Creating Delicious Food Boards for Any Occasion

As we approach the end of the holiday season, it's the perfect time to indulge in some festive treats. A well-stocked charcuterie or food board is a fantastic way to bring loved ones together. Get inspired with these fantastic food board ideas that are sure to impress at your next event, whether it's a BBQ, retreat, girl’s night or even just a family dinner!

Our recipes and individual ingredients are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free friendly, and include healthy substitutes for traditional packaged products.

Plus, you'll find my favorite serving tools, tips, tricks, and packaged clean food products to help you put together any themed board in no time!

Holiday Sweets Themed Board:

Dairy

1. Brie cheese wheel with your favorite red colored jam (strawberry)

2. Goat cheese log with cranberry cinnamon or blueberry vanilla

Produce

1. Red + green colored fruits like pomegranate arils, strawberries, apples, kiwi, grapes, etc.

Pastries

1. Your favorite go-to gluten-free crackers and thin cookies (Brands: Simple Mills, Mary’s Gone Crackers)

2. Clean store-bought brownie, cookie, and cupcake mix (Brands: Simple Mills)

3. Homemade raspberry almond thumbprint cookies, superfood dark chocolate bark or favorite go-to holiday desserts.

4. Dessert hummus like chocolate hummus

Extras

1. Dark chocolate covered nuts or dried fruits (Brands: SkinnyDipped Almonds, Barnana)

2. Dried fruits like apricots, figs, cherries, or cranberries

3. Mixed roasted nuts

4. Candy canes (Brands: YumEarth Organic)

5. Hot chocolate bar!

Christmas Wreath Themed Board:

Protein

1. Salami, summer sausage, thinly sliced prosciutto, soppressata (Brands: Applegate)

Dairy

1. Marinated mozzarella balls, cheddar, colby, and/or pepper jack cheese cubes / slices (Brands: Organic Valley)

Produce

1. Cocktail pickles, black and green olives, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts

Carbs

1. Assorted crackers variety (Brands: Simple Mills, Mary’s Gone Crackers)

Garnish

1. Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary sprigs

Serve with

1. Balsamic glaze

2. Holiday mule cocktails

Directions

1. Gather your antipasto ingredients. Prep any that require chopping, slicing or cubing.

2. Skewer ingredients onto large toothpicks or skewers. Arrange in a wreath shape on a large round platter or serving board. Tuck rosemary, sage and thyme sprigs evenly around wreath and place a small bowl in the center with balsamic glaze.

3. Transfer to refrigerator. When ready to serve, consider adding a touch of variety by lining the outer edge with an assortment of crackers or placing a bowl of them beside the wreath.

Classic Themed Board:

Protein

1. Salami, summer sausage, thinly sliced prosciutto, soppressata, pastrami

Dairy

1. Gouda, gruyere, cheddar, Colby jack, havarti, burrata, gorgonzola, feta, goat cheese

Produce

1. Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, apples, orange slices, kiwi, pomegranate arils

2. Dried fruits like figs, dates, apricots, berries, mango

3. Veggies like mini sweet peppers, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks

Carbs

1. Your favorite crackers, chips, breads and pretzels

Extras

1. Olives, pickles, banana peppers, mixed nuts and seeds

2. Hummus

3. Guacamole

4. Olive tapenade

5. Prosciutto wrapped figs, medjool date snack

6. Dipping sauces like honey, balsamic glaze, jams

Garnish

1. Fresh herbs

Breakfast Themed Board:

Protein

1. Pork and turkey bacon, sausage links or patties, scrambled eggs, egg cups or mini quiches (Brand: Applegate)

Dairy

1. Cream cheese, plain greek yogurt (Brands: Fage, Green Valley)

Produce

1. Fresh fruit like kiwi, berries, pineapple, melon

Carbs

1. Waffles, bagels, toast, granola varieties (Brands: SimpleMills, Young Kobras, Purely Elizabeth)

Serve with

1. Warm maple syrup, nut butter, honey, assorted jams

2. Mimosas or citrus hibiscus sangria

S’mores Themed Board:

Sweets

1. Dark chocolate squares, peanut butter cups, dark chocolate covered almonds/dried fruit (Brands: Hu Kitchen, Justin’s, Enjoy Life)

