I love making an elaborate charcuterie board. Few things are as appealing than a beautiful board laden with colorful fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, vegan meats and cheeses, pickles, crackers, and other delectable finger foods.

Don’t let the simple preparation of a charcuterie board fool you; a lot of thought goes into creating the perfect assortment of flavors. Pay attention to textures as well as flavors. Be sure to include some sweetness, saltiness, and even a touch of sour on your board. Additionally, you want a variety of textures, like soft cheeses, crispy crackers, and a variety of crunchy and soft fruits and vegetables.

There are no rules when it comes to assembling your board. Food that is appealing to look at always tastes better, so include various colors too. Have fun with it!

Make it a Meal

Next time you entertain a group of friends, start the meal off with a beautiful Charcuterie Board! Try it with my Ultimate 4th of July Picnic featuring Vegan Oyster Rolls.

Spaghetti with marinara sauce is a traditional Italian dish turned American classic. Marinara is one of the world’s greatest sauces. It complements a variety of foods, from pasta to pizza and flatbread, and makes a delicious dipping sauce for cheese sticks, onion rings, and more.

Marinara is one of the simplest red sauces. It consists of very few ingredients — just olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and sometimes onions. This basic recipe is a great cornerstone to build on. Let your creativity turn it into another sauce or embellish with a variety of herbs and spices.

The carrot in this recipe adds a sweetness and cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes, while the Nut and Seed Parmesan makes a yummy topping. You can also add in vegetables or faux meat crumbles to the mix for a heartier meal.

The vegan parmesan in this recipe makes a wonderful topping for salads and other dishes. It adds a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor to many foods.

Make it a Meal

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce is hearty and filling. Complete the meal with a side of green vegetables, like Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction or Roasted Romanesco Broccoli.

Mozzarella sticks are wonderful fried cheese sticks that are coated with breading to contain the melted goodness. Biting into a crispy shell to a string of gooey, stringy cheese is a delicious, fantastic mess. This is one appetizer that is not on many vegan menus, so I set out to create a dairy-free recipe for Vegan Mozzarella Sticks to satisfy any craving for this yummy snack!

What is Vegan Cheese?

Years ago, being vegan meant no cheese. But in recent years, the introduction of many types of vegan cheeses means we no longer have to skip the cheese. I’ve tried several types and brands of vegan cheeses, so here is a brief run-down of the types available.

Vegan cheese involves combining plant-based protein with lactic bacteria. Many cheeses also include oils, emulsifiers, and thickeners for flavor and texture.

Depending on the brand and type of cheese, vegan cheese ingredients may include:

• Soy protein
• Solidified vegetable oil (such as coconut, palm, or safflower)
• Nuts (including cashews, macadamias, and almonds)
• Plant-based flours, like tapioca, almond, or cashew
• Pea protein
• Potato or corn starch
• Plant-based milks, such as almond or coconut

When selecting vegan cheese, be sure to read the ingredients list. Some varieties may be processed to get the desired flavor and texture. “Vegan” dose not always mean healthy. Also beware if you are sensitive to soy, as many vegan cheeses contain tofu or other soy derivatives.

Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

I don’t make a habit of eating fried foods often, but every now and then, an indulgent fried tasty bit is in order. These vegan mozzarella sticks are sure to satisfy any crispy, gooey, fried food craving! Especially dipped in homemade tangy marinara sauce.

Make it a Meal

These Vegan Mozzarella Sticks are a great starter for any gathering. Serve them just before these Vegan Oyster Rolls.

Baked ziti, or Ziti al Forno, is a generic term that describes any oven baked pasta. Oven baked pastas date back to the late Middle Ages when they were served to nobles at banquets. The method caught on across Italy, and eventually became a staple dish across southern Italy. It is still popular today in Sicily and Campania. Try this Vegan Baked Ziti with Sausage for a unique twist on this traditional favorite.

There are many different variations of baked ziti. This recipe is a traditional tomato sauce with a play on a vegan béchamel. Spicy vegan sausage brings flavor and warmth to the dish.

Baked ziti is versatile. Try different varieties like: vegan chicken and Alfredo sauce, buffalo spiced jackfruit, or added vegetables, like kale, Brussels sprouts, or peas.

Next up is the cheese sauce. The apple cider vinegar in this recipe lends a tangy, cheesy flavor. Be sure to grab a live apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s. This brings a dose of beneficial bacteria known as probiotics.

Here’s the Technique

Start by making your pasta sauce. Unless you have a specific tool that breaks up meat, you can use your hands, a wooden spoon, or other utensil to break up the sausage into crumbles.

This recipe is possibly even better as reheated leftovers than when first out of the oven. Be sure to allow the rest time after cooking. This ensures that the pasta comes together a bit, and that your mouth doesn’t get burned on molten cheese sauce.

Make it a Meal

Cut through the richness of Vegan Baked Ziti with these Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts.