Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses (choose 3-4 varieties):
- 6 oz aged cheddar, cubed
- 6 oz brie or camembert, sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese with honey
- 4 oz smoked gouda, sliced
Meats (choose 2-3 varieties):
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 4 oz turkey or ham, rolled
- 3 oz salami, folded
Seasonal Fruits:
- 2 crisp apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup grapes, small clusters
Nuts and Crunchy Elements:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (candied pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
- Assorted crackers and sliced baguette
Seasonal Spreads and Accompaniments:
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or chutney
- 1/2 cup fig jam or apple butter
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup honey in a small bowl with dipper
Vegetables:
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes, cooled
- 1/2 cup cornichons or pickles
- 1/2 cup olives (green and kalamata mix)
Garnishes:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Dried orange slices
- Small autumn leaves (clean and food-safe)
Instructions
- Start with your board: Choose a large wooden cutting board, marble slab, or even a clean kitchen island covered with parchment paper. The bigger, the better for this feast.
- Place the cheeses first: Arrange your cheese selections in different corners of the board, leaving space between each variety. This creates natural “zones” for your other ingredients.
- Add the meats: Roll, fold, or fan out your meat selections near the cheeses. Create visual interest by varying the presentation – some rolled, some folded, some fanned.
- Fill in with bowls: Place small bowls around the board for spreads, honey, nuts, and cranberries. This prevents softer items from making the board messy.
- Arrange the fruits: Fan apple and pear slices in overlapping patterns. Scatter grape clusters and fresh cranberries throughout, filling gaps and adding pops of color.
- Add the crunchy elements: Fill remaining spaces with crackers, toasted pumpkin seeds, and nuts. Lean crackers against cheeses and stack others in small piles.
- Include the vegetables: Tuck roasted butternut squash cubes, pickles, and olives into any remaining spaces. These add savory depth and beautiful autumn colors.
- Final touches: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, dried orange slices, and clean autumn leaves. Add small cheese knives and spoons for spreads.
- The finishing flourish: Step back and fill any empty spots with additional crackers, nuts, or garnishes. The board should look abundant and inviting.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
