Festive Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Filled with autumnal colors from dark fruit, orange cheese, seed crackers & your chosen charcuterie, this Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is the perfect festive spread for your appetizer table or Friendsgiving gathering.

I love assembling grazing boards as an appetizer to serve when people are starting to meander to dinner, or as a main event for a small Friendsgiving gathering with friends. Choosing the right colors, pairing a few homemade ingredients with a few store-bought ones, and putting everything together with just the right wine is my kind of jam.

This moody fall board is full of bright flavors - dark grapes, aged gouda cheese, pomegranate goat cheese, rosemary almonds - and they all pair beautifully with crisp, beautiful wines. Whether you go for store-bought or homemade components, you can't go wrong with this combination!

To make your charcuterie board truly shine, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients like pumpkin-spice hummus or maple leaf shaped brie cutouts. And remember, the key to a successful appetizer board is a mix of textures, cohesive colors and a clear idea for how it's all going to flow.

Trust me, your guests are going to LOVE this Thanksgiving board.

Why You're Going to Love This Board

I've put together this Thanksgiving charcuterie board because it is an easy, delicious, and customizable way to serve appetizers. After years of serving grazing boards, I like to think of myself as a cheese board expert—and now I'm here to share all my tips and tricks with you! Based on my experience and some fantastic ideas found online, this board is designed to keep your guests satisfied while you finish preparing the main course.

What makes this board stand out is its versatility. You can easily arrange it to fit your tastes and preferences. Here's what I like to put on my board:

• Meats: Salami, prosciutto, turkey slices
• Cheeses : Gouda, Mimolette, Brie, cheddar, blue cheese, or marinated cheese curds.

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  . I like to cut it into slices, but you can also do cubes or wedges.
• Nuts: Hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios
• Fruits: Grapes, apples, figs
• Vegetables: Olives, pickles, butternut squash or sweet potato chips

Not only does this board offer a wide variety of flavors and textures, I also made sure to include ingredients that are easy to find and don't require much preparation. Plus, the board can be a festive addition to your Thanksgiving table by including seasonal produce such as in-season fruits.

I hope you find this board to be a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving celebration! Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.

What Wine and Drinks to Pair with This Board

When it comes to pairing wine with a Thanksgiving board, it's essential to consider the flavors of the meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments. I suggest starting with a versatile white wine like a Chardonnay. Its rich, buttery notes can enhance the creaminess of brie and other soft cheeses while complementing the saltiness of cured meats.

For those who prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Its delicate, fruity flavors and moderate acidity can balance a variety of charcuterie combinations without overwhelming their tastes. Moreover, its light body makes it an ideal pairing for both mild and more robust cheeses.

Don't forget the bubbly! Sparkling wines such as a Cava or sparkling rosé can pair well with the subtle sweetness of Jamón Ibérico, for example. The effervescence of these wines adds a refreshing contrast to the savory elements on the board.

Remember to choose your wine pairings based on personal preferences and the specific items included in your Thanksgiving appetizer board. Cheers!

Ingredients

To create a delightful Thanksgiving charcuterie board, I gather a variety of ingredients to ensure a balance of flavors and textures.

First, I include goat cheese rolled in pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tanginess. Alongside the cheese, I add smoky almonds roasted with rosemary for an earthy, savory crunch.

For a touch of sweetness, I incorporate butternut squash chips or sweet potato chips, dried apricots, and a French apricot "bread" made from dried apricots and ground nuts.

A selection of cheeses such as Mimolette and aged gouda balance the board with rich, savory flavors. They also have rich orange colors which work well with this board.

No cheese board is complete without fresh fruits and herbs. I use dark grapes, fresh figs, and sprigs of rosemary and sage for a beautiful presentation.

I make my own rosemary almonds, which give the board a herbaceous, smoky flavor. Hazelnuts provide another nutty element to the board, while gluten-free nuts and seeds crackers offer a substantial base for the toppings.

