Save to Pinterest A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board designed to resemble a wheat field and turkey, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts—perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
This board has become my go-to for Thanksgiving parties as it combines artful presentation with delicious variety that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g sharp cheddar cheese sliced, 150 g Swiss cheese sliced, 150 g creamy brie sliced or in wedges, 100 g gouda cubed
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami sliced, 100 g smoked turkey breast sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 150 g whole wheat crackers, 150 g multigrain crackers, 1 small baguette sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 small bunch of green grapes, 1 small bunch of red grapes, 1 pear sliced, 1 apple sliced, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Garnishes: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, Fresh rosemary sprigs, 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- For Decoration: 1 mini pumpkin or gourd (for the turkeys body), Pretzel sticks (for wheat stalks and turkey feathers), 2 black olives (for turkeys eyes), 1 small piece of red bell pepper (for wattle), 1 small triangle of yellow cheese (for beak)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the mini pumpkin or gourd at the bottom center of a large wooden board to represent the turkeys body.
- Step 2:
- Arrange sliced meats fan-like above the pumpkin to mimic the turkeys tail feathers. Alternate colors and textures for a vibrant effect.
- Step 3:
- Layer assorted cheeses in arcs radiating out from the turkey body, resembling a wheat fields rows.
- Step 4:
- Arrange crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to evoke wheat stalks.
- Step 5:
- Place clusters of grapes, apple and pear slices, and dried fruits artfully around the cheeses and meats.
- Step 6:
- Fill gaps with nuts, pumpkin seeds, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Step 7:
- Use pretzel sticks to create additional wheat stalk effects at the edges and among cheese and fruit.
- Step 8:
- Assemble the turkeys face: attach black olives (eyes), the red bell pepper (wattle), and yellow cheese (beak) to the front of the pumpkin/gourd using toothpicks if needed.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around this board during Thanksgiving to share stories and enjoy the variety of flavors together.
Required Tools
Large wooden or slate serving board, Small paring knife, Cheese knife, Toothpicks (for assembly), Small bowls (for nuts or dips)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese), Wheat (crackers, bread), Tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), Soy (possible in some cured meats). May contain Sulfites (dried fruits, cured meats). Double-check all labels for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories about 310, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 14 g
Save to Pinterest This board is perfect for stress-free hosting with style and flavor combined.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the turkey centerpiece?
Use a mini pumpkin or gourd placed at the board’s center bottom. Attach black olives for eyes, a red bell pepper piece for the wattle, and a yellow cheese triangle for the beak using toothpicks.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda provide a mix of textures and flavors. Slicing or wedging cheeses creates visual variety mimicking wheat rows.
- → Can I substitute the cured meats?
Yes, use any preferred cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey breast. For vegetarian options, omit meats and add extra vegetables or plant-based deli slices.
- → How can I replicate wheat stalks on the board?
Arrange crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to represent stalks. Pretzel sticks add texture and mimic wheat stalk details around cheese and fruits.
- → What fruits complement this arrangement?
Fresh green and red grapes, apple and pear slices, along with dried apricots and cranberries, add color, sweetness, and contrast to the savory elements.
- → How should I serve and store the board?
Serve immediately for best freshness. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time to maintain texture and flavor.