Trader Joe’s Cheese Board: $35 Budget
Sep 15, 2020 Updated Aug 01, 2024
This post contains collections of products that I personally recommend (it may contain affiliate links).
The Trader Joe’s budget board has arrived!
Recently I shared a $65 Trader Joe’s Board that has so many of my favorite things. But now I want to show that you can also cut that price down even further without sacrificing quality or style. This is the $35 board and a complete one-stop-shopping list. Are there ways to do it cheaper? Yes, but I still wanted to include some of my faves, like the fig & olive crackers, and a rosemary garnish that really elevates a board. Check out my $50 Aldi Cheese Board too. Happy boarding!
The Trader Joe’s $35 Shopping List
The Cheese
Total spent on cheese: $10.77
Note, I bought three cheeses instead of four. The price of most cheeses depends on the size and weight. If you want variety, you can opt to buy a few smaller cheeses, or two larger ones.
- Unexpected Cheddar $3.99
- Boursin $3.79
- Goat Milk Brie $2.99 (instead of the French Brie for $5.58 I used on the $65 Board, but note that it is smaller in size)
The Meat
Total spent on meat: $2.99
- Calabrese $2.99 (I cut out the Salame Secchi for $7.49 from the bigger budget board. Note that Calabrese is spicy).
The Produce
Total spent on produce: $5.58
Prices totally depend on what’s in season. I really wish they had the Thomcord Grapes which look super elegant on a board and are affordable, but instead I went with what they had at the time. Produce in season is always going to be cheaper, so depending on what time of year you’re making this, choose accordingly. When picking up fresh produce, gravitate toward the ones you pay by weight, this will ensure you only pay for what you’ll actually include on your board.
- Raspberries $2.99
- Apple $0.69 (instead of 5.99 grapes)
- Hot House Cucumber $1.49 (only used half of this)
The Extras
Total spent on everything else: $12.55
- Fig & Olive Crackers $3.99 (only included one kind. Could have gone cheaper but I think these are special and really elevate a board)
- Peanuts $2.99 (instead of the Marcona Almonds for $5.99 I posted about this over on TikTok and was called a “MONSTER” and honestly, I kinda agree, but peanuts are cheap and there were LOTS LEFTOVER!)
- Dried Oranges $1.99 (instead of the dried persimmons for $3.49)
- Marinated Olive Duo $1.79 (see LEFTOVERS in bowl on top of board)
- Rosemary Garnish $1.79
GRAND TOTAL : $35
Where To Find This Round Board
This is my favorite round board with a lip. The lip makes it perfect for transport (so things don’t fall off). I found it years ago at HomeGoods, never to be found again. However, this past February (2020), there were located again at certain HomeGoods and Marshalls. Many of you found them in store. I was lucky enough to have you purchase a few for me and will be holding a giveaway soon.
But because they are not widely available, I have listed out similar options in the SHOP THIS POST at bottom. Note that this board is approx. 14.5in inside the lip (not counting the handle).
Show Me Your Boards
Nothing makes me happier than seeing you create beautiful and budget-friendly boards from my tips. If you make a spread inspired by this post (especially if it didn’t break the bank), please tag me at @ainttoooproudtomeg and use #AintTooProudToCheese so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this board recipe, please rate and review.
Trader Joe’s Cheese Board: $35 Budget
Ingredients
Cheese
- Unexpected Cheddar
- Boursin
- Goat Milk Brie
Meats
- Calabrese
Produce
- Raspberries
- Apple
- Hot house Cucumber
Carbs
- Fig & Olive Crackers
Accoutrements
- Peanuts
- Dried Oranges
- Marinated Olive Duo
Shop the Post
I love how this shows a beautiful cheeseboard can be made on a budget! Can’t wait to try 🙂
Haven’t made this (yet), but how can it not be good? It looks amazing, and the fact that the ingredients are budget-friendly is even better!
Easy to make and a fun challenge to find all the ingredients to fit under $30!! Will do again for sure
Long time follower.. first time commenter. I love all of your boards but especially this budget friendly one. I’m a big fan of shopping at Trader Joe’s, so it was nice
to see options for quick, easy and cost effective but still just as beautiful!
TJ’s is great to keep prices down. I also try to keep an open minds and use seasonal fruit and veggies.
Love these budget lists. Now I just need a Trader Joe’s nearby. Will be working on finding Costco replacements 🙂
Loved this post because it helped me learn more about affordable and delicious kinds of cheeses that I could find at my local TJ. My boyfriend and friends really enjoyed the result 🙂
Love a good budget recipe that doesn’t look budget at all!
Xx
@absolutely.alonda
Loved this! Great for beginners- mine turned out beautiful
Everything about this is perfect! Having the cost broken down is super helpful, and makes it seem super realistic to have a gorgeous board without breaking the bank! I LOVE posts like this!
Only replying to my comment to say it should have been 5 stars, not 4!! Definitely 5 stars!!!