Lord of the Rings Inspired “Shirecuterie” Board
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“It’s no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
It’s time for another foray into Middle Earth to seek out the best recipes found throughout the realms. I have loved the Lord of the Rings series since I was about ten; primed by the release of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, I even went as far as to read all of the books in the trilogy – plus The Hobbit and pieces of The Silmarillion – before I was even in junior high.
So to say that I love the Lord of the Rings almost as much as I love Harry Potter is no understatement. I spent a majority of my childhood blending the two worlds in my own fantastical backyard – often pretending to be an arrow-toting, potions-making, Hobbit-esque flower child that I pretty much grew up to embody as an adult (minus the arrows).
I actually can’t believe it has taken me so long to take a dive into the fictional feasts of Middle Earth – food and LOTR go hand in hand. Tolkien loved describing his worlds, and especially used depictions of food to fill in the scene and create a lively atmosphere in his stories.
“I am in fact a Hobbit in all but size. I like gardens, trees, and unmechanised farmlands. I smoke a pipe, and I like good, plain food- unrefrigerated. I detest French cooking.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
We have that in common, Mr. Tolkien.

Concerning Hobbits
Hobbits especially had an appreciation for food – and also for partying. Often keeping a stash of goodies tucked away for second breakfast, midnight snack, or unexpected company…
This cheese board is based on all things Hobbits would enjoy: crusty bread, homemade butters, sweet jams, cheeses, fresh fruits, and more.
Plus, there are a few exotic bits and bobs that would have been gathered on various adventures.



Making “Shirecuterie” aka a Cheese Board fit for Hobbits
Finding all the tasty tidbits to put on your cheese board is an adventure in itself. Gather your ingredients and channel your inner Hobbit. First, you’ll want to lay out your base – the crusty bread, crackers, and lembas bread slices. These will serve as the foundation for all the delicious toppings and spreads.
Next, arrange the cheeses. Think of it as a journey through the different regions of Middle Earth – from the smoky depths of the Mines of Moria (hello, smoked cheddar) to the bright and tangy fields of the Shire (enter, brie). The variety in cheeses will add different textures and flavors to your board.
Now, onto the meats. Slice up that wild boar saucisson and the summer sausage. Lay them out in a way that makes them easy to grab for a quick bite. Don’t forget the orc jerky – it’s a bit gnarly, but it’s supposed to be.
For the veggies and fruits, scatter them around the board in little clusters. Grapes and gooseberries can be nestled among the cheeses, while cucumbers and cherry tomatoes add pops of color and crunch.
Finally, add the finishing touches with your jams, jellies, and homemade butter. These are the little surprises that will keep your guests coming back for more. Place them in small bowls or directly on the board if you’re going for a more rustic look.

Here’s What You Need
Here are the best fingerfoods you can snack on while (re)watching Lord of the Rings.
- lembas bread – find my recipe for Elvish bread here!
- boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato stew shooters – potatoes three ways recipe here!
- orc jerky
- Smeagol’s sashimi toasts – get the recipe here!
- Gollum’s rabbit tartine – find the recipe here!
- crusty bread
- wild boar saucisson
- sliced ham & summer sausage
- salted eggs
- grapes & gooseberries
- blackberries, raspberries & strawberries
- homemade butter
- assorted jams & jellies (sweet & spicy)
- dried fruits & nuts
- cucumber & fresh veggies
- crackers
- assorted regional cheeses
Feel free to add your own favorite Lord of the Rings inspired treats to your Shirecuterie board as well! Hobbits do constantly surprise, afterall.



PO-TAY-TOES
No Hobbit feast would be complete without potatoes. Whether you boil ’em, mash ’em, or stick ’em in a stew, you’ll want to have them represented on your Shirecuterie board. For this, I’ve gone with three styles: boiled potato skewers, mashed potato fries, and loaded potato soup shooters. Each one brings a different texture and flavor to the table – just what Samwise Gamgee would have wanted.


