4 Ways to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a great way to offer a variety of appetizers for not a lot of effort. Most boards can be built prior to your guests’ arrival; the hardest part may be finding room in your refrigerator. If you can’t assemble it in advance, at least plan out your board’s layout and gather the ingredients together. These four grazing board assortments include items that will entice even the fussiest eaters, including kids.

1. Classic Thanksgiving Board

This delectable assortment includes all the classics you’d expect on a party board but also includes fall seasonal favorites in eye-catching autumn colors. A pumpkin-shaped cheeseball, a wheel of brie, and an assortment of cheddar cheeses create the board’s anchor. Swirls of crackers, salami slices and fresh fruit add additional waves of flavors. Sweet spreads, pumpkin-flavored pretzels and mini pecan pies provide a touch of sweetness, and the rest of the board is filled in with nuts, crudites and food-safe flowers.

2. Turkey-Shaped Vegetarian Board

This creative platter offers a fun yet ironic way to keep turkey on the menu while surprising vegetarian guests with an array of meat-free delights. Full of cheese, crackers, veggies and fruits, this artfully arranged platter is one your guests — vegetarian or not — are sure to remember. If your guest list is all carnivores, layer some pepperoni or salami rounds in the turkey's tail feather.

3. The Ultimate Cheese + Crudite Tray

This abundant vegetarian cheese, fruit and veggie tray is so hearty and satisfying that you won’t even miss the meat. Fresh produce like tender baby carrots, snap peas, broccolini and berries are paired with lighter-tasting cheeses that have fragrant floral, fruity and citrusy flavors. Sweet preserves, wildflower honey, assorted crackers and mixed nuts provide endless flavor combinations that your guests are sure to enjoy.

4. Dessert Charcuterie Board

Make your charcuterie board the dessert course of your meal instead of the appetizer course. This sweet grazing tray uses mostly store-bought seasonal favorites like pumpkin roll, maple cookies, macarons and chocolates that are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings in the most delicious way.