Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas have been blowing up on social media recently, and it’s for a good reason. They offer a versatile and interesting dining experience that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
With the holidays right around the corner, what better time to make a Thanksgiving charcuterie board for your guests to enjoy? Create a holiday-themed board that will get your guests in the festive spirit.
Need inspiration for your holiday charcuterie board? We’ll go over 5 fun and festive charcuterie board ideas, plus a Thanksgiving wine to pair with each that will enhance the flavors.
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Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ingredients
A good charcuterie board has a variety of ingredients ranging in flavor profiles and textures. Variety lets your guests choose the kind of experience they want and try new things. Common Thanksgiving charcuterie board ingredients include:
- Cured Meats: Pick a variety of meats that match your board’s theme. This can range from turkey to cured meats like prosciutto or salami.
- Cheeses: Look for cheeses that pair well with your meat of choice. You could go with a creamy option like goat cheese, or a harder cheese like gouda. The more variety, the better. If you want the wine to be the star of the night, consider a wine and cheese board.
- Seasonal Fruits: Pick fall fruits for your board that go with your theme. They can either be fresh or dried, whichever you prefer. Popular fall fruits include apples, cranberries, figs, pomegranate seeds, and pears.
- Nuts: Nuts add a nice crunch to your charcuterie board. Offer a couple of options that pair with the rest of the board, according to your preference. Pistachios and almonds are usually a popular choice.
- Veggies: Veggies add variety and color to your charcuterie board. From rainbow carrots to purple cauliflower, the options are endless.
- Crackers or Bread: Crackers and bread are a good base for any board, giving your guests options for what they want to eat it with. A popular bread option for a charcuterie board is a nice French baguette.
- Spreads: Choose a spread that compliments the meats and cheeses you put on your board. You can choose a sweet option like apricot jam or even cranberry sauce, or go more savory with Dijon mustard or pesto.
- Herbs: Garnish your charcuterie board with festive herbs such as rosemary and thyme for a pop of color and added flavor notes.
Fall Harvest Charcuterie Board
Fall is the time of year when crops are harvested in preparation for the winter season. A fall harvest charcuterie board has traditional Thanksgiving flavors as the star of the show. This can include turkey, cranberries, perhaps some pumpkin seeds, and even a classic dinner roll. It’s your board, so choose foods that you love. Arrange the board to have a variety of colors and textures to create visual appeal.
When choosing a wine for your fall harvest board, look for a medium-bodied red wine to compliment the rich and savory food elements. A Pinot Noir is a great wine pairing for these Thanksgiving board ingredients.
Mediterranean-Inspired Thanksgiving Board
For a fresh twist on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, add in some Mediterranean flavors. Take traditional Thanksgiving favorites and add a pinch of Mediterranean, such as stuffed grape leaves, marinated olives, and hummus. Use bowls to separate your dips for a cleaner presentation.
For a Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board, pair it with a crisp white wine that balances the salty and tangy flavors of the board. An example would be something like a V on YAY Viognier from The Wine Cellar Group’s online shop.
Sweet and Savory Dessert Charcuterie Board
Sweet and salty is a classic flavor combination that never misses. Fill your board with chocolate-covered fruits, candied nuts, sweet treats like cookies, and soft cheeses like Brie. Be sure to balance the sweet with the savory to avoid overwhelming the palate with one or the other.
Pair this board with a dessert wine such as a Port or late-harvest Riesling to compliment the sweetness.
Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
If you’re vegetarian, don’t feel left out. Charcuterie boards can easily be customized to fit any dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor. Fill your board with roasted vegetables, goat cheese, fig preserves, spiced nuts, and stuffed mushrooms. Get creative with the seasonal vegetables you choose.
Vegetarian charcuterie boards pair well with a light red wine like Beaujolais or even a sparkling wine like Altestelle Spumante to cleanse the palate between bites.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board
What’s more festive than Thanksgiving food? Fill your charcuterie board with traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, rustic bread, and mini pumpkin pies. Add fresh herbs like rosemary for an aromatic touch.
A Thanksgiving Leftovers board pairs great with a full-bodied red wine like a Black Saint Peter OV Zinfandel that enhances the rich flavors of the food.
Assembling Your Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
When you build your charcuterie board, don’t stress too much about the specifics. The idea is to have fun with it and create your own custom board, so get creative with it. Start with the meats and cheeses, as those are the stars of the show. From there, add the fruit, veggies, and bread. Lastly, fill in the gaps with the nuts and bowls of spread.
When serving your board, keep the temperature of the ingredients in mind. If you have cheeses that are meant to be served cold, set out the board right when people start eating. Display it somewhere your guests can easily get to it without having to reach over other people.
Visit your local Wine Cellar store to shop for wines to serve with your Thanksgiving charcuterie board!
FAQs
What do you put on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
A Thanksgiving charcuterie board can be whatever you want it to be. Choose from a variety of seasonal items such as roasted turkey slices, cranberry jam, spiced nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses like sharp cheddar or Brie. You can also add ingredients like pumpkin seeds, apple slices, and seasonal vegetables to reflect the flavors of Fall. Serve with a festive holiday wine to celebrate the season.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie boards?
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple guideline for building a well-balanced charcuterie board. It suggests including three types of cheese (soft, semi-hard, and hard), three types of meats (cured, smoked, and fresh), and three types of accompaniments (fruits, nuts, and spreads). This rule ensures variety and balance on your board.
How to assemble a charcuterie board for Thanksgiving?
Start by choosing a large, flat surface like a wooden board or platter. Arrange the cheeses and meats first, followed by the crackers or bread. Fill in the gaps with fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments. Use small bowls for dips and spreads, and garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary to add a festive touch.
What is the secret to a great charcuterie board?
The secret to a great charcuterie board lies in variety and balance. Offer a mix of textures, flavors, and colors. Pair contrasting items like sweet fruits with salty meats, or creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts. Presentation is also key—arrange items in a way that looks abundant and inviting, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your selections.
Can I make a Thanksgiving charcuterie board ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep most elements of your charcuterie board in advance. Arrange the cheeses, meats, and dried fruits on the board, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add crackers, bread, fresh fruit, and any items that might become soggy just before serving.
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