Fall Charcuterie Board
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Wondering how to make a Fall Charcuterie Board? Here's the perfect guide to one of the most popular and easy appetizers to serve at fall holiday parties!
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What is a Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie is basically a fancy name for a platter of cured meats. Charcuterie is all the rage right now, and creating an affordable and beautiful display couldn't be easier!
A cheese board is just what it implies...a platter made up of different types of cheeses accompanied by breads, crackers and spreads. Blending charcuterie and cheese together results in everyone's favorite finger foods gathered in one handy location!
Choosing the Perfect Board
When choosing the perfect fall charcuterie board, look for one that will be versatile and stunning at the same time. I found a rustic wooden board that has 3 layers of live-edged wood. (ad) The multiple layers can be arranged in different shapes which makes it a great option throughout the holiday season.
There are many lovely pieces to choose from made of materials such as slate, marble, glass or wood. However, you don't have to purchase anything new to create a masterpiece! You can connect three plates in a row or use a large cutting board if you don't have a lot of space.
For Thanksgiving and fall holiday parties, a large tray is the easiest way to add a festive touch. I've seen creative folks arrange cheese and veggies in the shape of a turkey for holiday gatherings. Or, you can create Individual Charcuterie Boxes that are sure to impress!
Decorations
It's fun to decorate around the outside of the board depending on the season. When decorating a Fall Charcuterie Board, look for dried fruit slices at the craft store, or use other seasonal decor such as mini pumpkins, gourds, or fresh cranberries.
Fresh foliage and berries are fun, but craft stores also sell faux-foliage that looks incredibly real. Fresh rosemary also makes a beautiful display and looks great with any color scheme.
Think of the word 'flowing' as you decorate. Keep it light and breezy to match the decor of your table centerpieces. Adding pretty cheese knives or unusual bowls.
A fall charcuterie board is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday party. Think of it as an extension of your decor and add your favorite things or holiday favorites to make it unique and fun!
What to Put on a Charcuterie Board
Once you've gathered your equipment and decorations, it's time to select the cheese and accompaniments.
You can find everything you need at your local grocery store. Or, you can usually find a specialty store in many cities that will allow you to taste before you buy.
Types of Cheese
As far as various cheeses are concerned, it's a good idea to choose varieties your guests will recognize, plus at least one that will surprise them. A sharp cheddar cheese is always popular, and folks usually love havarti or muenster.
Soft cheeses such as goat and gorgonzola make a great addition, as well as marinated mozzarella balls displayed in a pretty dish.
Roquefort is a bold choice, since it tends to be pungent and sharp. Throw in something unexpected like a camembert (soft) or manchego (harder cheeses) that will intrigue your guests.
Be sure to label everything so folks will know what they're eating! This is a step that's often overlooked, but very helpful. Keep in mind that you can use only one type of cheese if you like...and make it the star of your holiday board!
Accompaniments
Accompaniments put the pizazz in your board, so have fun with it. There's no limit to what you can add to a charcuterie board or how it can be arranged.
Above all, don't be overwhelmed by the choices. Simply use them as a guide and choose what you like and can afford. Want to make a cheap board? Visit Trader Joe's or Aldi for quality selections at affordable prices.
- Breads and Dippers - crostini, crackers, fresh veggies, bread sticks, baguette
- Dried fruits - dates, apricots, cherries, figs, pineapple, winter fruits
- Fresh fruit - red grapes, green grapes, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, pears, apples, oranges
- Cured meats - pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, chorizo
- Dips - pimento cheese, cream cheese, pesto goat cheese, hummus, blue cheese dip (see more ideas below)
- Nuts - smoked almonds, candied pecans, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, oyster cracker candy, marcona almonds
- Olives & Pickles - kalamata, manzanilla, roasted garlic, fire and ice pickles
- Chutneys & Spreads - apricot cheese spread, fig jam, tomato jam, whole grain mustards, honey
- Fresh Herbs - sprigs of rosemary, thyme, oregano, fresh basil or mint
Assembly
Assembling your board is the fun part! Even if you're not the creative type, you can make it happen with very little effort in just a few minutes.
3 Easy Steps
- Add the cheeses first, spread them out, and cut a few slices off the blocks. Arrange meats around cheese.
- Place liquid items like olives, hummus, and spreads in small bowls around the board. Add spoons or spreaders.
- Fill in the empty spaces with nuts, crackers and dried fruits. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Easy, peasy! Above all, have fun with it. Your guests will rave about your creation and love all of the choices of nibbles!
Recipe FAQS
You will find as many ways to pronounce charcuterie as stars in the sky. But 'How Do You Say That Word' has an interesting commentary on how to pronounce this French derivative.
Any food safe surface makes a wonderful vessel for charcuterie and cheese. Large platters or small plates can be used, as well as cutting boards and even salt blocks. Individual Charcuterie Boxes are all the rage...and make great gifts at the holidays.
Instead of purchasing cheeses in the deli section of your grocery store, look for them in the refrigerated section that carries shredded cheese and whole blocks. Or visit your local Aldi store or Trader Joe for products that are reasonably priced!
Top Tips
- Cheese tastes best at room temperature, so let it sit at room temperature at least 1 hour before serving.
- Slice the cheese if it's the hard type to make it easier on your guests.
- Include different textures and flavors so folks will have a variety of savory items to choose from.
Dips and Spreads
Dips are a popular choice at any party! Just about any dip will work, but here are a few of my favorites that taste great with all types of snacks.
Recipe Card
Fall Charcuterie Board
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce block sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounce block Havarti cheese (or other cheese of your choice)
- 2 cups olive medley with roasted garlic (from deli)
- 1 large red seedless grape cluster
- 8 ounce package sliced salami & pepperoni (from deli)
- 2 cups pistachios with shells
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 sleeve savory crackers
- 1 bag herbed crostini from deli
- 6 rosemary sprigs (garnish)
Instructions
- Slice cheddar cheese and place on charcuterie board toward one side.
- Place Havarti cheese on board diagonally from cheddar.
- Spoon olive medley into 2 small bowls and place near cheeses.
- Arrange grape cluster on board near cheese.
- Roll slices of salami and pepperoni and place on board next to cheese.
- Fill in gaps on board with pistachios, dried apricots, crackers and crostini.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Notes
- Substitutions can be made for all of the above depending on the season.
- Decorate the outside of the board with seasonal decor if desired.
- Any type of cheese and meat will work, so let your creative juices flow!
- Cheese tastes best at room temperature, so let it sit at room temperature at least 1 hour before serving.
- Slice the cheese if it's the hard type to make it easier on your guests.
- Include different textures and flavors so folks will have a variety of savory items to choose from.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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Charcuterie is definitely my favorite meal. Love the addition of pistachios and apricots.
I agree Adam! Charcuterie is a big hit at our family gatherings too!
Your party spreads are always so beautiful, and so good to graze on while visiting with friends and family. I love the ways you decorate around the rim based on the celebration. Thanks for the ideas!
You are so sweet to say that. You know how I love to decorate! 🙂
I love how you arranged the meats and cheese on this board. Wish I could have been there to eat it! Where did you get those beautiful dried fruits?
I picked them up at Kirkland's. They have lasted through 2 seasons!