Thanksgiving Cheese & Charcuterie Board
A Thanksgiving Cheese & Charcuterie Board is the perfect appetizer to welcome your guests before the big feast. Beautifully arranged with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and seasonal garnishes, it sets the tone for a festive celebration. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also adds color, flavor, and variety to your holiday table — ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
History & Holiday Notes
Charcuterie boards have their origins in France, where the term “charcuterie” refers to the art of preparing cured meats. Over time, this tradition expanded to include cheeses, breads, fruits, and accompaniments, becoming a centerpiece for gatherings.
In the U.S., charcuterie boards have become especially popular during the holidays, including Thanksgiving, because they’re easy to assemble, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. They allow hosts to offer a variety of flavors and textures — from creamy cheeses to sweet fruits and savory meats — in one beautiful display.
Guests often comment on how festive and inviting a well-arranged board looks. It’s not just food — it’s part of the holiday décor. Many home cooks love that it requires no cooking, can be prepared ahead, and offers something for everyone (meat-lovers, cheese-lovers, and even vegetarians if adjusted).
Servings 8–10 people (as an appetizer) Prep Time 20 minutes Cooking Time 0 minutes (assembly only)
Cheese & Charcuterie Board Ingredients
- Cheeses (3–4 types):
- 4 oz brie (soft and creamy)
- 4 oz aged cheddar (sharp flavor)
- 4 oz gouda (semi-soft, mild)
- 4 oz goat cheese (tangy, spreadable)
- Cured Meats (2–3 types):
- 3 oz prosciutto
- 3 oz salami slices
- 3 oz smoked turkey or ham slices (holiday touch)
- Fresh Fruit:
- 1 cup red or green grapes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (festive garnish)
- Dried Fruit & Nuts:
- ¼ cup dried apricots or figs
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans (roasted if desired)
- Crackers & Bread:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 box whole-grain crackers
- Extras (optional):
- ¼ cup olives (green or kalamata)
- 2 tbsp honey or fig jam
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Place the cheeses first, spacing them evenly across the board. Cut some into slices and leave some whole for variety.
- Arrange cured meats by folding or rolling slices, then place them near the cheeses.
- Add clusters of grapes, apple, and pear slices around the board.
- Fill gaps with dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and sliced bread.
- Add small bowls of olives, honey, or jam.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive Thanksgiving touch.
The Recipe
Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- Cheeses 3–4 types:
- 4 oz brie soft and creamy
- 4 oz aged cheddar sharp flavor
- 4 oz gouda semi-soft, mild
- 4 oz goat cheese tangy, spreadable
- Cured Meats 2–3 types:
- 3 oz prosciutto
- 3 oz salami slices
- 3 oz smoked turkey or ham slices holiday touch
- Fresh Fruit:
- 1 cup red or green grapes
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1 pear thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries festive garnish
- Dried Fruit & Nuts:
- ¼ cup dried apricots or figs
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans roasted if desired
- Crackers & Bread:
- 1 baguette sliced
- 1 box whole-grain crackers
- Extras optional:
- ¼ cup olives green or kalamata
- 2 tbsp honey or fig jam
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Place the cheeses first, spacing them evenly across the board. Cut some into slices and leave some whole for variety.
- Arrange cured meats by folding or rolling slices, then place them near the cheeses.
- Add clusters of grapes, apple, and pear slices around the board.
- Fill gaps with dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and sliced bread.
- Add small bowls of olives, honey, or jam.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive Thanksgiving touch.
Tips & Variations
- Add a Thanksgiving Touch: Include seasonal flavors like cranberry chutney, pumpkin butter, or spiced pecans to give your board a festive flair.
- Mix Textures & Flavors: Pair creamy cheeses (brie, goat cheese) with sharp options (aged cheddar) and balance them with sweet fruits and savory meats.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add extras like roasted veggies, hummus, or marinated mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Make It Colorful: Use red grapes, pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and cranberries as edible décor to make the board look vibrant.
- Plan for Guests: Aim for 2–3 ounces of cheese per person, and adjust the size of the board depending on how many appetizers you’re serving.
FAQ
How far in advance can I make a Cheese & Charcuterie Board?
You can prepare your cheese board up to 2 hours before serving. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before guests arrive to bring out the flavors.
What cheeses are best for a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
Choose a mix of textures and flavors: soft (brie, goat), semi-soft (gouda, havarti), hard (cheddar, parmesan), and tangy (blue or feta). This variety ensures something for every palate.
Can I make this board vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the cured meats and add extras like roasted vegetables, hummus, marinated olives, or spiced nuts for balance.
How much cheese should I serve per person?
Plan for about 2–3 ounces of cheese per guest if serving as an appetizer. If it’s the main starter, you can increase to 4 ounces per person.
What drinks pair well with a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
Sparkling cider, white wine (like Chardonnay), or a light red (such as Pinot Noir) pair beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try spiced cranberry spritzers.
