Turkey-Shaped Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Transform your holiday spread into an adorable turkey that will have everyone talking!

This turkey-shaped charcuterie board combines all your Thanksgiving favorites into one show-stopping centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Instead of the traditional layout, you’ll arrange everything to create an actual turkey silhouette—complete with fanned tail feathers, wings, and even a cute little face.

It’s interactive, Instagram-worthy, and takes the pressure off traditional carving.

Ingredients

Turkey & Proteins

• 2-3 lbs sliced roasted turkey (for the body)
• 8 oz turkey or chicken salami, thinly sliced
• 6 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced

Cheeses

• 8 oz aged cheddar, cubed and sliced
• 6 oz creamy brie, wedged
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Accompaniments

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup fig jam or apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup grainy mustard
• 1/4 cup honey

Vegetables & Fruits

• 1 cup mixed olives (for the body)
• 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
• 2 apples, sliced (toss with lemon juice)
• 1 cup red grapes
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• Fresh blackberries (for accent)

Breads & Crackers

• Assorted crackers (water crackers, wheat thins, etc.)
• Sliced baguette or artisan bread
• Pita chips

For the Turkey Face

• 1 small white pumpkin or gourd (for the head)
• 1 small orange bell pepper piece (for the beak)
• 2 small black olives or peppercorns (for eyes)

Garnishes

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh sage leaves
• Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Instructions

Plan Your Turkey Shape

Start with a large round board (24+ inches) or use a large rectangular board. Visualize your turkey: head at the top, body in the center, wings on the sides, and a magnificent fanned tail at the bottom.

Create the Head

Position your white pumpkin or gourd at the top of the board for the head. Add two small black olives for eyes and a small piece of orange pepper for the beak. This becomes your turkey’s adorable face.

Build the Body

Create the turkey’s body using overlapping slices of roasted turkey in the center area below the head. Layer them in a rounded, plump shape that looks like a turkey’s breast and body.

Fill in around the turkey body with olives in a small bowl, and scatter some goat cheese crumbles to add texture and color to the body area.

Form the Wings

On each side of the body, create wings using the salami and prosciutto. Fold and layer the meats to create wing-like shapes that extend outward from the body.

Add cheese wedges and crackers around the wing areas to fill out the shape and provide variety.

The Spectacular Tail

This is where the magic happens! At the bottom of the board, create a magnificent fan of “tail feathers” using:

• Sliced cheeses arranged in overlapping layers
• Apple slices fanned out in semicircles
• Crackers standing upright like feathers
• Dried cranberries and nuts scattered between

Arrange these elements in a large fan shape that spreads across the bottom third of your board.

Add Color and Detail

Fill in any gaps with red grapes clustered like berries, cucumber rounds for freshness, and blackberries for dark accent colors.

Place small bowls of cranberry sauce, jam, and mustard strategically around the turkey without disrupting the overall shape.

Final Touches

Tuck fresh rosemary and sage leaves throughout to mimic real turkey feathers and add that holiday aroma.

Add cinnamon sticks near the head area for a festive touch and extra fragrance.

Scatter candied pecans and any remaining items to complete the look.

Assembly Tips

• Assemble the basic turkey shape first, then fill in details
• Step back periodically to check that your turkey shape is recognizable
• Don’t worry about perfection – rustic charm adds to the appeal
• Take a photo before guests arrive – this creation deserves documentation!

Serving

Provide small plates, cocktail napkins, and cheese knives around the board. Encourage guests to start from the tail and work their way up, preserving the turkey shape as long as possible.

Set up the board about 30 minutes before guests arrive for the best presentation. The turkey will be the talk of your Thanksgiving table!

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