2. Assorted marshmallows (Brand: No Brainer Max Mallow)

Produce

1. Fresh fruit like cherries, strawberries, blueberries, banana slices

Carbs

1. Graham crackers, cookies, pretzels (Brand: Simple Mills)

Chicken Salad Themed Lunch Bar:

Protein

1. Classic healthy chicken salad

Dairy

1. Cheese slices like gruyere, cheddar, pepper Colby jack

Produce

1. Tomato slices, mini sweet peppers, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, butter lettuce (great gluten-free / low carb version)

Carbs

1. Crackers, breads, pretzels

Garnish

1. Fresh herb like dill

Extras

1. Pickles, olives, variety of hummus flavors

2. Avocado deviled eggs

3. Condiments like mayonnaise, dijon mustard, oil and vinegar

Taco Themed Bar:

Protein

1. Grilled chicken, verde carne asada, ground beef, chicken or turkey, refried beans, black beans (Brand: Siete Foods)

Dairy

1. Sour cream, mexican cheese, cotija, queso fresco, vegan cheese sauce 

Produce

1. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, fresh salsa, raw white onions

Carbs

1. Hard shell, tortillas, tortilla chips, rice (Brands: Siete Foods)

Garnish

1. Lime wedges, cilantro, assorted hot sauce, pickled or fresh jalapeños,

Extras

1. Pickled onions

2. Salsa verde

3. Guacamole

4. Margarita mocktail/cocktails!

Tips & Tricks

• For a well-rounded charcuterie board, it's essential to choose meats with a range of flavor profiles. This will help complement the freshness of the board's other components. Consider incorporating both spicy and mild meats for an optimal balance. The same applies to choosing hard and soft cheeses with bold signature flavors.

• For your carbs, consider mixing up with different consistencies. ie - crispy thin cracker and thick baguette slices.

• Use fruit, variety of nuts, and fresh herbs to add pops of color and to fill out your board so that there are no spaces.

• Incorporate at least two creative snacks to keep the board fun and interesting. This could look like a homemade snack or a fancy and fun flavor combo cheese log!

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OUR FAVORITE SERVING TOOLS ON AMAZON!

Protein Breakfast Biscuits

These delectable turkey high-protein breakfast biscuits pack an impressive 20g of protein per serving. Moreover, they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free, making them an excellent choice for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Finding fun, relevant, and delicious high-protein breakfast options can be a challenge for my clients. Typically, the go-to sources of protein for breakfast are eggs, protein powder, or cottage cheese. While these are all excellent protein sources when they are of high quality, it's understandable that people want to switch things up now and then. This is especially true for my clients who want to honor their southern roots while also eating healthily.

That is why I have come up with this high protein breakfast biscuit that ticks all the boxes!

WHAT MAKES THESE BISCUITS PROTEIN PACKED

High-protein biscuits can be make using plain Greek yogurt, eggs, turkey sausage, almond flour, and nutritional yeast.

The recipe suggests using lactose-free plain Greek yogurt and nutritional yeast to mimic a cheddar cheese flavor for those who are lactose intolerant, but I have make suggestions in the note section to use regular plain Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese who are not lactose intolerant.

TIPS FOR PAIRING FOOD WITH PROTEIN BISCUITS

• Breakfast: Eat one biscuit with a side of eggs, smoothie, side of yogurt, or cut straight in the middle and make and egg and bacon breakfast sandwich!

• Snack: Great as a snack as they are macro balanced (close ratio of fats to protein to carbs).

• Dinner: You can serve these biscuits alongside soup, stew or a salad.

HOW TO WARM OR REHEAT BISCUITS

Place biscuits in a warm oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Get ready to gobble up some turkey-tastic protein breakfast biscuits, packing a whopping 20g of protein per biscuit! Best of all, they're gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free.

Servings: 12 Prep: 5 MIN Cook time: 15 MIN

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork or ground turkey or chicken

• 6 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup greek yogurt

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• ½ yellow onion, diced

• 1 + ½ cups almond flour

• ½ cup coconut flour

• ¼ cup nutritional yeast

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning or thyme

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. To a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté onion and peppers for about 5 minutes. Move sauté veggies to the side and add turkey sausage to the center, crumbling the meat. Let cook, stirring and crumbling meat until meat is completely browned, for about 10 minutes. Turn heat off and let mixture to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and yogurt. Add in turkey mixture and incorporate. Add in the rest of the dry ingredients: almond and coconut flour, nutritional yeast, baking powder, and seasonings using a spatula until combined.

