Thanksgiving is like a party for your taste buds, especially when you catch that fragrance of turkey, pumpkin, cinnamon, and a bit of holiday magic. And my Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas feature a bit of all of the above.
It’s one of my favorite times, besides Christmas, to gather loved ones, swap stories, and have plenty of laughs.
And it’s also a great excuse to dig into food that’s comforting, generous, and fun, just like this easy Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
This board is like all the best bits of Thanksgiving rolled into one delicious, shareable platter. It’s loaded with tender deli-style roasted turkey slices, smoky cheddar, and roasted butternut. Juicy seasonal fruits like apples and pears add a bit of crunch and go great with the cheeses.
It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that will have everyone reaching for “just one more bite. Just make sure to save some room for your holiday mains and maybe even a dollop of my favorite green bean casserole to round out the meal. You should definitely check it out after you’re done with this Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
What You’ll Find in This Blog Post.
My own easy-to-follow Thanksgiving charcuterie board, with a simple, categorized ingredient list you can use for shopping at Trader Joe’s or any grocery store.
A step-by-step guide to assembling a seasonal charcuterie board packed with a variety of meats, cheeses, seasonal fruits, and festive extras—perfect for any Thanksgiving gathering.
A quick cranberry sauce/chutney recipe that’s a perfect addition to your holiday cheese or snack board. Or you can buy one from the store.
Helpful tips for creating the best charcuterie board, including how to arrange cheeses, meats, and garnishes for the most beautiful presentation.
Storage and leftover tips so you can enjoy your board well beyond the Thanksgiving meal.
A few extra Thanksgiving board ideas from other charcuterie enthusiasts for inspiration.
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Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
Perfect for: Thanksgiving lunch or dinner with your loved ones, who enjoy good food.
Shopping List: Screenshot This!
Equipment:
- Approximately 11 x 14 inches wooden board like this one (see on Amazon)
- Sharp knife
- Charcuterie accessory set, such as cheese knives, forks, and mini serving thongs (see on Amazon)
For The Maple Roasted Pumpkin:
- A wedge of fresh pumpkin (about a quarter)
- Olive oil
- Natural maple syrup
Cheeses:
- Blue Vein wedge
- Smoked cheddar or Manchego
- Creamy brie or Camembert
Meats:
- Cold roasted turkey slices
- Salami slices
- Prosciutto slices
Seasonal Fruits:
- Fresh apple slices
- Fresh pear slices
- Dried apricots
Crunch & Nuts:
- Roasted pecan nuts whole
- Simple wheat crackers
- Seeded or flavored crackers for variety
Spreads & Extras:
- Homemade or store bough cranberry sauce or chutney for turkey
- Mini pumpkins and maple leaves
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
My Favorite Items For Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
More Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas That I Love.
Whilst I was browsing for some Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas on Pinterest, I found a few that I liked. I made those for a smaller gathering before trying out my own styles.
This lovely, simple board was created in Veronika’s Kitchen. I think it’s very budget-friendly too.
I found this one on Eating With Erica. It reminds me a bit of my own, but I love the addition of bread slices and honey. It’s very visually appealing, yet simple.
Tips for Your Best Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Use small bowls for sauces and spreads to keep your board tidy and organized.
Avoid overcrowding the edges—packed boards are the wrong way to go since items might fall off when carrying.
Mix different types of cheeses, including soft cheese like brie or blue cheese, alongside hard cheese like cheddar or manchego for a full flavor profile.
Leave cheeses at room temperature before serving to maximize their flavor and creaminess.
Save any leftovers by wrapping well or using containers; this way, your guests can enjoy the flavors long after the party. Or you can enjoy the leftovers the next day.
Quick Cranberry Jam Recipe (The Perfect Holiday Charcuterie Board Addition)
If you want an easy homemade cranberry topping, try this quick cranberry chutney:
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
Simmer these until thick and glossy. It’s a great way to add freshness and balance to the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Thanksgiving charcuterie board recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Pumpkin and Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 1/4 of a medium pumpkin a wedge
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries check notes below
- 1/4 cup of natural Canadian maple syrup for roasting pumpkin
- 1/4 cup of natural Canadian maple syrup for cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
Meats
- 10 slices cold roasted turkey slices folded deli-style slices. Fresh from the deli section is best rathaer than paket one.
- 20 slices of salami mild or hot
- 10 slices of Prosciutto ham
Cheeses
- 2 cups smoked cheddar sliced or cubed
- 1 wheel approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, of Brie or Camembert cheese or blue cheese chunks (for creamy cheeses)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 cup sliced pear about 1 medium pear
- 1 cup sliced apple about 1 medium apple
- 3 small clusters of dark grapes
- 1 cup dried fruit such as apricots or dates
Extras
- 1/2 cup cranberry jam or chutney served in a small ramekin
- 1 cup assorted crackers or crispbreads
- 1 cup mixed nuts pecans, walnuts, or your favorite
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Optional: mini pumpkins for decoration real or fake from Amazon
Instructions
- Roast butternut if using fresh: toss about 2 cups of pumpkin chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden and tender.
- If making cranberry sauce/jam yourself, then make it while the pumpkin is cooking by boiling cranberries with 1/4 cup of maple syrup and orange zest until it's smooth and thick. Around 15 minutes. Skip this step if you are getting a ready-made one from the store.
- Place cranberry sauce in a small ramekin and set it on your board.
- Place roasted pumpkins in a ramekin on the other side of the board, or you can place them directly on the board in a bunch.
- Arrange cheeses and cured meats in separate clusters on the board.
- Fold turkey slices and arrange near cured meats.
- Scatter roasted butternut chunks around the board.
- Fan pear and apple slices next to cheeses and meats.
- Fill gaps with crackers and sprinkle mixed nuts across the board.
- Garnish with herb sprigs and mini pumpkins for color and charm.
Notes
Nutrition
Happy Thanksgiving grazing! This charcuterie board is my favorite cozy holiday starter, perfect for gathering and sharing good times with people you love. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
and sharing good times with people you love. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
