Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Recipe

A Thanksgiving charcuterie board brings all the comforting flavors of the holiday together in a beautiful, shareable display. This board includes a mix of traditional Thanksgiving-inspired items, both savory and sweet, perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even a fun way to use leftovers. Here’s how to assemble an impressive Thanksgiving charcuterie board.

Ingredients

Mix a range of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, breads, and festive treats for a balanced and colorful board.

Meats

1. Turkey Slices – Roasted turkey breast, either sliced deli-style or thinly carved leftovers.
2. Ham Slices – Honey-baked or smoked ham for a sweet and savory contrast.
3. Prosciutto or Salami – Adds a touch of saltiness and a different texture.

Cheeses

1. Aged Cheddar – Sharp and crumbly, perfect for a strong flavor.
2. Brie – Soft and creamy; serve whole or bake for extra indulgence.
3. Goat Cheese – Tangy and smooth; roll in cranberries or herbs for a festive touch.
4. Gruyère or Swiss Cheese – Nutty and semi-hard, easy to slice.
5. Blue Cheese – Rich and pungent for a bold flavor option.

Fruits and Vegetables

1. Grapes – Sweet and juicy, red and green varieties for color contrast.
2. Apple Slices – Use green and red apples; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Dried Cranberries – Chewy, sweet-tart, and a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
4. Pear Slices – Mild and juicy; pairs well with cheese.
5. Carrot Sticks and Celery – Fresh, crisp vegetables for a crunch.

Crackers, Bread, and Nuts

1. Whole Wheat Crackers – Nutty and hearty, great for holding heavier toppings.
2. Sliced Baguette or Crostini – Lightly toasted for a crispy base.
3. Cornbread Muffin Bites – Soft and slightly sweet, reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Mixed Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, and almonds, toasted with cinnamon or rosemary.
5. Stuffing Bites – Small cubes of cooked stuffing, toasted for added flavor.

Dips and Spreads

1. Cranberry Sauce – Sweet and tart; serve in a small bowl for spreading or dipping.
2. Honey or Maple Butter – Whipped butter with honey or maple syrup, for a sweet spread.
3. Mustard or Dijon – Adds a tangy, spicy contrast for meats and cheeses.
4. Pumpkin Butter – Sweet and spiced, for a seasonal touch.
5. Gravy – A small bowl of warm turkey gravy for dipping meats and bread.

Sweet Treats

1. Pumpkin or Pecan Pie Bites – Cut mini pieces of pie or use pie crust cutouts with filling.
2. Dark Chocolate Squares – Rich and bittersweet; pairs well with fruit and cheese.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking.
4. Marshmallow Turkeys – Fun, decorative marshmallow shapes for a festive touch.

Garnishes

1. Fresh Rosemary or Sage – Aromatic herbs to add a pop of green and a Thanksgiving feel.
2. Cinnamon Sticks – For a touch of warm, spicy aroma.
3. Mini Pumpkins or Gourds – For decoration and added fall vibes.

Assembly Instructions

1. Start with bowls for dips and spreads: Place small bowls of cranberry sauce, honey butter, mustard, and other dips around the board to anchor the layout.
2. Add meats and cheeses: Arrange slices of turkey, ham, and cheeses in different sections, using a variety of shapes and sizes for visual appeal.
3. Place fruits and vegetables: Scatter grapes, apple slices, and other fruits around the meats and cheeses, filling in open areas.
4. Add breads, crackers, and nuts: Place bread slices, crackers, and cornbread bites in accessible spots, then sprinkle mixed nuts throughout the board.
5. Include sweet treats and garnishes: Tuck in pie bites, chocolate squares, and pretzels for a sweet contrast, and finish with rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and mini pumpkins.

Serving Tips

• Serve at room temperature: This brings out the full flavors of the cheeses and dips.
• Keep warm items separate: If serving warm gravy or stuffing, keep them on the side with a heat source nearby.
• Provide small plates, forks, and napkins: Make it easy for guests to serve themselves without making a mess.

This Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a festive, shareable feast that brings all your favorite holiday flavors together in one beautiful display!