Ever seen a big, beautiful tray filled with cheese, fruit, crackers, and meats? That’s a charcuterie board — and in Florida, we do it a little differently. Why? Because many of the delicious goodies come straight from our local farms, gardens, and makers. The fruit’s juicier , the cheese is fresher , and even the honey is made by busy Florida bees.
In this article, we’re taking a fun foodie road trip around the Sunshine State to explore the amazing local ingredients that turn an ordinary snack board into a fresh, colorful, Florida-style masterpiece.
1. Florida Fresh Fruits
Florida is famous for its fruit — hello, oranges! But there’s a whole world of produce grown right here that’s perfect for your board.
Here are a few fruity favorites:
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Oranges & tangerines – juicy, sweet, and sunshine in every bite
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Strawberries – vibrant red and super sweet
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Blueberries – tiny, tart, and irresistible
Picked fresh from Florida fields, these fruits add bright colors and natural sweetness to every board.
2. Local Cheeses from Florida
Cheese, please! Florida is home to several artisan creameries that handcraft cheeses using milk from local cows and goats.
Types you might find on a board:
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Goat cheese – creamy and tangy
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Cheddar – sharp and bold
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Pepper Jack – with a spicy twist
Supporting local cheesemakers means fresher flavors and a whole lot of heart behind every bite.
3. Meats Made in Florida
What’s a charcuterie board without cured meats? Florida farms raise animals with care and create small-batch meats packed with flavor.
Popular picks:
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Cured sausage – paper-thin and perfectly salty
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Beef jerky – chewy and bold
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Spicy sausages – for those who like a little kick!
Each slice adds a tasty layer of protein to your board.
4. Crunchy Snacks
Charcuterie isn’t just meats and cheeses — you need that crunch factor!
Florida-made snack ideas:
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Honey-roasted nuts – like almonds and pecans
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Herbed crackers – sometimes made with garden-fresh herbs
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Tortilla chips – made with locally grown corn
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Plantain chips – crispy, salty, and addictively good
Stack ‘em, dip ‘em, or eat ‘em solo — they’re the life of the board!
5. Sweet Treats from Florida
Let’s talk sweets. After salty meats and cheeses, a little sugar hits just right.
Local favorites:
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Orange blossom honey – floral and golden
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Homemade jams & jellies – like strawberry or guava
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Chocolate pieces – rich and indulgent
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Candied citrus peel – chewy, tangy, and unique
They’re the delightful surprise bites that round out every board.
6. Special Day Boards
Charcuterie boards aren’t just for snacking — they’re perfect for special occasions too!
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Mother’s Day – think heart-shaped cheese, pink fruits, and edible flowers
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Easter – pastel candies and springtime flavors
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Birthdays or brunches – customize with color themes and mini treats
A themed Florida board brings the celebration to life.
7. Florida-Grown Veggies
Let’s not forget the veggies! Florida grows plenty of fresh, crunchy options.
Add to your board:
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Cucumber slices – crisp and cool
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Cherry tomatoes – sweet little bursts
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Carrot sticks – colorful and crunchy
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Bell peppers – red, yellow, green – take your pick!
Pair them with hummus or cheese spreads for fresh flavor and a healthy balance.
8. Fun for Game Day
Watching the big game? Charcuterie boards are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
For your Game Day board, try:
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Spicy sausage slices
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Orange cheddar cubes (go team colors!)
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Popcorn with Florida sea salt
Need help putting one together? Check out our Game Day board for all the inspo and ordering info.
9. Why Local Is Best
Here’s why Florida-grown is the way to go:
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Fresher – it was picked or made recently
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Tastier – less travel time means better flavor
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Supports small businesses – your dollars help local farmers thrive
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Eco-friendly – less transport = less impact on the planet
Eating local helps you feel more connected to the food and the people behind it.
10. Making a Florida Board at Home
Want to build your own Sunshine State snack board? Here's how:
What you’ll need:
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A tray or board
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A mix of fruits, cheeses, meats, crackers, veggies, nuts, sweet treats, and a few dips
Steps:
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Start with the biggest items — cheeses and meats
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Add fruits and veggies around them
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Fill the gaps with crunchy snacks and sweets
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Add small bowls for dips
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Stand back and admire your edible art
11. Sharing Is Caring
Charcuterie boards are made for sharing. Everyone gets to pick what they like, try new flavors, and gather around good food.
When you use local Florida ingredients, you're not just snacking — you're celebrating everything that makes this state taste amazing. From farm to board, it’s all sunshine, flavor, and love.
Ready to build your own? Visit mysmorgasboard.com to order or get inspired by our locally sourced creations!
