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 has become a highlight of our Thanksgiving celebration, admired by all guests and perfect for sharing.
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 Sharing this board is a special family moment every Thanksgiving, bringing everyone together around the table.
Notes
Substitute cheeses and meats based on availability or dietary preferences. Add honey, fig jam, or whole-grain mustard for dipping. For a vegetarian version, omit meats and add extra vegetables or plant-based deli slices. Pair with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling cider.
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.
Save This Thanksgiving board is the perfect centerpiece to start your feast with style and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are best for this board?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda provide a range of textures and flavors that complement the cured meats and fruits perfectly.
- → How can I assemble the wheat and turkey shapes?
Use a mini pumpkin or gourd as the turkey's body, arrange meats fan-like as tail feathers, layer cheeses to mimic wheat rows, and add pretzel sticks for wheat stalks.
- → Can this board be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the components but hold off on adding delicate garnishes and fresh fruits until serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling cider enhance the flavors without overpowering the spread.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Omit cured meats and add extra vegetables or plant-based deli slices to maintain variety and visual appeal.
- → What nuts are used on the board?
Roasted almonds and shelled pistachios add crunch and nutty flavors, while pumpkin seeds provide a seasonal touch.