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Olivia's Kitchen / Gluten-Free Resources / 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas

Published: Nov 16, 2022 · Modified: Nov 19, 2024 by Olivia Parsons

14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas

Get holiday ready with these 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas! From the classic meat and cheese to some unconventional boards, this roundup has all the inspiration for your Thanksgiving feast.

4 photos of thanksgiving charcuterie boards.
Jump to:
  • Charcuterie Board FAQ's
  • Traditional Charcuterie Boards
  • Unique Charcuterie Boards
  • Reviews

Charcuterie boards have been popular for some time. The classic combination of meat, cheese, and accompaniments is loved by many. So let's put a fun fall twist on it for Thanksgiving!

Seasonal fruits, herbs, and even mini pumpkins can lend a fall look to your board. These 14 recipes all have a different take on a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, from more traditional, to pescatarian, to mini for smaller gatherings.

Untraditional boards like a sweet & spicy butter board, cookie & dessert board, and fruit board also make the list, so you can build a board for Thanksgiving appetizers, the main, or even dessert!

Charcuterie Board FAQ's

Here are some common questions when making a charcuterie board:

Why is it called a charcuterie board?

Charcuterie is a French term referring to cold cooked meats. Through many variations, today we know a charcuterie board as a collection of cold cuts and cheeses on a wooden board. Accompaniments are often added such as crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, jams, and more.

What are the most popular items on a charcuterie board?

- Cured meats: prosciutto, salami, mortadella, etc.
- Hard cheeses: parmesan, pecorino, aged cheddar, gouda, etc.
- Soft cheeses: goat cheese, feta, brie, marinated bocconcini mozzarella, etc.
- Bread & crackers
- Fruit: either dried fruits like dried apricots or cranberries, or fresh grapes, berries, etc.
- Jams & spreads: fig, blueberry, red pepper are all popular jams.
- Olives & nuts: marinated olives, mini pickles, and nuts such as pistachios are popular additions.

How to make a gluten-free charcuterie board?

Most of the ingredients on a charcuterie board should be gluten-free. Cheese, fruits, and nuts are all naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the ingredients on your meats, but they are likely safe too.

The one change you will have to make is to ensure the crackers and breads are gluten-free. If you are concerned about cross contamination, you could have the regular and gluten-free crackers on separate plates and not on the board itself.

How do you build a charcuterie board?

The best advice is to start building your board with the largest pieces first.

1. Place your large cheeses evenly spaced around the board.
2. Add any small bowls or jars for jams, nuts, olives, etc.
3. Fold your meats and place groups of meat around the board.
4. Add the crackers and bread around the board.
5. Place larger fruits like grapes or strawberries.
6. Fill in any gaps with nuts, small berries, or seasonal decorations.

How do you eat a charcuterie board?

There is no correct way to eat a charcuterie board. The beauty of the variety is that everyone can eat what they enjoy. Whether it's just a piece of meat, a small chunk of cheese, or a cracker topped with jam, cheese, and, meat—everyone can create their perfect bite.

Having toothpicks, mini forks, or skewers beside the board is a clean way for everyone to enjoy, but charcuterie boards are known for being finger food.

How do you store a charcuterie board?

Charcuterie boards can be mostly prepared ahead of time, which is great for holiday prep.

Arrange the meats, cheeses, jams, fruits, and just about everything except the bread and crackers on your board. You can then cover the board in plastic wrap and place in the fridge up to 1 day before your event. Remove to room temperature then add the bread before serving.

Leftovers can also be placed in the fridge and consumed within 2 days.

How long can a charcuterie board sit out?

You really don't want to let a charcuterie board sit out for longer than 2 hours. More than this and you risk the meat and cheese spoiling at room temperature. Remove the board from the fridge just before serving.

And now we get into the 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas. Click the link to visit each recipe. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Traditional Charcuterie Boards

These are along the lines of what you picture when you think of a charcuterie board. Meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments with a festive fall flair.

  1. Simple Fall Cheese Board

This post has lots of details about how to choose your board, as well as what to put on your board. It's a medium-sized board with about 16 servings.

Simple Fall Cheese Board
Wondering how to make a Fall Charcuterie Board for Thanksgiving? Here's the perfect guide to one of the most popular and easy appetizers to serve at fall holiday parties!
Check out this recipe
small charcuterie board with nuts, cheese, and grapes.

2. Festive Fall Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This post has great step-by-step photos to help you build your board. It offers festive fall decor inspiration and serves 8 people.

Festive Fall Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
This easy Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is packed with cured meats, cheeses, dips and Fall inspired goodies. Don’t forget some cute pumpkins and gourds! Perfect for holiday entertaining.
Check out this recipe
festive fall charcuterie board.

3. Authentic Meat & Cheese Board

This post explains the origins of charcuterie and uses only the most traditional ingredients. If you're a charcuterie purist, then this is for you! Suggestions serve 15-20 people.

Authentic Meat & Cheese Board
In case you haven’t noticed, charcuterie boards are all the rage right now. There’s only one problem. Very few sites are actually using the term “charcuterie” correctly! This board features authentic charcuterie ingredients.
Check out this recipe

4. Classic Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This board screams Thanksgiving with its mini pumpkins and cut-out cheese shapes. It has great step-by-step photos and serves 24 plates.

Classic Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Take your thanksgiving to the next level with this easy to put together thanksgiving charcuterie board. Perfect for guest as they await the main meal, or serve after dinner before you feast on pie!
Check out this recipe
thanksgiving themed charcuterie board.

