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.
I always enjoy assembling this board as it brings everyone together to share and admire the creativity before digging in.
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 sparks conversation and joy when my family gathers around to build it together each Thanksgiving.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories approx 310 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 14 g per serving
Save This board is a beautiful centerpiece and a delicious start to any Thanksgiving celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the wheat field effect?
Arrange cheeses in radiating arcs and place crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to mimic wheat stalks.
- → What can substitute the meats for a vegetarian option?
Replace cured meats with extra vegetables, plant-based deli slices, or marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly spread.
- → How should this board be stored if not served immediately?
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep ingredients fresh until serving time.
- → Which wines pair well with this board?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling cider complement the flavors without overpowering them.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
The board contains dairy, wheat, tree nuts, and possibly soy and sulfites. Always check ingredient labels for sensitivities.
- → What tools help assemble the board?
Use a large wooden or slate board, small paring and cheese knives, toothpicks for decoration, and small bowls for nuts or dips.