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A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is my favorite way to kick off any holiday gathering or potluck. It is fast to put together and always gets people mingling around the table. You can personalize it with seasonal favorites and it is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
The first time I served this board my family spent half the evening picking out their favorite bites and coming up with new combos. They still talk about the cranberry cheese every year.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Brie cheese: soft and creamy the star for elegance. Choose a ripe wheel that gives a little when pressed
- Cheddar cheese cubes: provides a sharp classic flavor. Opt for a block and cut fresh for best texture
- Speciality cranberry cheese: sweet tangy and festive. Pick one with real fruit swirls for punchy flavor
- Speciality pepperoni: slightly spicy with zesty vibes. Look for thin slices at your deli counter
- Genoa salami: mild and buttery perfect for layering. Make sure it is fresh with nice marbling
- Coppa: rich and deeply savory rounds out the meats. Find one with visible fat cap for melt-in-your-mouth bites
- Almonds: roasted and crunchy for a toasty finish. Choose unsalted or lightly salted to avoid overpowering
- Walnuts: earthy and tender adds variety. Look for whole halves that are fresh and not bitter
- Grapes: juicy and sweet balances out the rich cheeses. Use firm bunches with vibrant color
- Blueberries: tart and fresh adds bright pops of color. Rinse well and dry before adding
- Clementines: easy to peel and bursting with citrus. Segments should be plump and hold shape well
How to Make It
- Select Your Board or Platter:
- Pick a large wooden board cheese tray or slate. Use one with enough space to display all items and leave room for little clusters. You want everything within reach but not overcrowded
- Arrange the Cheeses and Clementines:
- Place the brie wheel cheddar cubes and cranberry cheese in spaced out zones on the board. Slice the brie if you prefer easy grabbing. Scatter peeled clementines beside the cheese blocks in little piles for easy sharing
- Add Decorative Bowls and Pumpkins or Gourds:
- If you are using small bowls for dips nuts or olives nestle them around the cheese. This builds natural breaks in the layout. Add any mini pumpkins or decorative gourds to fill gaps and make it look festive
- Layer on the Meats:
- Arrange the pepperoni genoa salami and coppa in swirled or fanned stacks around the cheeses. Let some overlap for a natural look. Fold slices if needed for texture and height
- Tuck In the Fruits:
- Fill larger spaces with clusters of grapes and piles of blueberries. Space them out so every section of the board gets a hint of color and juicy freshness
- Fill the Gaps with Nuts:
- Scatter almonds and walnuts into empty spots. Use them to prop up rolling fruit or nestle between meats. They hold everything together and add a crunchy finish
- Add Dips or Spreads if Using:
- Place any dips spreads or even honey in your bowls or in hollowed out gourds for a seasonal twist. Let guests scoop and sample as they wish
- Fine Tune the Presentation:
- Step back and check for empty patches or overcrowded sections. Adjust as needed for a balanced full look. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers if you have them on hand
Brie is what makes this board extra special for me. I love how the creamy texture pairs with sharp cheddar and tangy cranberry cheese. My little cousin once ate half the wheel by herself so now we always bring two.
Flavor Boosters
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make easy garnishes and add even more aroma. Tiny bowls of honey or fig jam add extra sweetness for brie and cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread crackers or gluten free crisps. Offer small spoons or cheese knives so guests can serve themselves easily. This board makes a gorgeous centerpiece for Thanksgiving but is welcome all winter long. My family likes to gather around and try new cheese pairings every year.
Creative Twists
Try pomegranate seeds or persimmons for a winter touch. In summer swap out meats for grilled vegetables like zucchini or pepper strips. Fresh strawberries and cherries work beautifully when blueberries are not available.
Friends and family always linger longer when this board is on the table. Once we had three generations debating the best cheese and grape combo. I never leave a Thanksgiving without a photo of the colorful aftermath.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What cheeses are best for a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
Brie, cheddar cubes, and specialty varieties like cranberry cheese offer great flavor and visual appeal. Choose a mix of soft and firm cheeses.
- → How do I arrange the board for best presentation?
Start by placing blocks of cheese and whole fruits first, then layer meats and fill spaces with smaller items like nuts and berries for balance.
- → Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
Yes, assemble most elements a few hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, but add crackers or fresh bread just before serving to keep them crisp.
- → What fruits work well besides grapes and clementines?
Consider apple slices, pear wedges, figs, or dried fruits for added sweetness and texture variety.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the board?
Simply add more cheese, fresh and dried fruits, extra nuts, olives, and veggie crudités to create a satisfying vegetarian selection.