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.
This board is always the star at our holiday parties and brings everyone together with its creative presentation and delicious components.
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 always brings the family around the table eager to share stories and laughter over a beautiful spread.
Notes
For a vegetarian version omit meats and add extra vegetables or plant-based deli slices
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese), Wheat (crackers, bread), Tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), Soy (possible in some cured meats)
Nutritional Information
Approximately 310 calories per serving with balanced fat, carbohydrates, and protein
Save With all these elements combined this charcuterie board not only tastes wonderful but also impresses guests visually.
Kitchen Guide
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda create a balanced mix of flavors and textures. They complement the cured meats and fresh fruits beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the cured meats?
Yes, you can swap prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey with other cured options or omit them for vegetarian preferences, adding plant-based deli slices instead.
- → How do I create the wheat field visual effect?
Arrange crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to mimic wheat stalks, and use pretzel sticks at edges to enhance the effect. Layer cheeses in arcs to represent rows in the field.
- → What fruits are ideal for this spread?
Fresh green and red grapes, sliced pears and apples, along with dried apricots and cranberries add seasonal sweetness and color contrast.
- → How can I assemble the turkey face?
Attach black olives for eyes, a small piece of red bell pepper for the wattle, and a triangle of yellow cheese for the beak to the mini pumpkin or gourd using toothpicks.
- → How should I serve and store the board?
Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready. Assemble close to serving time to maintain optimal appearance.