Without a doubt, cutting boards are important kitchen utensils. However, they’re not irreplaceable. In fact, there are many alternatives that you can opt for when you don’t have one around.
Thanks to a cutting board, we have a durable and protective surface to put food for cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing. Cutting boards are also increasingly popular as charcuterie boards, as well as decorative elements for kitchens.
But, when there’s no cutting board around, you can opt for other awesome alternatives such as laminated wooden boards used for cupboards, a laminate sheet, a kitchen plate, a lid from a plastic container, and cutting mats for arts and crafts, etc.
With this in mind, the next time you’re unsure of what to use instead of a cutting board when you need it the most, think of the list we’ve prepared for you below!
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What Are the Best Uses of Cutting Boards?
Cutting boards are indispensable parts of both home and professional kitchens.
They’re the ideal surface, as the name already suggests, to cut different foods and prepare them for cooking or serving.
But, you can also use it to chop, dice, mash, etc.
But, food prep is only one of the many uses that cutting boards have to offer. It’s very important to note that cutting boards are protective barriers between our knives and the countertop area.
Cutting boards are made of strong materials like wood, bamboo, plastic, marble, and glass.
Each of these materials has its pros and cons. In addition to being used for food prep, here are some other great reasons why a cutting board is an indispensable kitchen utensil:
- A platter for serving
Cutting boards, especially wooden, bamboo, and glass ones, make an awesome charcuterie board.
What’s more, they’re great for carving up roasted meat right on the table, for everyone’s enjoyment.
What’s more, these boards are often used as a fruit and cheese platter for buffets or hors d’oeuvres.
- A trivet for hot dishes
Prevent your hot pots, pans, and plates from damaging your countertops and tables by using your cutting boards as trivets.
Most quality cutting boards, especially ones of wood, bamboo, and glass are made heat-resistant to a certain temperature and can go undamaged if they come into contact with heat.
But, these boards must never be used in the oven or the microwave or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity for prolonged periods of time.
This will eventually weaken them and cause irreparable damage.
- A cake platter
If you don’t have a cake platter, your round cutting board can save you! They make awesome cake platters, especially bamboo and wooden ones.
To make things look even better, you can cover the board with a piece of butcher paper, with the shiny side up.
This doesn’t just keep your board safe from stains, but it creates a blank backdrop and eases the cleaning of any frosting spills.
What Can I Use instead of a Cutting Board?
The reasons for having at least one cutting board in your kitchen are numerous. But, there are moments when we simply don’t have one.
Maybe we’re currently renting a home or in a process of moving. Or, maybe our current one is broken and needs to be replaced.
Whichever the reason for not having one, what matters is a backup, i.e., knowing which are the best alternatives we can use instead of a cutting board and not miss out on optimal food preparation or presentation.
Below, check out the best alternatives to cutting boards, most of which you probably already have at home! No need to panic when you don’t have a cutting board-these alternatives come to the rescue:
- A plate
We’ve all been there and this method works great.
You can chop, dice, or slice directly onto a plate. Or, feel free to serve food on plates, they’re made for this.
But, avoid using your favorite or most expensive plates for cutting and slicing to prevent scratches. The older, cheaper plates without a deep rim are the ideal option!
- A cutting mat
Inexpensive and versatile, cutting mats are an awesome alternative to cutting boards. They don’t take up a lot of space, are lightweight, and can easily be found in local stores or online.
Have one in your kitchen drawer and never “fear” not having your cutting board with you!
- A piece of laminate
Laminate comes in different types and floors.
You can use wall and book laminates or small pieces of floor laminate as alternatives to cutting boards.
They don’t take up space, are affordable, and you may already have a piece or two in your home.
Although it’s not the ideal long-term option, it can be short-term protection for your countertops and tables when you don’t have a cutting board.
- Container lids
Plastic lids from ice cream containers or from other foods can be quite sturdy and help you finish a cutting or slicing task when there’s no cutting board nearby.
However, they tend to be smaller and don’t provide a larger surface for work. Anyway, they’re ideal for smaller fruits and veggies.
- Raw pieces of wood
If you’re someone who does projects around your home, you probably have some wooden boards in the garage that can make a great cutting board.
The laminated ones can be awesome, but you can also do a little DIY project and make yourself a useful cutting board.
Sand the raw board with a fine paper grid to make a smooth surface, free of splinters. You can also seal the wood with food-grade oil. Your cutting board is now ready!
There Are Alternatives of Cutting Board
Cutting boards are an indispensable part of every kitchen, both at home and in professional kitchens. We use them for so many tasks besides cutting, chopping, and slicing.
In fact, cutting boards are so versatile that they’re our trivets, platters, countertop protections, serving surfaces, and more.
However, there are moments when we don’t have a cutting board-whether it’s because we’re in a moving process or at your weekend house, we seem to need it the most when we don’t have it!
With this in mind, it’s good to know that there are actually a lot of alternatives that can be used instead of a cutting board. Some of the most common ones that we presented are probably already in your home, so everything is sorted out!
