Serving boards give you space to prepare a delicious snack layout for parties, dinners, or picnics. While the boards might look like basic wood cutting boards, you need to consider what you’re serving to find the right board for your needs. Slate and wood serving boards have plenty of space to showcase a variety of cheese, meat, crackers, nuts, fruit, and more.
If you want to serve items like olives or cherry tomatoes without worrying that they’ll roll away or moisten the other food, you can put them in a bowl. Using serving boards with bowls also helps facilitate passing around the goods so everyone can snag what they want.
Top 6 Slate and Wood Serving Boards With Bowls Reviewed
These six slate and wood serving boards with bowls offer something for everyone. You’ll find different sizes and styles so you can have space for all your favorite snacks.
1. Picnic at Ascot Bamboo Charcuterie Platter
This wood serving board with bowls is beautiful in its simplicity. You get a solid bamboo board with a golden-stain finish. The board itself is 13 inches wide by 13 inches long. It stands about two inches above the table thanks to rubber feet that stabilize it.
The three ceramic serving bowls are perfect for olives, pickles, nuts, jams, or other condiments. There’s no limit to what you can serve in these bowls because they include bamboo spoons. Your guests will have no problem scooping out just enough of the snack.
Pros
- Bowls are inset to stay in place while serving
- Board looks upscale for fancy dinners
- It’s light enough to transport for picnics
- The set includes matching bamboo spoons
Cons
- Board isn’t durable enough to double as a cutting board
- Spoons are shallower than typical teaspoons
2. Large Slate Cheese Board and Knife Set with Bowls
Sometimes it’s more impressive to let your snacks speak for themselves. Your food assortment is sure to pop on this dark serving board. The slate slab is thick and sturdy and can double as a cutting board. Bumper feet prevent the stone from scratching your table or countertops.
The board is 16 inches long and 12 inches wide, so you have plenty of room for cheese, meat, crackers, and fruit. Three square ceramic bowls can hold nuts, round snacks, dips, and condiments.
This set is ideal for starting out with charcuterie because it includes four stainless steel serving utensils. You get a thin knife, a chisel knife, a heart knife, and a serving fork. It also comes with stone chalk so you can label each item.
Pros
- Slate board has bumper feet to prevent scratches
- Includes four stainless steel serving utensils
- Three small bowls hold round items and dips
- Includes stone chalk to label each snack
Cons
- Bowls aren’t inset, so they can slide off the tray
- It’s not microwavable or dishwasher safe
3. Shanik Acacia Wood Serving Board With Bowls
The dark acacia wood of the Shanik serving board elevates your charcuterie from a snack assortment to an elegant dining experience. The board itself is 15 inches long and 13 inches wide. It’s made of stained wood, with inset spaces for three bowls and a slate cutting surface.
The slate portion easily lifts out of the acacia wood to store three serving utensils in the board itself. The ceramic bowls are rectangular and fit in cutouts at the top of the board. There are also inset sections for crackers or bread. The board’s design makes it easy to carry from the kitchen to the table without losing any snacks.
Pros
- Inset areas keep bowls and crackers from sliding around
- Serving utensils store neatly inside the board
- The slate section lifts out for easy cleaning
- Comes with a velvet bag to store it safely
Cons
- Wood section scuffs and scratches easily
- The slate portion doesn’t fit snugly and might wobble
4. SMIRLY Bamboo Cheese Board Set
The SMIRLY serving board with bowls includes everything you’d need to serve your guests a delicious assortment of foods. Instead of overfilling one panel, there’s an additional round fruit tray with five spacious sections.
Two ceramic bowls fit into the larger tray’s corners. The tray is 17 inches long and 13 inches wide. The top of the board has three square insets to keep items like nuts, grapes, or olives from rolling away.
The set also includes four serving knives that fit into a magnetic holder. If you cut everything ahead of time, you can leave off the holder to have more space on the board. But if you want to include knives for convenience, they stand up perfectly along the edge of the tray.
Pros
- Includes insets for nuts and bowls for liquid and dips
- Comes with a matching fruit tray
- The magnetic holder keeps serving utensils in place
- Includes four serving knives and six sampler forks
Cons
- Bowls and insets aren’t very deep
- Utensils aren’t strong enough for hard meats and cheeses
5. Shanik Square Acacia Charcuterie Set
The previous Shanik offering on this list is an excellent option for beginners, but if you want to include countless snacks, dips, and condiments, you need to upgrade to their square charcuterie set. This board has hidden drawers that expand to offer more space, utensils, and ceramic dishes.
The board is 14 by 14 inches square at its most compact size. Two hidden drawers pull out to store cutting utensils and extra ceramic plates. Four corner-shaped ceramic bowls sit on the board’s edges. The entire border of the board is inset, so nothing will roll away during transport.
Pros
- Two hidden drawers include more dishes and utensils
- Remove the drawers to have three serving boards in one
- Unique shaped ceramic bowls make this board look fancy
- Have the option to keep it compact or spread everything out
Cons
- Board loses durability over time
- Wood warps with washing, making it hard to remove drawers
6. ChefSofi Round Charcuterie Board Set
For people wanting something a little different, this round charcuterie board set stands out. It’s 13 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of room for a snack assortment. There are two layers to the board, so you can store four serving utensils underneath the cutting section.
Four ceramic bowls sit around the board’s edge to maximize the space. There’s also an inset along the other side of the board to prevent nuts, crackers, and other small items from rolling away. The center section is sturdy enough to use as a cutting board.
Pros
- The compact cutting board has room for utensil storage
- The round design is unique and attractive
- Four bowls provide plenty of space for liquids, dips, and condiments
- Comes with four serving knives and forks
Cons
- Knives might warp when used with hard cheese or cured meat
- Not much larger than a dinner plate, so best for small gatherings
Things To Consider Before Buying Serving Boards With Bowls
After seeing six great options for charcuterie sets, you might be unsure what’s best for you. Consider these major factors before you buy a slate or wood serving board with bowls.
Size
The size of the serving board depends on what you plan to serve. If you’re having a small gathering, you don’t need a large, bulky board. But you don’t want to buy a compact board and end up piling your snacks on top of each other. Some of the best options on this list are those with hidden drawers and removable sections so you can spread out your food offerings.
Material
Plastic cutting boards were once more popular than wood, but you can’t beat the look of a wooden serving board. When there’s a slate inset included, you elevate a charcuterie board into a work of art. It’s also nice to use stone chalk to label items on a slate board.
Ceramic bowls are the most common accessory you’ll see with slate or wood serving boards. They’re durable, simple, and fit in with their neutral color. You can pop them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup after your party.
Care Instructions
People often think wood isn’t as hygienic as ceramic or glass, but it’s fine as long as you clean it properly. Don’t soak it in water, as that makes the wood split. You can hand wash it with hot soapy water and dry it immediately.
Slate has a textured surface that can harbor bacteria. Many slate cutting boards come with a food-safe sealant already applied. As with wooden items, hand wash slate with warm soapy water and dry it with a kitchen towel. Slate boards with no backing or rubber feet are usually dishwasher safe but double-check with the manufacturer first.
Conclusion
Having the right slate or wood serving boards with bowls can elevate any gathering. You have space to provide a snack assortment to your guests. The bowls keep liquids from the dry items and prevent round food from rolling away. The boards also add an element of style to your party. Buy one today to keep all your snacks within arm’s reach.
