Fall Harvest Charcuterie Board

Pumpkins line the grocery store aisles, apple orchards beckon from country roadsides, and your kitchen starts calling for something that captures the season’s warmth.

Yep, it’s that time of year!

This Fall Harvest Charcuterie Board brings together all the flavors that make autumn special.

Think beyond the basic cheese and crackers. We’re talking about a spread that celebrates the season’s best ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This charcuterie board takes zero cooking skills but delivers maximum impact. You’re essentially shopping for ingredients and arranging them beautifully—perfect for when you want something impressive without the stress.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors hits every craving. Honey-drizzled goat cheese pairs perfectly with tart dried cranberries, while spiced nuts add that satisfying crunch.

It’s also incredibly flexible. Don’t have fresh figs? Substitute with pears or apples. Can’t find aged cheddar? Any good sharp cheese will work. The beauty lies in using what’s available and seasonal.

Plus, your guests can graze at their own pace. No need to coordinate serving times or worry about food getting cold.

Ingredients

Cheeses (choose 3-4):

• 6 oz aged white cheddar, sliced
• 4 oz goat cheese log
• 4 oz brie wheel
• 4 oz smoked gouda, cubed

Meats (choose 2-3):

• 3 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 3 oz salami, sliced
• 2 oz turkey or ham, sliced

Fresh Fruits:

• 4-5 fresh figs, halved
• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
• 1 cup red grapes, small clusters

Dried Fruits & Nuts:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup candied walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup dried apricots

Spreads & Condiments:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fig jam or apple butter
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard

Crackers & Bread:

• 8 oz water crackers
• 4 oz wheat thins
• 1 small baguette, sliced

Garnishes:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Small pumpkins or gourds for decoration

Instructions

Start with your largest board or serving tray – you’ll want plenty of space to spread everything out.

Place your cheeses first, spacing them evenly around the board. This creates anchor points for everything else.

Roll or fold your meats and arrange them near the cheeses. Prosciutto looks beautiful when loosely folded into ribbons.

Add small bowls for your honey, jam, and mustard. This prevents sticky spreads from making a mess on your board.

Fill in with fresh fruits, keeping apple slices near lemon juice if you’re worried about browning. Grapes work great in small clusters scattered around.

Sprinkle dried cranberries and nuts in the remaining spaces. These smaller items help fill gaps and add pops of color.

Fan out crackers and arrange bread slices in neat rows. Stack some vertically if you’re running out of space.

Finish with fresh herb sprigs and any seasonal decorations. A few small pumpkins or leaves make it feel extra festive.

Drizzle honey over the goat cheese just before serving – it looks gorgeous and saves guests the trouble.

Tips for Assembly

Work from largest to smallest items. Cheeses and meats first, then fruits, then the small stuff like nuts and berries.

Use odd numbers when arranging items – groups of three or five look more natural than even numbers.

Create height variation with small bowls, folded meats, and stacked crackers. A flat board looks boring.

Leave space for knives and small spoons near spreads. Your guests will thank you for thinking ahead.

Keep apple slices in lemon water until the last minute to prevent browning. Pat them dry before adding to the board.

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