Lastly, I include a choice of salami for those who prefer an optional meat component. This curated selection creates a harmonious and delectable Thanksgiving grazing board that everyone can enjoy.

Step by Step Instructions

First, I'll select a good-sized charcuterie board to serve as my base. I prefer a maple wood board for a rustic appearance.

Next, I place my primary cheese, a ball of pomegranate goat cheese, on the board. Beside the Brie, I include a a jar of honey or fig configure. 

For variety, I add various cheeses on my board. I choose at least 2-3 different types, including neutral and sweet options. Mimolette and Smoked gouda have a nice orange color that goes with the look of this board.

I then choose a variety of crackers and chips. Gluten-free nuts and seeds crackers go in clumps around the board. Chips like homemade butternut squash chips and store-bought sweet potato chips work well, and all add elements of crunch to the board. 

Dried fruits like dried apricots, candied oranges and cranberries also make great additions to my Thanksgiving charcuterie. I don't forget to include fresh fruits like fresh figs and grapes. Fig preserves and an assortment of nuts such as homemade rosemary almonds, hazelnuts, truffle marcona almonds and cashews are essential for added flavor.

In the end, I make sure to arrange everything with precision and care to create an eye-catching Thanksgiving appetizer board that encourages conversation and celebration. I like to work in clumps and arrange the crackers in flowing shapes like rivers, connecting the assorted groupings of ingredients.

Storage

When it comes to storing your Thanksgiving appetizer board, I have a few recommendations. First, if you've prepared your board in advance, you can cover it with plastic wrap or a large beeswax wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

If you have any leftovers after the feast, it's important to properly store each component separately. For cheeses and cured meats, wrap them tightly in plastic or parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. Cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge when stored properly, while cured meats can last up to a month.

For fresh fruits and vegetables on the board, place them in separate, airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. Most fruits and vegetables should last for 3-5 days this way.

Finally, transfer nuts and crackers to airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry. They'll stay fresh for several weeks, just be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging.

By following these simple storage tips, I can ensure that my Thanksgiving grazing board components stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Variations

I love creating Thanksgiving appetizer boards, and I've found that there are endless ways to make them unique and appealing. Here are a few interesting variations I've discovered that might inspire you as well.

One popular idea is to shape the board like a turkey. By arranging cheese slices, salami, and cut veggies strategically, you can achieve this creative design. POP SUGAR Food showcases a simple turkey charcuterie board that's easy to follow.

Another option is to create a seasonal spread focusing on fall flavors. I like incorporating autumn-inspired ingredients such as cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and roasted pecans. You can also include seasonal vegetables like sliced butternut squash or roasted Brussels sprouts. Be sure to check out this Taste of Home article on how to make a Thanksgiving board to get more ideas.

Lastly, don't be afraid to customize your board according to guests' dietary preferences. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available that can make your Thanksgiving cheese board enjoyable for everyone. Look into alternative cheese selections, vegetable-based crackers, and plant-based protein sources, such as smoked tofu or tempeh.

Remember, experimenting with different ideas and ingredients is key to creating a memorable and mouth-watering Thanksgiving grazing board. For additional board ideas, check out my Halloween appetizer board, my bagel board, my apple appetizers and my spring entertaining board.

Serving Suggestions

A charcuterie board can serve as a centerpiece for hosting friends in a casual way this fall season, or it can serve as an appetizer for a multi-course holiday meal. Each configuration comes with different serving suggestions. Here are some dishes I like to serve alongside my Thanksgiving charcuterie: 

I like to serve roasted vegetables alongside my charcuterie board, such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and roasted carrots, which add a pop of color and flavor to the spread. I also like to include a selection of homemade dips, like a creamy sweet potato hummus dip or a tangy cranberry bruschetta, that can be paired with the meats and cheeses.

Another favorite of mine is a warm and comforting dish like a homemade cornbread or a savory sweet potato stuffing, which adds a hearty element to the charcuterie board. These dishes not only add variety and depth to the spread but also offer a range of flavors and textures for guests to enjoy. 

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