If your family is like mine, they show up for Thanksgiving hungry – I’m talking borderline hangry. Needless to say, I need an appetizer to tide them over until the turkey is on the table and ready to carve. For the past couple of years, a Thanksgiving charcuterie board has been the perfect solution. 😅 Of course, this charcuterie board is all about fall and winter colors and flavors, making it perfect for any fall get-together, regardless of the occasion. That’s the beautiful thing about charcuterie boards; they are easy to put together, beautiful, and totally versatile.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Select Your Board and Utensils
Choose a Board. A large wood cutting board works great, but if you want to get fancy, try a slate board or a marble slab. 😍Gather Bowls and Tools. You’ll need a few ramekins or small bowls along with serving utensils. Think small forks and spoons for serving and knives to cut up any fruit or cheese, if necessary.
Prep Your Elements
Chop or Slice – Fruit, veggies, meats, and cheeses may need to be sliced, chopped, or cubed. Of course, you can buy these items already prepped or do it the night before. Store the cut-up elements separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the board.
Arrange the Board
Fill your Ramekins. Dips, spreads, jams, and other wet items, such as pickles or olives, can go in the small bowls. Fill them up and arrange them on the board, evenly spaced.Large First. Directly on the board, start with larger items like cheese wheels or that tiny decorative pumpkin you picked up for the occasion. (Photos 1-2)Slices. Fold sliced meats into quarters or your decorative fold of choice and place them on the board. (Photos 3-11)Crackers. Lay out any crackers or bread you’re including here and there around the board. Smaller Last. Start filling in the gaps with smaller items, such as fruit, veggies, nuts, candies, and chocolate. (Photo 12)Final Touches. Take a look at your finished board and make necessary adjustments to fill in holes or balance out the colors and textures evenly.
Recipe Variations
You can literally make a charcuterie board for any occasion by simply varying the ingredients.
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time, you can prep all of your ingredients ahead of time. Washing fruit, cutting meats and cheeses, etc. Store prepped ingredients in the fridge in airtight containers if they are perishable until you are ready to create your masterpiece. However, it’s best to assemble your charcuterie board on the day of your event. The ingredients will taste so much fresher, and it only takes a few minutes.
Serving and Storage Instructions
To serve your charcuterie board, simply place it on the table and let the grazing begin! If you have leftovers, keep them in airtight containers separately and snack on them whenever you feel like it! Depending on your chosen ingredients, they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-5 days or maybe longer.
What to Serve With a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Why, cocktails, of course! I like serving mulled wine or a hibiscus fruity sangria cocktail, but any pretty cocktail will go great with this fall charcuterie board. If your guests don’t do alcohol or are underaged, try a pretty juice or tea instead. Peach tea or homemade ginger juice also goes great with a charcuterie board. 😋
More Awesome Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Conclusion
The ideal appetizer for your Thanksgiving dinner is here! You can whip up this work of art in just a few minutes and watch your guests be wowed! What favorites do you plan on using to decorate your charcuterie board? Please give me your best ideas below.
