Name: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Aged cheddar (1 selection); Brie or camembert (1 selection); Gouda or Havarti (1 selection); Blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles (1 selection); Dairy-free cheese (optional); Smoked turkey slices or roast chicken (1 selection); Beef salami or bresaola (1 selection); Turkey pepperoni (optional); Prosciutto (optional); Seeded crackers (1 selection); Crostini (1 selection); Pretzel crisps (1 selection); Gluten-free crackers (1 selection); Fresh fruits: apple slices, pears, grapes, figs (mix); Dried fruits: apricots, cranberries, or dates (mix); Fresh nuts: candied pecans or almonds (1 selection); Mixed olives (1 selection); Honey or maple syrup (1 selection); Dijon or whole-grain mustard (1 selection); Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)

A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is the easiest way to impress guests without cooking a thing. It’s colorful, cozy, and full of sweet and savory bites that celebrate fall flavors. I’ve tested a few layouts — traditional, dessert-style, and turkey-shaped — and they all share one secret: balance your textures, colors, and flavors for a stunning, stress-free spread.

Ingredients (Mix & Match Ideas)

Serves: 10–12 | Prep: 20 min | No Cook

Cheeses (choose 3–5)

Aged cheddar
Brie or camembert (whole round)
Gouda or Havarti
Blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles
Dairy-free cheese (vegan brie or cashew cheese for swaps)

Meats (choose 2–3)

Smoked turkey slices or roast chicken
Beef salami or bresaola (for no-pork option)
Turkey pepperoni
Prosciutto (optional; skip for pork-free board)

Crackers & Bread

Seeded crackers, crostini, pretzel crisps
Gluten-free crackers or rice crisps

Fruits

Fresh: apple slices, pears, grapes, figs
Dried: apricots, cranberries, or dates
Fall touch: pomegranate arils or dried orange slices

Nuts & Extras

Candied pecans or almonds
Mixed olives
Roasted chickpeas (for crunch)
Honey, maple syrup, or fig jam
Dijon or whole-grain mustard

Garnish

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Small pumpkins or mini gourds for decor

Swaps & Notes

Need	Swap	Note
No pork	Turkey, chicken, or beef deli meats	Keep smoky flavor with turkey bacon or beef salami
Dairy-free	Vegan cheeses	Choose creamy options like cashew brie
Gluten-free	Rice crackers or seed crisps	Ensure they’re labeled certified GF
Vegetarian	Omit meat	Add roasted veggies or hummus for balance

Step-By-Step Assembly

Choose your board:
Use a large wooden cutting board, marble slab, or even a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Start with anchors:
Place cheeses, small bowls of dips or jams, and meats folded or rolled into sections.
Fill & style:
Add crackers, fruits, and nuts around the main items, filling every space. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and small fall decorations for a festive touch.

Pro Tips & Variations

Add pops of orange, red, and green for Thanksgiving colors.
Make a turkey-shaped board: fan meats for feathers and use a pear or brie round for the body.
Serve a sweet dessert board version with pumpkin bread, caramel dip, and chocolate bark.
Include mini cheese knives and toothpicks for easy serving.
Keep a few items room temperature safe (like nuts, crackers, dried fruit) to set out early.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with sparkling apple cider, cranberry spritzers, or tea.
Serve as a centerpiece appetizer before dinner.
Add a small soup shooter (like butternut squash) for a cozy touch.

Storage & Food Safety

Make ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate.
Serve safely: Keep meats and soft cheeses out no longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Refrigerate leftovers: Within 2 hours, store items separately up to 3 days.

FAQs

Q1: How far in advance can I make a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
A1: You can prep ingredients and partially assemble up to 4 hours before serving. Keep chilled, then add crackers and garnish right before guests arrive.

Q2: What’s the best size board for 10–12 people?
A2: A 20-inch (50 cm) wooden board works well; for larger groups, use two smaller boards and space them out.

Q3: How can I make it kid-friendly?
A3: Add cheese cubes, pretzels, apple slices, and turkey roll-ups. Keep spicy or strong cheeses on one side.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 250; Protein: 12g; Carbs: 18g; Fat: 15g