Can I make a charcuterie board ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the board (minus crackers and herbs) up to 4 hours ahead. Store it in the fridge, cover it, and bring it out 30 minutes before serving to add the finishing touches.

What cheese is best for a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?

Go for a mix of crowd-pleasers like sharp cheddar and brie, with at least one adventurous option like blue cheese or flavored goat cheese.

What if I don't have (XYZ) ingredients?

Remember, there is no wrong way to make a Thanksgiving board go with what you have—as long as you have a combination of crackers, fruit, and an assortment of cheeses, no one will notice—they'll be too busy munching on your delicious charcuterie board!

What if I don’t eat meat?

No problem! Sub in roasted or smoked vegetables like marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or spiced chickpeas.

How much should I make?

Plan for about 2–3 ounces of cheese and 1–2 ounces of meat per person, plus plenty of crackers, fruits, and nuts to fill in the gaps.

What if I don't have a lot of money to spend?

A charcuterie board doesn't have to be expensive to grace your Thanksgiving table! If you're on a budget, you can fill your board with inexpensive crowd-pleasers first (think cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and fall fruit, like apple slices) and then fill in with smaller chunks of fancier cheese to make it feel special. Check the cheese counter in the deli section—they usually have some small chunks of cheese on sale, or Trader Joe's has a great inexpensive cheese selection as well!

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Description

This Thanksgiving charcuterie board combines seasonal cheeses, meats, fruits, and dips for the perfect appetizer at your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 soft cheese (Brie or Camembert)
1 semi-soft cheese (Gruyere or sharp white Cheddar)
1 hard cheese (aged Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano)
1 funky cheese (goat cheese, bleu cheese)
Meats like prosciutto, salami, soprassata, or turkey breast
Fresh fruits like apples, pears, figs, and pomegranate arils
Dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, and golden raisins
Nuts like candied pecans and walnuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, and roasted pistachios, almonds, or cashews
Crackers and breads like multigrain crackers, sliced baguette or crostini, and gluten-free crackers
Spreads and dips like cranberry sauce, honey, spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, or whole grain mustard
Extras like fresh herbs, chocolate, marinated olives and pickled vegetables

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Start with bowls. Place small bowls of dips, spreads, honey, pickles, and olives on your board first to create natural boundaries for the arrangement.
Add cheese and meats. Space out your cheeses and meats in the empty spaces around the bowls. Group cheese and pairings in "neighborhoods" of crackers, meat, fruit, and cheese. Fold or fan the meat slices for a polished look.
Fill in with fruits and nuts. Scatter fresh fruits, dried fruits, and nuts around the cheeses and meats. Use contrasting colors to make everything pop.
Add crackers and breads. Arrange crackers, crostini, and bread slices in stacks or rows.
Garnish with herbs and extras. Tuck sprigs of rosemary or sage around the edges. Add in fruit jam or honey, olives, raw honeycomb, or mustard. Sprinkle in dark chocolate pieces or toffee bits.