Meat’s Back on the Menu, Boys!
As any good Tolkien fan knows, the orcs weren’t exactly known for their culinary skills. But we’re here to change that perception, at least a little. For the jerky, I went with two types: sweet BBQ and an insanely spicy variety I like to call “Devil’s Kiss.” The spicy one has a gnarly appearance that always reminds me of something an orc would tuck away in a sheep skin pouch.


Gollum vs Smeagol
Representing the dual nature of Gollum and Smeagol, we have two very different croustinis on the board. The Smeagol sashimi toast is light and fresh, something you might picture the kinder, gentler side of the character enjoying. On the other hand, Gollum’s rabbit tartine is heartier and a little wild, much like the creature himself.

Tips for a Perfect Shirecuterie Board
- Serve at room temperature: Let the cheeses and meats sit out for a bit before serving to bring out their best flavors.
- Mix textures and flavors: Variety is key. Include soft, creamy cheeses like brie, along with harder options like smoked cheddar, to keep things interesting.
- Don’t overcrowd the board: Give each item its space. A crowded board can be overwhelming, and you want your guests to be able to see and access all the goodies.
- Keep it fresh: Use fresh fruits and veggies for the best flavor and appearance. They also help balance the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- Label your ingredients: If you’re serving a crowd, consider labeling the different cheeses and spreads, so everyone knows what they’re getting into.
Common Questions About This Lord of the Rings Themed Shirecuterie Board
- How far in advance can I assemble the board?
- It’s best to assemble the board within a couple of hours before serving. Keep items like cheeses and meats chilled until you’re ready to serve, then let them come to room temperature.
- Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
- Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies. The idea is to create a board that you and your guests will love.
- What’s the best way to serve the jams and jellies?
- Use small bowls or ramekins to keep the jams and jellies contained. This helps prevent them from mixing with other items on the board.
- How do I keep everything from sliding around on the board?
- Start with a large, sturdy board. Use smaller bowls or ramekins for items like olives, jams, and nuts to create natural barriers and keep everything in place.
- What drinks pair well with a Shirecuterie board?
- A good ale, cider, or a bottle of wine would all pair beautifully with this spread. Consider something light and refreshing to complement the richness of the board.

Shoutout to my hubby for custom building the wooden charcuterie board and Hobbit door, specifically for this recipe! Check out his woodworking Instagram @ChuckandMoonbeam

Need More LOTR Recipes?
Find more Lord of the Rings recipes here!
@fictionalfeastfelicia make a SHIREcuterie board for Hobbits 🌿 #hobbitcore #ringsofpower #lordoftherings #recipe ♬ Hobbit – The Middle-Earth Orchestra
In the end, this Shirecuterie board is all about bringing a little bit of Middle Earth into your kitchen. It’s a fun way to channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy some of the best snacks inspired by Tolkien’s world. Whether you’re watching The Lord of the Rings for the first time or the hundredth, this board is a perfect companion. Just remember, it’s not just about the food, but the adventure of putting it together and sharing it with friends and family. So grab your favorite ale, settle in, and enjoy your journey through the flavors of the Shire.

Lord of the Rings SHIREcuterie Board
Ingredients
Cheese Ideas
- brie
- manchego
- Butterkäse
- applewood smoked pepperjack
- smoked cheddar
- chili chego
Butter, Jams & Jellies
- homemade butter
- holiday jam
- wild blueberry jelly
- raspberry peach champagne jam
- pineapple mango habanero jelly
- hot pepper peach jam
Meat Ideas
- sweet BBQ beef jerky
- spicy beef jerky
- Black Forest ham
- summer sausage
- venison sausage
- wild boar saucisson
Middle Earth-Inspired
- lembas bread focaccia slices
- boiled potato skewers garlic & dill potato skewers
- mashed potato fries
- potato soup shooters loaded potato soup
- salted eggs hardboiled eggs with a sprinkle of salt from the Shire
- sashimi toast lox croustini
- rabbit tartine rabbit roulade croustini
Miscellaneous Additions
- cucumber slices
- crackers
- cherry tomatoes
- red & green grapes
- Cape gooseberries
- blackberries
- raspberries
- strawberries
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients on a large circular board with a Hobbit-inspired door in the center. Enjoy while marathoning Lord of the Rings!