Summer in St. Petersburg and Tampa means sunshine, beach days, and outdoor parties—but it also means heat. And while Florida sunshine is great for poolside fun, it’s not exactly friendly to meats and cheeses.
So how do you serve up a show-stopping charcuterie board without watching it melt? Easy—you follow our heat-smart, party-ready tips.
Whether you’re headed to Vinoy Park, setting up for a backyard BBQ, or planning a picnic on Treasure Island, here’s how to keep your snack board cool, fresh, and fabulous.
Why Charcuterie Is a Summer Must-Have in Tampa Bay
Charcuterie is crowd-pleasing, no-cook, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for:
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Pool parties in South Tampa
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Brunch on Beach Drive in St. Pete
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Fireworks picnics on the Pier
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Backyard birthdays
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Game nights with friends
The only catch? Florida heat can make your board wilt faster than a salad in the sun.
Best Hot-Weather Foods for Your Summer Board
Not every cheese or fruit can handle the heat. Here’s what does:
Cheeses That Keep It Together
Stick to firm, low-moisture varieties that hold up under sunshine:
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Sharp cheddar
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Gouda
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Parmesan chunks
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Babybel (bonus: wax coating!)
Meats That Won’t Melt
Go for cured or dried meats—tasty and heat-resistant:
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Salami
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Pepperoni
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Turkey jerky
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Beef sticks
Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Fruits That Stay Fresh
Hydrating and hearty:
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Grapes (freeze them for extra fun!)
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Apple slices (toss in lemon juice to prevent browning)
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Dried apricots or mango
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Fresh berries (only if you’re serving quickly)
Crunchy, No-Chill Snacks
Perfect for filling out the board:
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Pretzels
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Breadsticks
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Popcorn
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Seed crackers
Sweet Treats Without the Melt
Leave the chocolate behind and try:
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Marshmallows
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Honey sticks
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Dried fruit bites
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Yogurt-covered treats (chill these until go-time)
How to Keep It Cool (Literally)
Tampa Bay summers don’t mess around, so here’s how to stay snack-safe:
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Use Cold Trays or Ice Packs
Place your board on a chilled tray or over frozen packs. -
Serve in Shaded Areas
Keep food under umbrellas, tents, or shaded patios. -
Small Batches Win
Refill as needed from the fridge instead of putting everything out at once. -
Freeze the Fun
Frozen grapes or chilled cheese cubes make refreshing snacks—and they double as edible ice. -
Cover It Up
Use mesh food tents to keep bugs out and food safe.
Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas for St. Pete & Tampa Events
1. The Beach Day Board
Perfect for a quick picnic at Fort De Soto or Treasure Island.
Includes:
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Babybel cheese
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Turkey jerky
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Dried pineapple
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Pretzels
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Marshmallows
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Crackers & grapes
Pack it all in a cooler for a beachside snack break.
2. Backyard BBQ Board
Ideal for birthday parties and grill-outs across Tampa Bay.
Try:
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Cubed cheddar
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Salami rounds
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Apple wedges
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Pickles
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Breadsticks
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Trail mix
Serve on a tray of ice and keep the drinks close by!
3. Poolside Charcuterie Cups
Individual portions = less mess, more fun.
Each cup includes:
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Cheese cube
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Mini beef stick
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Grape
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Pickle slice
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Pretzel or cracker
Bonus: They're easy to grab with wet hands!
👉 Want more ideas like this? Check out our Charcuterie Cups
4. Summer Brunch for Mom
Pretty, pastel, and perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day or a birthday brunch.
Includes:
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Frozen strawberries
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Cheese hearts (use a mini cutter!)
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Turkey slices
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Mini bagels
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Yogurt dip (served chilled)
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Vanilla wafers
Style Your Board Like a Pro
Make your snack board Instagram-worthy with these quick styling tricks:
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Use bright, fresh colors like red grapes, orange cheddar, green apples
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Add herbs like rosemary or mint for a natural touch
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Cut cheeses or fruits into hearts, stars, or circles
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Use toothpicks or skewers for grab-and-go ease
Stay Safe, Snack Happy
Remind guests to enjoy their food soon after serving—and don’t leave anything out for more than 1 hour in the sun.
Pro tip: Keep chilled drinks nearby to help everyone stay cool and hydrated.
Make Your Next Tampa Bay Event Deliciously Easy
Whether you're planning a backyard birthday bash in St. Pete or a beach picnic in Clearwater, MySmorgasBoard makes your party unforgettable—and low stress.
✨ Book your summer board today at mysmorgasboard.com
📸 Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @mysmorgasboardfl with your summer spread!
