Description

Celebrate your Thanksgiving gathering with this stunning and delicious Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, featuring a vibrant assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly arranged for visual appeal and flavor balance, this no-cook recipe is ideal for serving 8 to 10 guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

2 cups red grapes
2 cups green grapes
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Cheeses

4 oz sharp cheddar, cubed
4 oz gouda, sliced
4 oz brie, whole
3 oz blue cheese wedge

Meats

4 oz salami, sliced
3 oz prosciutto
3 oz pepperoni

Crackers and Bread

2 cups assorted crackers
6 breadsticks

Nuts

1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup cashews

Olives

1/2 cup green olives
1/2 cup kalamata olives

Condiments and Garnishes

3 tbsp fig jam or apple butter
2 tbsp honey
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

Prepare the Serving Base: Choose a large wooden board or slate tray as your base to create an inviting surface for the arrangement.
Place Condiment Bowls: Set small bowls for fig jam or apple butter, olives, and honey at different spots on the board for easy access.
Arrange Cheeses: Position the cheeses around the board, slicing the hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda, while leaving soft cheeses like brie whole and providing a spreader for convenience.
Shape and Place Meats: Fold or roll the cured meats and arrange them artistically near the cheeses, shaping them into fans or rosettes to enhance the presentation.
Add Fresh and Dried Fruits: Distribute the red and green grapes in small bunches around the board, then scatter dried apricots and cranberries for varied flavors and textures.
Fill with Nuts: Add clusters of pecans, walnuts, and cashews in open areas to add crunch and balance.
Arrange Crackers and Breadsticks: Fill in the remaining gaps with assorted crackers and breadsticks, arranging them in curves or stacks to maximize space and aesthetics.
Garnish with Herbs: Place fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs over the board for aromatic appeal and color contrast.
Final Touches: Check the balance and symmetry of the board, ensuring all sections have a pleasing mix of color, texture, and variety.
Serve: Let the assembled board sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheeses to soften slightly.

Notes

Allow the board to reach room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and aromas of cheeses and meats.
Feel free to substitute nuts or cheeses based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
Use a variety of textures and colors to make the board visually enticing.
Expand the board with seasonal fruits or other festive garnishes for added holiday cheer.
Always provide appropriate utensils such as cheese knives and spreaders for easy serving.