Quick and Easy Seafood Charcuterie Board
Need a show-stopping appetizer that’s also a breeze to prepare? This quick and easy seafood charcuterie board has you covered. Fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering!
Seafood-Inspired Charcuterie
Hey friends! Let’s take your next get-together up a notch with a fun and easy seafood charcuterie board. A seafood charcuterie board or “seacuterie” board can be incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities to showcase a variety of fresh and flavorful seafood.
From the delicate sweetness of shrimp to the rich, buttery taste of pan-seared scallops, each type of seafood brings its unique texture and flavor to the board.
You can easily mix and match based on what’s fresh and in season making it a simple yet elegant way to enjoy seafood, perfect for any gathering.
For more easy and fun charcuterie board ideas, check out our step-by-step guide for making a simple beautiful charcuterie board, our easy breezy summer charcuterie board, our cozy fall charcuterie board, and our DIY charcuterie bouquet with salami roses.
Why you’ll love this charcuterie board:
Ingredients and Preparation
The main components of our easy seafood charcuterie board include simply seasoned baked salmon and cod, pan-seared scallops, mussels, shrimp, and a decadent crab dip, all complemented by a melted garlic butter dipping sauce and cocktail sauce.
Baked salmon and cod provide a hearty and flavorful base, while the scallops and mussels add a touch of elegance with their tender textures. Shrimp offer a familiar and crowd-pleasing option, and the crab dip serves as a rich and creamy indulgence. The garlic butter ties everything together with its savory and aromatic notes, enhancing the natural flavors of the seafood.
And by choosing pre-made options for some of the ingredients, bringing this board together with a minimal amount of time and effort is a breeze!
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and ingredient suggestions below.
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Arranging the Board
Putting together a seafood charcuterie board is all about creating a visual feast that’s as tasty as it looks.
- Start with the right serving platter – a large wooden board or slate platter works great for that rustic, elegant vibe. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all your seafood without looking crowded.
- When it comes to arranging the seafood, think about balance and variety. Start with your larger items like baked salmon and cod, placing them as the foundation. Then, fill in with the smaller goodies like shrimp, pan-seared scallops, and mussels.
- Use small bowls for the crab dip, garlic butter sauce, and cocktail sauce, placing them around the board for easy dipping. Mix up the textures and colors – like placing bright pink shrimp next to the golden scallops.
- Garnishes and accompaniments are the fun part. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill not only add a pop of color but also fresh flavor. Consider placing green lettuce leaves under your seafood items. Slices of lemon or lime brighten up the board and enhance the seafood.
- Olives like bright green Castelvatrano olives add a nice briny note that complements the flavors of seafood. Add some crunch with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh veggie sticks.
With these tips, you’ll create a seafood charcuterie board that’s both beautiful and delicious, perfect for any occasion.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is important to us. Thank you for visiting Maplevine Kitchen!
Variations
Feel free to customize your board by swapping out any of the seafood items for your favorites or what’s available seasonally. Here are some more ideas for seafood items that would work well on a seafood charcuterie board:
- Smoked salmon
- Crab legs
- Crab cakes
- Shrimp cocktail
- Sushi rolls
- Oysters
- Clams
- Lobster tails
- Calamari
- Ceviche
- Ahi tuna tartare
- Crab cucumber bites
Additional dip and dipping sauce ideas:
- Smoked salmon dip
- Remoulade
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon aioli
- Pesto
- Mango salsa
- Chimichurri sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serving the Board
When it comes to serving your seafood charcuterie board, presentation and food safety are key. Start by arranging the board right before your guests arrive to ensure everything is as fresh as possible.
To keep the seafood at the right temperature, consider placing the board on a larger tray filled with ice or using small ice packs hidden under lettuce leaves or other garnishes. This method helps maintain the seafood’s cool temperature, enhancing both its flavor and safety.
According to the FDA, never leave seafood or other perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, limit this to 1 hour. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40°F and 140°F), so it’s crucial to keep everything chilled.
Wine and Cocktail Pairings
Pairing the right wine or cocktail with your seafood charcuterie board can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with most seafood. The acidity in these wines complements the freshness of the seafood.
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco adds a festive touch and pairs beautifully with the briny flavors of shellfish like oysters and shrimp.
- Rosé: A dry rosé offers a balance of fruitiness and acidity that enhances the delicate flavors of seafood.
- Cocktails: Try a classic gin and tonic with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing pairing. A light and citrusy cocktail like a lemon drop martini or a mojito also complements the seafood’s flavors.
FAQs
More Summer Party Appetizers
- Easy Breezy Summer Party Charcuterie Board
- Burrata Bruschetta with Peaches and Tomatoes
- Fresh Mango Corn Salsa
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Apricots with Honey and Brie
- Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries
- Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs
- Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups with Balsamic Strawberries
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Quick and Easy Seafood Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- 1 charcuterie board
- 3 Small Bowls or Ramekins
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Salmon (about 2 fillets)
- 1 lb. Cod or Halibut (about 2 fillets)
- 1 lb. Sea Scallops (approximately 12 large scallops)
- 1 lb. Mussels (pre-made or cooked in broth)
- 1 lb. Shrimp or Prawns (pre-cooked)
- 1½ cups Crab Dip (pre-made)
- ½ lb. Castelvatrano Olives or other green olives
- ½ cup Salted Butter
- 1 clove Fresh Garlic minced
- ⅓ cup Cocktail Sauce
- 1 bunch Fresh Italian Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bake the Salmon and Cod or Halibut
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the salmon and cod fillets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Optional: include additional favorite seasonings like garlic and dried herbs.
- Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Let the fillets cool slightly before cutting them into bite-size pieces.
Pan-Sear the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter is melted and hot, add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Mussels
- Cook the mussels in a flavorful broth according to your preferred recipe or package instructions.
- Once cooked, arrange them in a small bowl with some of the broth. Alternatively, place them directly on the board.
Prepare the Shrimp
- If the shrimp are not pre-cooked, cook them by boiling or steaming until pink and cooked through.
- Let the shrimp cool completely, then peel and devein if needed.
Arrange the Crab Dip
- Place the prepared crab dip in a small serving bowl.
Prepare the Dipping Sauces
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a small ramekin.
- Add the cocktail sauce to a small ramekin.
Assemble the Board
- Start by placing the bowls of crab dip and mussels on opposite ends of your board to balance the layout. Then place the two small ramekins with the cocktail and melted garlic butter dipping sauces spaced out on the board.
- Arrange the larger items like the baked salmon and cod/halibut first, positioning them around the board.
- Fill in with the smaller items such as the sea scallops and shrimp.
- Ensure that the different textures and colors are spread out to create a visually appealing display.
- Add garnishes like fresh herbs, olives, lemon slices, and other accompaniments to fill any gaps and enhance the overall presentation.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable crudités for dipping and pairing with the seafood items. Enjoy your beautifully arranged seafood charcuterie board!
- If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Recipe Notes
Safety First
Never leave seafood or other perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90°F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40°F and 140°F).Leftovers and Storage
After serving, promptly refrigerate any leftover seafood to prevent bacterial growth. Do not leave seafood out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Store each type of seafood in separate airtight containers to maintain their flavors and prevent cross-contamination. Seafood typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
