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Easy Ultimate Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board for Fall

friendsgiving fall charcuterie board - featured image

This Easy Ultimate Friendsgiving Fall Charcuterie Board is designed to take the stress out of the equation. It’s forgiving, flexible, and looks way more impressive than it actually is to put together, featuring a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and surprising elements.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Aged Cheddar
  • 8 oz Brie
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese Log
  • 4 oz Prosciutto
  • 4 oz Salami (Genoa or soppressata)
  • 4 oz Capicola
  • 1 large Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
  • 1 large Pear (Bosc or Bartlett), sliced
  • 1 cup Red Grapes
  • ½ cup Dried Figs
  • ½ cup Dried Apricots
  • 1 cup Mixed Nuts (toasted almonds, pecans, walnuts)
  • 1 box Crackers (neutral water cracker or multi-grain)
  • 1 small Baguette, sliced
  • Honey (for drizzling)
  • ¼ cup Fig Jam or Apple Butter
  • ½ cup Pickled Shallots or Cornichons
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit (5 minutes): Wash the grapes and pat them dry. Slice the apple and pear into thin wedges, then toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Halve the dried figs if they’re large. Set everything aside in small bowls.
  2. Prep the cheese (3 minutes): Remove the brie from its packaging and place it whole on the board. Cut the aged cheddar into thin slices or small cubes. Slice the goat cheese log into rounds about ½-inch thick. Let the cheese sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  3. Prep the meats (3 minutes): Lay the prosciutto slices flat on a cutting board. Fold each slice in half lengthwise, then roll it into a loose ribbon. Arrange the salami slices in a small pile or fan them out. If using capicola, fold it similarly to the prosciutto.
  4. Toast the nuts (5 minutes, optional): Spread the mixed nuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the board.
  5. Arrange the board (5 minutes): Start by placing the small bowls on the board first. Fill one with fig jam or apple butter, one with honey, and one with pickled shallots or cornichons. Place the brie wheel in a prominent spot. Arrange the other cheeses around it, leaving space between them.
  6. Add the meats (2 minutes): Place the prosciutto ribbons near the brie. Put the salami near the cheddar. Grouping similar flavors together makes it easier for guests to find what they like.
  7. Fill in the gaps (2 minutes): Scatter the apple and pear slices around the board. Add clusters of grapes. Tuck the dried figs and apricots into empty spaces. Sprinkle the toasted nuts in small piles. Add the crackers and baguette slices in a few different spots.
  8. Garnish and serve (1 minute): Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the cheese and fruit. Drizzle a little honey over the brie or goat cheese if you want. Step back and admire your work—then put it out before anyone sees you taking a photo.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the board. If you have more ingredients than space, use a second smaller board or a plate. If making ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Let come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Temperature matters: cheese and meats taste better at room temperature. Balance textures and flavors in every bite. Place crackers away from wet items to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Friendsgiving, charcuterie board, fall appetizer, cheese board, easy entertaining, holiday appetizer, party platter