Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

fruits, meats and cheese on a cutting board - 2

This Thanksgiving Charcuterie board is a fuss free snack or appetizer that requires zero cooking and keeps your guests hunger at bay while waiting for the main course.

A charcuterie board is a fun way to let your creativity flow! There really is no wrong way to build a board and that’s the beauty of it.

If I were to set one rule it would be to use a variety of flavors, textures and colors. Think creamy, crunchy, sweet and savory!

a charcuterie board filled with fruits, meats and cheese on a wood cutting board - 3

Why you need to make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board!

It’s STUNNING. A festive Thanksgiving appetizer built for sharing.
Tastes incredible thanks to all of the variety.
There is something everyone will love
It’s easy! No cooking required; only a little slicing and arranging!
Can be made in advance
Adaptable and versatile
FUN TO MAKE and did I mention…stunning?!

Ingredients you need for a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)

a charcuterie board filled with fruits, meats and cheese on a wood cutting board - 4

I always shop for all of my charcuterie board necessities at my local Sprouts Farmers Market. They have literally everything I need (and more) and make it an easy one stop shop to create this appetizer.

The bulk section and Deli department have so many wonderful items to choose from to add variety and flare to your board! They have all of the organic fixin’s to serve the best to your guests this Thanksgiving.

Make your board seasonal and festive with these ingredients.

Pro Tip

Only buy what you need. Buying cured meats and cheeses can get expensive. Depending on how many you are serving and how big of board you plan to make my recommendations below may.

Assorted Cheeses

I like to choose 3-4 different cheeses and ensure they are different colors, textures and flavors. Choose some cheese robust in flavor, and others mild in flavor.

Soft and creamy cheese: brie, goat choose, mozzarella balls, burrata, blue cheese
Semi-soft cheese: Havarti, jack, muenster, provolone
Hard: Manchego, gouda, sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmigiano Reggiano, smoked cheddar

Meats

When purchasing the meat, you can plan for each guest having about 3-4 slices (~2 oz. per person). I always like to offer a variety of 2-3 types of meat. A couple thinly sliced and 1 a bit denser.

Genoa Salami (thin) or a hard salami
Soppressata
Pepperoni
Prosciutto

Spreads

1-2 is plenty. For a Thanksgiving charcuterie board I love including a fig spread! Apricot or grape jams work well too. Sprouts has a great store-bought options so you don’t have to make your own.

Jams, spreads, hummus, mustards, tapenade, pate, pesto, jelly.

Nuts

Sprouts has a variety of nuts in their bulk department for you to choose from. Mixed nuts, candied nuts, or raw nuts are all wonderful options. 1-2 options.

Some of my favorites include: walnuts, pistachios, marcona almonds and brazil nuts.

Fresh and Dried Fruits

Purchase your favorite seasonal fruit to add sweetness and balance the saltiness from the meats. 3 fresh fruits and 2 dried.

Grapes, fresh figs, apples, pears, pomegranate arils, Persimmons, dried apricots, dates, dried cranberries.

Crackers and Bread

I like to provide both options to guests so they can build a delicious bite on top of the cracker or bread. Choose crackers that are more mild in flavor so it doesn’t detract from what’s being added on top. Any sliced baguette bread works well.

Etc. items

seasonal candy, chocolates, olives, mini dill pickles, cornichons, marinated artichokes

Decoration

fresh flowers and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary to add color and fill in any empty spaces.

a charcuterie board filled with fruits, meats and cheese on a wood cutting board - 6

How to build a Charcuterie Board

(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)

Select the board you want to build on : this can be a large wood cutting board, a rectangular slate board or a marble board.
Gather small bowls, appetizer forks, spreaders, mini cheese knives , spoons, etc.
Wash fruit being used and gently pat dry.
Slice cheese and meat .
Assemble the board : start in the center and begin to arrange the items. Try to place contrasting colors and shapes next to each other. It’s a blank canvas, let your creativity flow!
Serve immediately and replenish the board as necessary.

Tips for making Charcuterie Boards

Not sure what board to use for your Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board? Cake stands, serving trays, pizza stones, baking sheets all work as wonderful foundations for a charcuterie board.
Opt for a board with ridges to hold items in place so you don’t have any runaway cheese cubes!
Assemble larger items first and fill in from there.
Try not to leave any empty spaces . Fill in with nuts, fruits, herbs, smaller items.
Be sure to ask guests about any allergies prior to building your board (i.e. nut allergy)
Time saving tip: slice meats and cheeses prior to assembling!
Fold meats and arrange vertically to make it easier to serve, or fan out salami.
Slice cheeses to make them more inviting instead of large blocks placed on the board.
Cut cheese into different shapes for visual interest (cubes, triangles, square, rectangles)
There are no “rules.” Own your board! My only advice is to use a variety of different flavors, textures and color. Think: creamy, crunch, sweet and savory!

Other appetizers you will enjoy:

Buffalo Chicken Dip
Italian Pizza Bites
Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Butternut Squash Bites

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.