Save 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.
Assembling this board has become my favorite way to impress guests with minimal cooking and maximum style.
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 This board brings our family together every Thanksgiving as we enjoy both the taste and the creativity behind it.
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
Calories approximately 310, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 14 g per serving.
Save This board is perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda provide a variety of flavors and textures that complement the meats and fruits well.
- → Can I substitute the cured meats?
Yes, prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast can be replaced with other cured meats or plant-based deli slices for dietary preferences.
- → How do I create the turkey centerpiece?
Use a mini pumpkin or gourd as the body, add black olives for eyes, a red bell pepper piece for the wattle, and a small yellow cheese triangle for the beak, secured with toothpicks.
- → What crackers pair best with the board?
Whole wheat and multigrain crackers add wholesome crunch and visually echo the wheat field theme when arranged thoughtfully.
- → Any tips for making this board ahead?
Assemble the main elements but add delicate fresh fruits and decorative details like pretzel sticks just before serving to maintain freshness.