A Festive Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board With Cranberries and Nuts

What kind of recipe is it?

A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a festive and visually appealing dish that combines a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and seasonal accompaniments, perfect for celebrating the holiday.

This communal platter encourages sharing and conversation, making it ideal for family gatherings and friendly get-togethers.

Its special features include vibrant colors, diverse textures, and the ability to customize based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Ideal for hosts seeking a low-effort yet impressive appetizer, it appeals to food lovers of all ages during the Thanksgiving festivities.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Assorted Meats	1 pound total (choose 3-4 types)
– Sliced Turkey	4 ounces
– Honey Glazed Ham	4 ounces
– Salami	4 ounces
– Prosciutto	4 ounces
Assorted Cheeses	1 pound total (choose 3-4 types)
– Brie	4 ounces
– Aged Cheddar	4 ounces
– Goat Cheese	4 ounces
– Gouda	4 ounces
Fresh Fruits	2 cups total (choose a variety)
– Grapes	1 cup
– Apple slices	1 large apple, sliced
– Pear slices	1 large pear, sliced
Dried Fruits	1 cup total
– Dried Cranberries	½ cup
– Apricots	½ cup
Nuts	1 cup total
– Mixed Nuts	½ cup
– Candied Pecans	½ cup
Spreads	½ cup total (choose 1-2 types)
– Honey	¼ cup
– Whole Grain Mustard	¼ cup
Crackers	1 box (variety pack)
Bread	1 small baguette, sliced
Vegetables	1 cup total (choose a variety)
– Baby Carrots	½ cup
– Celery Sticks	½ cup
Garnishes	Optional
– Fresh Herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)	sprigs for décor
– Edible Flowers (optional)	few for presentation

Notes:

You can adjust the quantities based on the number of guests.
Feel free to swap out or add ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

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Cooking Steps

Prepare all ingredients by washing and slicing fresh fruits (1 large apple, 1 large pear) and vegetables (½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup celery sticks). Measure out meats, cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, spreads, and crackers as per the ingredient list.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) if you prefer to warm your bread. Slice the small baguette into 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Lightly brush the sliced baguette with olive oil (smoke point 210°C/410°F) and season with a pinch of salt. Toast in the oven on the middle rack for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
Assemble the charcuterie board by starting with the assorted meats (1 pound total). Arrange them in small piles or fan them out in clusters on your board.
Next, place the assorted cheeses (1 pound total), cutting larger pieces into wedges or cubes for easy serving. Position them around the meats to create visually appealing clusters.
Add the fresh fruits (1 cup grapes, apple slices, pear slices) and dried fruits (½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup apricots) to fill gaps between the meats and cheeses, ensuring a colorful presentation.
Sprinkle the mixed nuts (½ cup) and candied pecans (½ cup) throughout the board, aiming for balance and variety in texture.
Drizzle the honey (¼ cup) and add the whole grain mustard (¼ cup) in small dishware or directly onto the board for guests to serve with their selections.
Scatter a box of assorted crackers (1 box) around the perimeter of the board or place them in a separate compartment to keep them crispy.
Incorporate the sliced vegetables (½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup celery sticks) in separate areas, enhancing the fresh crunch factor on the board.
Optional: For added flair, place fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) and edible flowers in open spaces on the board to elevate the presentation.
Allow the assembled charcuterie board to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps to enhance the flavors and textures of the ingredients.
To serve, provide cheese knives and toothpicks for guests, ensuring easy access to all components. If there’s any leftover, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Consume within 2 days for best quality.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving charcuterie board as a festive and communal appetizer among family and friends.

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Variations

Autumn Harvest Board: Replace traditional fruits with seasonal options like persimmons (1 cup) and figs (1 cup), and swap in roasted butternut squash for a cozy fall flavor.
Mediterranean Twist: Use hummus (¼ cup) and tzatziki (¼ cup) as spreads, incorporate sliced olives (½ cup), and substitute meats with prosciutto (½ pound) and feta cheese (½ pound) for a Mediterranean flair.
Vegan Delight: Replace all animal products with vegan cheese alternatives (1 pound) such as cashew cheese and include marinated tofu bites (½ pound) alongside roasted chickpeas (½ cup) for protein.
Gluten-Free Grazing: Opt for gluten-free crackers and bread along with gluten-free meats (e.g., turkey or salami) while incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits to

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Tips on plating and presentation

thanksgiving charcuterie board presentation

Creating a Thanksgiving charcuterie board isn’t just about the delicious variations you choose, but also how you present them.

I like to use a large wooden board as my canvas, arranging items in groups for visual appeal. Adding height with cheese wedges and balancing colors with cranberries and nuts makes it pop.

Finally, don’t forget to include small utensils for easy serving!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

While planning your Thanksgiving meal, consider pairing your charcuterie board with a variety of complementary dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.

Roasted Brussels sprouts add a deliciously earthy flavor, while creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast.

You might also include a rich, herb-infused stuffing and a tangy cranberry sauce to elevate the festive atmosphere.

These combinations will surely impress your guests!

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can elevate your Thanksgiving charcuterie board experience?

I love pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the cheese and nuts beautifully.

If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water infused with cranberries or orange slices adds a festive touch.

For beer lovers, a malty amber ale offers a rich contrast to the board’s flavors.

Cheers!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Prepare the Charcuterie Board in Advance?

You can prepare the charcuterie board up to two days in advance. I usually assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. That way, it stays fresh for the big day!

Can I Customize the Board for Dietary Restrictions?

Absolutely, I can customize the board for dietary restrictions! I focus on the guests’ needs, swapping out ingredients to guarantee everyone enjoys it, whether they’re vegan, gluten-free, or have nut allergies. Let creativity shine!

What Size Board Should I Use for My Guests?

I recommend using a large board for around six to eight guests. It’ll give you enough space to organize everything nicely, ensuring everyone has room to pick their favorites without feeling cramped.

Should I Serve the Board Cold or at Room Temperature?

I always prefer serving my board at room temperature. It enhances the flavors and makes everything more enjoyable. Cold items can dull the taste, so I let everything sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers From the Charcuterie Board?

I store leftovers in airtight containers, separating cheeses, meats, and fruits. I’ll keep them in the fridge and enjoy them within a few days. It’s a great way to savor extra flavors later!