4. Using ¼ - ½ cup or large cookie scoop, make 12 evenly sized balls and place them on the sheet pan. Place in the oven for 12-16 minutes until slightly browned all over.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

• If you can tolerate dairy, you can sub nutritional yeast for 1 cup of cheese and top each biscuit, before going into the oven, with shredded cheese if desired.

• Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free: This recipe was originally written with lactose-free Greek yogurt, which helps those who are lactose intolerant, but it’s not the same as being fully dairy-free. Lactose-free yogurt is still made from dairy milk — the lactose is just broken down to make it easier to digest.

• Dairy-Free Option: If you need the recipe completely dairy-free, substitute with a thick plant-based yogurt. Unsweetened coconut, almond, or cashew “Greek style” yogurts work well. Make sure to choose one that’s plain and unsweetened to keep the flavor balance. If your yogurt is thinner, you can stir in 1–2 teaspoons of arrowroot or tapioca starch to thicken it up.

• DIY Alternative: Blend silken tofu with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (per cup) for a protein-rich, tangy substitute.

• Nutrition: Calories per biscuit: 192 | Total fat: 11g | Total carb: 8g | Dietary fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Protein: 17g (nutritional facts will vary)

Homemade Ginger Ale

experience the perfect blend of sweet, spicy and refreshing flavors with this gut-friendly ginger ale. You don't have to sacrifice taste for health when it comes to this classic soda!

Do you ever find yourself craving ginger ale during a flight, even if you're not a soda person? Just me?

It could be because ginger is known to help with motion sickness.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

Ginger is more than just a tasty spice; it also offers a range of health benefits. Studies have indicated that ginger and its compounds can boost digestive activity, speed up stomach emptying, and even alleviate nausea. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent, which can help improve digestion, support the release of blood-pressure regulating hormones, and enhance overall wellness.

INGREDIENTS

This simple recipe only uses 4 ingredients: ginger root, lime juice, honey and sparkling water.

The carbonated soda fizz in this drink is due to the sparkling water. Even when it isn't a high-calorie beverage, the bubbles make it feel like a treat.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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A refreshing twist on ginger ale: Homemade healthy version

Experience the perfect blend of sweet, spicy and refreshing flavors with this gut-friendly ginger ale. You don't have to sacrifice taste for health when it comes to this classic soda!

Servings: 4-8 Prep: 10 MIN Cook time: 20 MIN

Ingredients

• 1 cup of ginger root, washed well, unpeeled and sliced

• 2 cups filtered water

• 2-4 Tbsp honey

• Juice of ½-1 lime

• sparkling mineral water

DIRECTIONS

1. To a small saucepan, add sliced ginger and water and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

2. Strain the ginger juice into a glass measuring cup. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes and then stir in the honey and lime juice.

3. Chill for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, pour about 2-4 Tbsp of ginger syrup into a glass filled with ice.

4. Top with sparkling mineral water and mix with a glass straw or spoon.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge, fresh mint or ginger root and enjoy!

Notes

• Are you planning to serve a beverage at an upcoming event? Here is a great tip: triple the recipe the night before, so that the syrup is ready and chilled. This not only saves time but also guarantees that the drink will be refreshingly cold. Plus, tripling the recipe ensures that everyone can have more than one glass!

Snickerdoodle Protein Balls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with snickerdoodle protein balls - A no-bake, healthy treat that will keep you full!

#1 favorite protein ball recipe that the girls at the gym absolutely love! And rightfully so because who doesn’t love the flavor combinations of cinnamon and sugar?!

Cinnamon and sugar are what makes a snickerdoodle, but that doesn’t mean we have to stick to the traditional unhealthy, sugar filled dessert.

Because these snickerdoodle protein balls are good for you! Not only are they made with natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup and coated with coconut sugar but they are also gluten-free, dairy free and filled with lofts of healthy fats, flavor and protein.

