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Creating a stunning Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a fun way to start your holiday season feast. Not only does it serve as the perfect appetizer, but it also adds a beautiful element to your Thanksgiving table.

A charcuterie board makes for a perfect appetizer at Thanksgiving, providing a delightful array of tastes and textures without the need for additional cooking. This array of gourmet bites caters to varied taste preferences, featuring an assortment of soft and hard cheeses, savory meats, and fresh seasonal fruits.

It’s also an incredibly flexible option, easily tailored with fall-themed decorations and ingredients to celebrate the holiday spirit. As an added bonus, the charcuterie board’s visual appeal enhances the festive decor of the Thanksgiving table, serving as a beautiful and inviting centerpiece.

Moreover, the charcuterie board becomes a conversation piece, encouraging guests to gather around, pick their favorite combinations, and engage as they await the main meal. It stimulates the appetite with a carefully curated selection that’s light enough to keep guests eager for the main course. The ease of preparation is a significant boon for hosts, as the board can be assembled ahead of time, freeing them to focus on the turkey and side dishes or simply to mingle with friends and family. It’s also inclusive, with the ability to accommodate various dietary needs with minimal fuss.

Beyond its practical advantages, a charcuterie board offers an interactive experience for guests. It allows them to create their own perfect bite while pacing themselves before the grand feast, making the Thanksgiving experience both enjoyable and memorable.

12 steps to assemble a Thanksgiving charcuterie board

1. Begin with a large board or platter—wooden ones are a great option for that traditional charcuterie board feel.

2. Choose a variety of cheeses—incorporating different types of cheeses like soft goat cheese, a wheel of brie as a creamy cheese, aged cheddar for hard cheese, and perhaps a gouda or blue cheese to add a variety of flavors. Let them sit at room temperature to enhance their taste.

3. A variety of meats is essential. Add Italian meats like prosciutto and salami, and consider adding cured meats like soppressata for a delightful variety.

4. Seasonal fruits are a must. Think fall fruit like slices of crisp apples, bunches of grapes, figs, or pomegranate seeds. These not only add freshness but also beautiful fall colors to your board.

5. Dried fruit like apricots or figs and a selection of nuts fill in empty spaces and add texture and a sweet contrast to the meats and cheeses.

6. Offer a variety of crackers and slices of baguette. Place them in small bowls or arrange them in different directions to add height and dimension.

7. Sweet spreads like fig jam or honey, along with savory options like mustard or olives, provide a burst of flavor. Small bowls or little bowls can hold these.

8. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and fall decorations such as mini pumpkins can transform your board into a festive Thanksgiving theme.

9. Use cheese knives for easy serving, and ensure your board has a variety of different sizes and types of food items. It’s not just about delicious food; it’s also about creating a display that will have your hungry guests talking.

Remember, there is no single right way to create a charcuterie board. It’s much fun to experiment and find your own style. Whether it’s for a big meal on turkey day or just a small thanksgiving gathering, your charcuterie board is sure to be a hit. The best part is the zero cooking required—just a creative assembly of delicious food, making it the easiest way to impress your guests.

Baked Cranberry Walnut Brie Recipe

Equipment

• Parchment-lined baking sheet 
• Turkey Cookie Cutter
• Knife 
• Small Saucepan 

Ingredients

• 1 9.5 oz round Brie cheese 
• 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1/2 cup cranberry sauce 
• 1/4 cup honey 
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter 
• 1 tsp fresh thyme 
• 1 tsp lemon juice 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1/4 tsp pepper 
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 F or 177 C
• Add the Brie cheese to a parchment-lined baking sheet
• Push the cookie cutter through the cheese to create the center focal point.
• If the brie is thick, slice the cut out keeping the shape, return the cheese back to the center.
• Place in preheated oven for 5-8 mins, until softened 
• Cook the cranberries (or sauce), honey, butter, thyme, lemon juice, nuts, salt, and pepper on the 
• stove top. 
• Bring to a boil stirring constantly 
• The mixture will thicken.
• Remove from heat and let cool 5-10 mins before adding to center of brie. 

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Equipment

• Charcuterie board 
• Mini bowls 
• Mini Forks and Spoons 

Ingredients

• Cranberry-walnut brie (see recipe above)
• Carved or deli turkey slices 
• Dried Cranberries 
• Walnuts or Pecans 
• Crackers 
• Thinly sliced french bread loaf 
• Fresh thyme or rosemary 
• Grapes 
• Apple Slices paired with a dip (caramel, pumpkin spice or maple syrup) 
• Sliced Cheese 
• Cranberry Scones 
• Granola 

Instructions 

• Make the cranberry walnut brie and then place it as an anchor on your board.
• If using a small board place it directly in the center and build around. If using a larger board, place it off-center.
• Add small bowls to hold dipping sauces, syrups, granola, or nuts.
• Begin building your board with fruits, meat, cheeses, and pieces of bread.
• Remember to keep bread and crackers away from things that naturally release water or juices, like fruit
• Use nuts and cheeses as dividers to keep the board looking plentiful.
• If your board is too small to hold everything, you can create smaller plates around the board to hold bread and cheese.

Don’t forget to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving as they enjoy the fruits of your labor on this gorgeous Thanksgiving charcuterie board!

More delicious charcuterie boards

• Fabulous New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board
• Festive and Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
• How To Make a S’mores Charcuterie Board
• How To Build The Ultimate Taco Charcuterie Board

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