How to make the perfect Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

assorted cheeses

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

cured meats

🥗Healthier: turkey slices

💰Cheaper: salami

Turkey slices are lower in fat compared to traditional cured meats.

fresh fruits

🥗Healthier: dried fruits

💰Cheaper: canned fruits

Canned fruits are often more affordable and last longer.

nuts

🥗Healthier: seeds

💰Cheaper: popcorn

Seeds provide similar crunch at a lower cost.

Start by making a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball using an 8 oz block of cream cheese, spices, minced chives, and about a half a cup of pecans in a stand mixer.

Whip the mixture with the paddle attachment until combined, then add 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese and mix again on low until fully combined.

Transfer the mixture to plastic wrap and shape it into a small disc resembling a pumpkin, using string or rubber bands to create sections.

Refrigerate the cheese ball overnight.

The next day, cut the stem out of a bell pepper and place it on top of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin.

Prepare about a half a pound of hard cheese, slicing it thinly and offsetting the slices for presentation.

Use a cranberry cinnamon goat cheese, cleaning the ends and placing it directly on the board with a knife.

For the meats, prepare about 4 oz each of prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey, folding and rolling them for presentation.

Cut the salami into quarters, fold them, and tuck them into a rectangular container to hold their shape.

Accordion fold the prosciutto and roll the smoked turkey slices for easy serving.

Prepare about 2 cups of fruit, including pomegranate seeds, thin slices of red pear, and clusters of green grapes.

Thinly slice a baguette and prepare a couple of different kinds of crackers.

Add festive autumn mix candy corn to the board.

Include honey roasted mixed nuts for a salty-sweet crunch.

Prepare spreads such as fig spread, whole grain mustard, and mosquite honey.

Start laying out the board with the pumpkin cheese ball in the center, placing the cranberry goat cheese in one corner and the sliced hard cheese in the opposite corner.

Arrange the fruit on opposite sides of the board, followed by the meat and other extras.

Fill in any gaps with the mixed nuts, crackers, and candy corn.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens