As we step into the New Year, we’re reminded of what truly matters—you. Every loaf of artisan bread we bake is made with care, inspired by the moments you create around your table. Whether it’s our crusty sourdough paired with your treasured family recipe or our French baguette bringing loved ones together, you’re at the heart of everything we do at La Brea Bakery.
The New Year is a chance to embrace fresh starts and meaningful changes. It’s about discovering foods that make you feel good—mind, body, and soul. That’s why we craft our breads with you in mind, balancing flavor, quality, and nourishment to help you enjoy every bite.
In this blog, we’re sharing ideas to help you stay true to your goals while savoring life’s moments. From building lighter, New Year’s resolution-friendly charcuterie boards and grazing platters to adding artisan flair to your everyday meals, these tips are designed to make your year more flavorful and fulfilling.
5 Tips to Assemble a Beautiful Charcuterie Board
- Start with the bread. Arrange a variety of La Brea Bakery breads in clusters around the board.
- Add proteins. Layer lean meats like sliced turkey, prosciutto, smoked salmon, and sausage in separate areas.
- Create colorful produce piles. Group fruits and vegetables for a visually balanced board.
- Feature dips in bowls. Use small bowls, ramekins, or jars to keep dips neat and inviting.
- Sprinkle garnishes. Add microgreens, herbs, seeds, and/or nuts around the board for a final flourish.
Harvest Harmony Board
Start with crostini made from our Rustic 8 Grain Loaf, cubes or thin slices of Three-Cheese Semolina Loaf, and bite-size pieces of Toasted Sunflower Honey Loaf. Add thinly sliced turkey breast seasoned with black pepper, smoked salmon, and trimmed prosciutto. Layer in slices of sharp cheddar, a ramekin of creamy goat cheese, and fresh mozzarella. For the fruits and veggies, add some apple slices, dried figs, roasted Brussels sprouts, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. Flavorful spreads can include whipped ricotta and hummus. Almonds or walnuts add crunch, and pomegranate seeds make a colorful garnish.
Alternative options include:
- Chicken sausage slices
- Brie or cream cheese
- Pear wedges
- Roasted zucchini, carrot sticks, or radishes
- Mashed avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper
- Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs
- Apricot or fig preserves
- Sunflower seeds
Wholesome Bounty Board
Slices of La Brea Bakery New York Rye Loaf, bite-size pieces of our Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf, and crostini made from Italian Round Loaf start off this board with amazing artisan flavor. For the lean meats, layer in sliced chorizo, pastrami, and capicola or trimmed prosciutto. Add a variety of cheeses like monterey jack, queso fresco, and parmigiano reggiano. Fruits can include pineapple chunks, dried mango and cranberries, and fresh figs; and vegetables can include roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, and freshly sliced avocado. Be sure to feature dips and spreads like jalapeño jam, grainy mustard, and olive tapenade. Roasted walnuts and fresh basil leaves make an aromatic and attractive garnish.
Alternative options include:
- Smoked turkey, corned beef, or smoked salmon
- Swiss, havarti, or mozzarella cheese
- Pickles or olives
- Roasted pecans
- Dried cherries or medjool dates
- Salsa, dijon mustard, or basil pesto
Rustic Elegance Board
For this board, we’ll use crispy crostini made from our classic French Baguette, slices of Pecan Raisin Loaf, and bite-size pieces of Sourdough Baguette. Add layers of prosciutto, smoked duck, and soppressata, as well as aged cheddar slices, crumbled blue cheese, and creamy mascarpone or brie. Strawberries, apple slices, grapes, and dried apricots offer some sweet options; and vegetables can include roasted red peppers, arugula or baby spinach, and pickled red onions. For the spreads and dips, consider fig or apricot preserves, olive tapenade, herb-infused olive oil, and whole-grain mustard. Garnish with candied pecans.
Alternative options include:
- Roast beef, smoked ham, or smoked salmon
- Gruyère, camembert, goat cheese, comté, or burrata
- Dried figs, pear slices, blackberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds
- Sliced cucumbers, endive leaves, or sliced fennel
- Cinnamon-infused butter, sea salt flakes for sprinkling
No matter the occasion (or no occasion at all!) thoughtfully crafted grazing boards like these are sure to impress. With their hearty artisan breads, lean proteins, vibrant seasonal produce, and deliciously light spreads, they offer something for everyone while keeping things fresh and wholesome. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or treating yourself to an elevated snack night, these boards strike the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and elegance. So grab your favorite platter, get creative with the arrangement, and let the grazing begin.
Let’s Get Social
Tell us your favorite variety and share your creations made with La Brea Bakery artisan bread by using #LaBreaBakery on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