5. Pescatarian Charcuterie Board

Not into meat? Check out this board made for the pescatarians! This charcuterie board features only seafood, no meat. Combined with cheese, fruit, veggies, and jams, this is surely a unique take on the board! There's great step-by-step photos and it serves 8 people.

Pescatarian Charcuterie Board
The perfect pescatarian charcuterie board for your holiday celebration! Includes guidance on choosing mains, cheeses, crunchy and fresh bits and how to add decor.
Check out this recipe
seafood charcuterie board.

6. Vegetarian Fall Charcuterie Board

Serving a meatless crowd? Try this vegetarian charcuterie board! Skip the meat and load up your board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and dips.

Vegetarian Autumn Charcuterie Board
Keep entertaining easy with a beautiful Vegetarian Autumn Cheese Board filled with a variety of fresh fruit, crackers, dips, and cheese. Ready in just minutes, pair a selection of cheeses with a few of your favorite wines and get the party started!
Check out this recipe

7. Charcuterie Board for Small Gatherings

This post breaks down how much meat and cheese is an ideal serving per person, so you can build a custom mini board for a small celebration. Quantities allow for you to customize the serving size based on your party size.

Mini Charcuterie Board
Making mini charcuterie boards is great for intimate Thanksgiving gatherings and each guest can have their own beautifully arranged charcuterie board. This post also includes measurements to get the right amount of meat and cheese per person.
Check out this recipe

8. Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Board

This board is super fun and festive! Arrange your meat and cheese in an untraditional way by shaping them into a turkey. The kids are sure to love this one!

Turkey Charcuterie Board
A turkey charcuterie board is perfect for serving up fall-inspired appetizers. Fill it with your favorite fixings and watch it be gobbled up!
Check out this recipe

9. Quick Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This quick and easy charcuterie board emphasizes prepping ahead for an easy Thanksgiving day. Filled with delicious fall flavours, you may have to sneak a bite early.

20 Minute Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Looking for the best (and easiest) Thanksgiving charcuterie board? This recipe can be made and ready to serve as your Thanksgiving appetizer in 20 minutes. This Thanksgiving themed charcuterie board is full of fall flavors like cranberries, walnuts, fig jam, and more!
Check out this recipe
charcuterie meats and cheeses on a round board.

Unique Charcuterie Boards

These charcuterie boards are a bit less traditional. Think: butter boards, dessert boards, and fruit boards. Your guests are sure to never have seen this before!

10. Butter Board

Butter boards have been all the rage this fall. Softened butter is spread onto a board, topped with salt, jams, oils, olives, and scooped up with bread or crackers. This version has a sweet and spicy take. It states to serve 12 people. A great appetizer alternative to the traditional charcuterie board.

Sweet & Spicy Butter Board
Why have just rolls and butter for Thanksgiving when you can have this beautiful & tasty twist. A Sweet & Spicy Butter Board is a great appetizer or side for your holiday gathering. It's fun to dip rolls, crackers, & bread into the soft creamy butter with hot honey, olives, & more.
Check out this recipe
sweet and spicy butter board.

11. Fall Cookie & Dessert Board

Why not serve a charcuterie board for dessert! This fall themed dessert board features cookies, candies, and desserts in festive orange colours. It has great step-by-step photos to help you build your dessert board. Serves 12+.

Fall Cookie & Dessert Board
This fall dessert charcuterie board features cookies, candies, and desserts. It is easy and welcomes the autumn season! Perfect for any party or family get together. Filled with fall ingredient ideas.
Check out this recipe
fall cookie and dessert board.

12. Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board

This dessert charcuterie board features cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, donuts, fruits, dips, and more! It has great suggestions for desserts that everyone will love.

Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board
Why serve one dessert when your guests can have a selection? With this Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board you can mix and match flavors to find your favorite treat!
Check out this recipe

13. Fruit Board

Nothing helps a big Thanksgiving meal digest like some after-dinner fruit! This fruit board is beautiful and healthy. Also great for Thanksgiving morning, or the next day!

Fruit Board
This fruit board is the perfect addition to any holiday meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner! Surround the delicious dip with your favorite dippers and serve.
Check out this recipe

14. Turkey Shaped Fruit Board

If you want to take your fruit board one step further, turn it into a turkey! The kids are sure to love this one. This post shows you how to arrange your fruit to be shaped like a turkey, complete with the pear face!

Turkey Fruit Board
Make this cute fruit turkey tray to add to your holiday buffet table. The turkey's plume is made with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, orange slices, apples, and bananas – with his head made from a juicy pear half. This fun fruit turkey is easy enough that you can get the kids involved and will make a lovely edible centerpiece everyone will admire and enjoy.
Check out this recipe
fruit platter shaped like a turkey.

These 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas are sure to be a hit on the table! Whether it's for breakfast, appetizers, the main event, or dessert—these recipes serve as great inspiration for the Thanksgiving theme.

Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Try these delicious fall recipes.

  • chicken pot pie skillet with a wooden spoon scooping filling.
    Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
  • apple cider aperol spritz with apple slices and star anise and cinnamon stick.
    Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
  • fall harvest dense bean salad.
    Fall Harvest Dense Bean Salad
  • carrot banana muffin with carrots in the background.
    Gluten Free Banana Carrot Muffins

More Fall Recipes →

Like this post? Check out more of my gluten-free resources and come visit me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!

« Vegan Dirty Chai Scones
Spicy Edamame Kale Dip (Farm Boy Copycat) »

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