Bloody Mary Grazing Board

This vibrant and savory Bloody Mary Grazing Board is a brunch-lover’s dream—built around everyone’s favorite cocktail and overflowing with bold garnishes that double as snacks. It’s playful, unexpected, and packed with personality. Ideal for hosting a boozy brunch, Sunday gathering, or special occasion, this board serves up crowd-pleasing flavor and eye-catching color.

Serves: 10–12 guests

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This board features classic Bloody Mary garnishes, each served generously to satisfy a group of 10–12:

• Shrimp (cooked and peeled) – 2 lbs

• Celery stalks (cut into sticks) – 10 stalks

• Pickles (cornichons or mini dill) – 3 cups

• Bacon strips (cooked crisp) – 18–20 slices

• Green olives (stuffed or plain) – 2 cups, served in a small bowl

• Cheddar cheese cubes – 2 cups (about 1 lb)

• Mini Bloody Marys – 12 small glasses (4 oz each) filled with Bloody Mary mix, each garnished with celery or bacon

Instructions

1. Start with your board: Choose a large wooden board or tray that fits your guest count. A round or oval shape works beautifully for visual flow.

2. Anchor with Bloody Marys: Evenly space the mini Bloody Mary glasses around the board. These act as visual anchors and set the tone for the build.

3. Build around with proteins:

   • Fan the cooked shrimp on one section.

   • Stack the bacon in a loose, overlapping row on another side for height and texture.

4. Layer in crunch and color:

   • Arrange celery sticks in a bundle or a radial pattern.

   • Pour pickles into a dense pile.

   • Place green olives into a small wood or ceramic bowl for contrast and containment.

5. Finish with cheese:

   • Add cheese cubes in neat clusters to fill remaining spaces, allowing color and form to pop.

6. Balance and fill:

   • Ensure the board looks abundant by tucking ingredients into open gaps.

   • Keep red (Bloody Marys, bacon) and green (celery, olives, pickles) tones evenly distributed for aesthetic impact.

Tips for Hosting

• DIY Garnish Station: Let guests customize their drinks with extra hot sauce, lemon wedges, or spice blends.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep and refrigerate ingredients the night before; assemble just before serving.

• Non-Alcoholic Option: Offer a Virgin Mary version using the same garnishes for inclusive fun.

Why This Board Works

The bold red and green palette makes this board pop on any rustic table. It’s both practical and playful—serving as drink, snack, and conversation starter in one. Ideal for large groups and easy to scale, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your next festive gathering.