:
  • Broccoli florets
  • Cauliflower florets
  • Baby Carrots
  • Celery (cut in 2-3" pieces)
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Sliced Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Veggie Dip
  • Hummus
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Apple slices
  • Dried fruits: cranberries, apricots, mango, etc.
Salty ideas:
  • Crackers (Ritz, Club House, Table Crackers)
  • Cheese Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Chips
  • Popcorn
  • Pita chips
Sweet ideas:
  • Yogurt or Chocolate Covered Pretzels
  • Chocolate Covered Nuts
  • M&Ms
  • Trail Mix
  • Raisins
Select a sheet pan based on the number of people eating the charcuterie board.  The board can be as big or as small as needed.  The nice part of using a sheet pan is that they are easy to carry and move around.  I love using one of my sheet pans that has a lid so it can be taken to parties or gatherings easily.

Next gather small bowls or containers if needed for small items or dips.  Place those on the sheet pan first.  Then put coordinating items next to each other such as meat and cheese, cheese and crackers, dip and vegetables.  Once coordinating items have been place on the board fill in with the other options and enjoy!

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

I not only love making Sheet Pan Charcuterie Boards for an after school snack but my Senior High Youth Group are big fans when I bring them do our Bible Study sessions too.  Make these for your next gathering with friends, upcoming holiday parties, or for your next tailgate.  Sheet Pan Charcuterie Boards are versatile and customizable!

So what would you include on your Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board?  Leave your ideas below and the next time you are gathering with family or friends, take out a sheet pan and make your own Charcuterie Board!

Looking for other after school snack ideas? Check out these other favorites of my kids:

12 comments:

  1. I want to come have after school snack at your house! This is such a great idea! YUM!

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    1. The kids love when I assemble one of these together. I've also made them for a light Sunday supper too.

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  2. Healthy way to snack and pretty at that!

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  3. They are growing so fast! And what a yummy treat to come home to!

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    1. It's hard to believe they will all be in school this year!

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  4. Perfect way to showcase those snacks!! I love a good charcuterie board!

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    1. Thanks Beth Ann! Charcuterie boards are always fun and delicious!

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  5. Love this!! Where did you get the bowls?

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    1. They are little Pyrex glass storage containers.

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  6. Yum !! Looks delicious ! If there’s anything left do you put it away in the pan or pack it back up ?

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    1. Depends but usually pack it back up. And to tell you the truth there is usually very little left if anything...

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