HOW TO MAKE SNICKERDOODLE PROTEIN BALLS

Let me give you the easy answer. Add all of the ingredients to the food processor and blend until the mixture is thick and creamy. Roll into balls and that’s it!

Main reason why I love these protein balls so much is because it doesn’t require baking, using only one kitchen equipment and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.

WHEN TO EAT

• Pre | Post workout - Need a quick bite before or after a workout to tie you over? Well, these protein balls are perfect in a pinch. Packed with protein and complex carbs to drive better performance at the gym!

• Afternoon delight - If I am needing a snack or feel sluggish around 3PM, 1-2 of these protein balls will push me through with energy before dinner time.

• Dessert alternative - Sometimes I will have a sweet tooth after dinner and these balls come in clutch!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Satisfy your sweet tooth with snickerdoodle protein balls - A no-bake, healthy treat that will keep you full!

Servings: 40 balls | Prep: 5 MIN | Cook time: NA

Ingredients

• 3 cups oats (or oat flour)

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 ½ cup nut butter

• ½ cup coconut oil

• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp sea salt

• Cinnamon sugar coating (optional)

• ¼ cup coconut sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. To a food processor, (if not using oat flour), add oats to the processor and blend on high until oats have turned into oat flour. Add all of the ingredients, except cinnamon sugar coating, and blend on high until completely incorporated.

2. If its too dry, add more honey or water and if it’s too wet, add 1 tbsp increments of oat flour.

3. Using a tablespoon or cookie scooper, form into balls and place on a plate.

4. If making the cinnamon sugar coating, add both ingredients in a small bowl and toss until incorporated. Add 3-4 balls in the cinnamon sugar mix and roll each ball around until fully coated.

5. Store in an airtight container for up to one week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Notes

• My favorite protein powder is Equip Foods! Use code ROOTS for 15% off your first order at this link. 

Halloween Munch Dark Chocolate Bark

Halloween munch dark chocolate bark is a fun and creative way of using healthier Halloween candy products! 

For October’s virtual cooking class, I wanted to create a fun, festive and kid friendly dessert using healthier candy products. It’s so easy to switch out sugar and overly processed-filled Halloween candy products with healthier brands like Yum Earth, That’s It, Hu Kitchen and so much more (product recommendations for this recipe at the bottom!)

Halloween bark recipe is as simple as they come! Using only 3-ingredients to make the bark, and topped with your favorite go-to halloween candy products or venturing out into the healthier but still spookier side!

FAQs and tips on making dark chocolate bark: 

• After the chocolate has cooled, it is hard to spread or for toppings to stick so work quickly while your chocolate is still warm! 

• Storage? If the chocolate bark is set out at room temperature for too long, it will start to melt so best to store in the fridge for about a week or the freezer for 2 months. Don’t expect it to last that long in your house, though! 

• A spatula or back of a spoon are the best tools to spread the chocolate across a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 

• You can obviously use a double broiler to melt your chocolate but the fastest and easiest method is simply using a microwave! Microwave in 30 second increments while stirring until melted. 

Other great Halloween recipes: spookylicious green smoothie

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Halloween munch dark chocolate bark is a fun and creative way of using healthier Halloween candy products! 

SERVINGS: 6-8 | PREP TIME: 5 MIN | COOK TIME: N/A

Ingredients

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips (about 12 oz)

• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips

• 1 Tbsp+ 1 tsp coconut oil

• 1/4 cup candy corn

• 1/4 cup gummy worms

• 1/4 cup popcorn

• Halloween sprinkles

Directions

• Line a medium/large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil leaving overhang on at least two sides.

• Add the chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 sec. Stir with a spoon and continue to warm in 30 sec increments until melted.

• Spread the melted chocolate across the prepared baking sheet and use a rubber or offset spatula to smooth into an even layer.

• Melt the white chocolate and 1 tsp oil in a separate bowl for 30 sec increments until smooth.

• Drizzle the white chocolate in a “spiderweb or mummy style” across the baking sheet of melted dark chocolate.

• Place candies, popcorn, and sprinkles on top of the bark while melted then place the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for 1 hr to harden. Once hard, use a knife to cut into pieces of bark and enjoy!

Notes

• Keep bark in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat!

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SHOP OUR FAVORITE INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE!