Turkey-shaped board
A pear body with candy-eye face, surrounded by fans of crackers, salami, cheddar and apple slices as feathers.
You need: pear, candy eyes
shape
Charcuterie · Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
A board keeps everyone happy while the turkey finishes. These Thanksgiving boards lean into autumn flavours and a little fun.
Quick answer
The classic Thanksgiving charcuterie board is shaped like a turkey: a pear or cheese ball for the body, then fan crackers, salami and cheese slices around it as tail feathers. Fill it with autumn flavours: apples, pears, figs, pecans, cranberries, cheddar, gouda, brie and a pumpkin or apple butter. Keep it light so guests still have room for dinner.
Harvest board
Apples, pears, grapes, figs, pecans, aged cheddar, gouda, brie and cranberry chutney.
You need: autumn fruit
easy
Pie board
Mini pies, pie crust 'crackers', whipped cream and caramel sauce.
You need: mini pies
sweet
Friendsgiving board
Everyone brings one item; build the board together when guests arrive.
easy
Cornucopia board
Crackers spilling out of a bread or pastry horn of plenty.
You need: pastry
shape
Kids' turkey snack board
Pretzel and fruit turkey with a cheese body.
You need: pretzels, fruit
shapeeasy
Leftover sandwich board
Next day: sliced turkey, stuffing, cranberry, rolls and gravy for sliders.
You need: leftovers
easy
Pumpkin dip board
Pumpkin cream cheese dip with ginger snaps, apples and pretzels.
You need: pumpkin purée
sweet
Cheese and wine pairing
Gouda with pinot noir, cheddar with cider, brie with sparkling.
You need: 3 cheeses
easy
Cranberry brie board
Baked brie topped with cranberry sauce and pecans, crackers all around.
You need: brie, cranberry
easy
Veggie turkey
Cucumber, pepper and carrot 'feathers' around a hummus body.
You need: veg
shape
Dessert turkey
Cookies and chocolates fanned as feathers around a chocolate pudding cup.
You need: cookies
sweetshape
Frequently asked questions
What goes on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
Autumn fruits (apples, pears, figs, grapes), pecans and walnuts, cheddar, gouda and brie, salami or prosciutto, cranberry sauce and crackers.
How do you make a turkey charcuterie board?
Put a round item (pear, cheese ball) in the lower middle as the body, then fan crackers, meats, cheese and fruit in rows around the top as feathers.
How long can a charcuterie board sit out?
Up to 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour if it's above 90°F/32°C). For longer parties, refill a smaller board from the fridge instead of putting everything out at once.