In Flight Charcuterie Board
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An excellent way to make a long haul flight feel more luxurious and indulgent is to not be relegated to plane food.
And what feels more indulgent than a charcuterie board? The good news is that you don’t need to be in first class to enjoy one!
So you have a vacation booked? Congratulations! If you’re someone who hates long haul flights, you’re certainly not alone. However, as someone who actually looks forward to a 12 hour flight to Asia, I’m on a one-woman mission to change your opinion. Let’s start with the food.
(FYI, I actually like airplane food, but I’m not going to try to convert you on that one. I’m on an island here, and I’m okay with that.)
There are two things to get out of the way: you don’t have a refrigerator, and it will take up some space in your carry on. Both of these are easy to deal with though!
As for the first issue, I explain how to sidestep that below in each of the board recommendation sections, and as for travel containers, Amazon has lots of options that are space efficient if you get creative!
A note about nutrition: I write a lot about liver health, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and giving your body the nutrients it needs.
That being said, you should indulge from time to time.
While the goal of this charcuterie board isn’t to be your healthiest self, there are lots of options to put on it that are nutritionally beneficial. (There are often a lot of fruits, and sometimes vegetables, on it, plus cheese has protein and calcium!)
I wrote a post on nutrition on a long-haul flight here, so while I still recommend treating your body well, it’s okay to really savor some food while you’re on vacation! Eating healthy on a long haul flight and treating yourself don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water with this because it can get a little heavy on the sodium!
First let’s go over my recommendations and favorite options, then we can talk packaging.
Cheese.
Let’s start off with some cheese. I know you don’t have a fridge on a plane at your disposal, but some cheeses are better suited to go longer without refrigeration than others. Also, you should consider getting a bag that you can throw in your carry on that will keep all your supplies chilled and insulated.
These can all be carried separately as your personal item or consolidated into the bigger carry on that go under the seat in front of you.
Cheeses that are aged or have lower moisture content generally last longer without refrigeration compared to fresh, soft cheeses. Some cheeses can be stored at room temperature for short periods of time, especially if they are kept in a cool, dry place and properly sealed to prevent exposure to air and contaminants. Some good options:
1. Hard cheeses…
…have low moisture content and can last longer when stored in a cool, dry place. The cheese should be kept in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in wax paper. These cheeses include:
Parmesan
Pecorino Romano
Grana Padano
Gruyere
Manchego
2. Aged Cheddar…
…which has a lower moisture content than young cheddar, can also be stored at room temperature for a few weeks. Again, it should be kept in a sealed container to prevent drying out or exposure to contaminants.
3. Aged Gouda…
…with lower moisture content can last longer without refrigeration compared to young Gouda. Store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
4. Blue Cheese…
…some blue cheeses, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, can be stored at room temperature for a limited time if they are properly wrapped to prevent drying and contamination. These cheeses are known for their mold development, which can help protect them from harmful bacteria.
It's important to note that the shelf life of these cheeses without refrigeration can vary based on factors like temperature, humidity, and the specific cheese's moisture content. Obviously check the cheese for any signs of that it’s off, like the smell or a change in texture.
So to recap, think hard and aged cheeses rather than soft and young!
And perhaps the most important point: don’t bring any stinky cheese!
Fruit and Veggies.
Grapes
Mango
Cantaloupe
Berries
Sliced apples and pears
Drizzle with some lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Pomegranate arils
Save yourself time and buy these pre-shucked rather than wrassling with a pomegranate the night before your flight.
Mandarins
I always travel with these anyway. They’re sturdy and last awhile, so I bring enough to have in my hotel when I get where I’m going.
Dried figs, dates, and apricots
Rainbow baby carrots
Sliced cucumbers
Pickled veggies (including pickles)
Olives
Marinated garlic cloves
These don’t smell as strongly as minced garlic does. Keep it in a sealed container as you’re enjoying your board, taking pieces out when you need them, if you’re concerned about the smell.
Dips.
Tip on packing these: travel toiletry bottles (that you wash first, of course) hold these liquid-ish items well and can go in your quart-size liquid bag. You can try packing them in your carry on outside that bag, but there is a chance that the TSA won’t allow them.
Pumpkin butter, fig preserves, and apple butter
Honey (FYI, this kills bacteria that causes tummy troubles and a bunch of other annoyances!)
These three are great sweet options that complement the saltiness of the meats and creaminess of the cheese, plus enhance the sweetness of the fruits!
Hummus
(You can get this at the airport too!) I pair hummus with just about everything.
Other. I.e. Carbs and Meat.
Crackers
All kinds, every kind, new kinds.
Small loaf of bread
I actually legitimately prefer whole grains to white bread.
Nothing screams European indulgence like ripping a piece of bread right off the loaf to top with cheese and honey. (And even if you’re not going to Europe, this helps you pretend you are.)
Nuts
I particularly love almonds, pistachios, and cashews. If you can, go for lower sodium options – there are lots of nuts flavored with spices (rosemary is my favorites).
Salami and prosciutto
Any salted Italian meats are perfect! While you should limit how much salt you eat (especially on a plane), you should indulge a bit. And a little of this goes a long way! The benefit of the salt content here is that they can go longer without refrigeration.
Chocolate squares
I need not say anything more.
If you make one of these, please tag me on your Instagram post (@havehealthdotravel) or email me a picture! I’m always looking for new ideas, and I appreciate your creativity and inspiration!!!
In terms of how to tote this, here are two great options: oneis a tackle box or craft box! The divided trays are perfect for accommodating a bunch of different flavors without having them soak into each other before you serve them up! The second is small resealable containers that pack well in your insulated bag.
For further tips on how to travel for over a week with just a carry on (been there, done that!), sign up for my free carry on packing list:
