How to Create an Epic Fall Charcuterie Board
Have you ever wanted to make a festive fall charcuterie board but don’t know where to start? Today I am excited to share all of my tips and tricks for creating an Epic Fall Charcuterie Board that everyone will love.
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What is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a combination of select meats and cheeses that are surrounded by foods that pair well with them.
Oftentimes those items include crackers, fruit, olives, vegetables, nuts and dips. The fun part is that this is where you can get creative.
There are not any rules, so the sky’s the limit and you can customize it to be whatever you want it to be.
The best part is that an epic charcuterie board is not hard to put together. You can make a summer board or even mini boards without much effort.
What do I put on an Autumn Charcuterie Board?
An autumn board should be comforting and bursting with fall flavors. It is time to let all of the seasonal fresh fruits and produce do some of the work for you while also getting creative.
Going with what is in season ensures that everything will taste amazing and be affordable. I always suggest that you go with your favorite fall foods.
Step by Step Guide for Choosing the Food
Meats
A variety of cured meats is always the way to go. Slices of salami, prosciutto, soppressata and pepperoni are all great options. You can also go with deli meats like turkey or ham from the deli section of your local grocery store.
You can elevate the look of the meats by folding them in different patterns or even making them into gorgeous and simple salami roses.
Cheeses
Go with a variety of different types of cheeses. I love to start with a wheel of brie but goat cheese and blue cheese are also great soft cheese options. I also suggest adding at least one hard cheese so that there are a variety of choices.
Building a cheese platter can be super fun when you go shopping at a specialty store like Trader Joe’s because there are so many seasonal options.
Starches
A typical charcuterie board always has a variety of everyone’s favorite crackers. You could also use baguette slices, pita chips or thin pretzels. You could also add mini baked goods like I did with this Breakfast board.
Fruits & Vegetables
Start with your favorite fresh fruit. Seasonal produce like apples, figs, red grapes, cranberries, pomegranate and seasonal stone fruit are a great way to put a fall twist on the board. Of course you could always use a variety of dried fruit which is easy to find all year long {and shelf stable}.
Using seasonal veggies from a farmers market or the local grocery store is great because everything you find will be ripe and ready to use. You can even think outside of the box and add items like roasted squash or sweet potatoes.
Dips
A good dip is a great idea to add. I always think of fig jam when I am making a fall snack board but apple butter and pumpkin hummus would both be a great seasonal addition. You can also never go wrong with onion dip or ranch dressing.
Accompaniments
Every good board has a few sweet elements. Make your life easier and go with store bought treats that everyone will love. Small cookies and candies are always my go-to but dark chocolate is especially wonderful this time of year.
Try to keep all of the desserts bite sized so that they don’t take up a ton of room on the board. These Pecan Pie Cookie Cups and Mini Chocolate Chip cookies would be delicious additions.
Cut finger sandwiches into fun fall shapes {like leaves or pumpkins} using a cookie cutter. You can also use a cookie cutter to shape your go-to cheeses. Adding a cheddar cheese leaf to the board brings the autumn touch in an easy way.
Finishing Touches
Using edible flowers, fresh herbs and even mini pumpkins are a fun way to add a nice pop of color to a fall board. Add them at the end to give the appetizer board the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
- Get creative with what you use for the base. A wooden board is traditional but there are so many items you can use. Lay brown paper on the counter, use a baking sheet or wood crate for other options.
- Know how many people you are serving and the size of the board you want to use before going shopping. Both of these numbers will determine how much food you need to purchase and make shopping so much easier.
- Always start with the larger and main ingredients first. Adding the meat products and cheeses first allows you to arrange all of the supporting ingredients around them.
- Have a combination of fresh and shelf stable items. During the fall months, fresh items are a must but require that you only purchase them a day or two in advance. Foods like crackers and nuts can be bought ahead of time and will last long after.
- Use small bowls to contain items you don’t want rolling around the board. Using bowls for smaller items like olives, pickles and fruit can keep everything in place and help with pulling it all together. You could also hollow out a pumpkin or apple to use as the bowl for a super festive touch.
- Go back and add in smaller foods like nuts and candies to fill in any empty spaces. To get a lush and gorgeous fall-themed charcuterie board it should be bountiful and every inch should be covered.
- Always add serving utensils to make grabbing items easier. Small spoons, cheese knives and tongs are all great additions.
Charcuterie FAQs
If you are making a portable grazing board it can be made up to 4 hours in advance. Just wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
If you plan to do more of a charcuterie table or one that can’t be moved it should be made within a half hour of serving so that it is fresh.
The rule is that you need at least 3 meats, 3 cheeses, 3 starches and 3 accompaniments for a complete board.
There is no wrong time to serve a charcuterie board. It is always great as an easy fall appetizer served with white wine. It can also be a fun dinner, depending on how much and what items you add.
Do you love charcuterie boards? Try one of these ideas…
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How to make an Epic Fall Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cured meats {or deli meats}
- 8 ounces cheese {a variety of flavors}
- 8 ounces crackers {or other starches}
- 6 ounces seasonal fruit
- 6 ounces seasonal vegetables
- 1 cup black or green olives
- ½ cup baby pickles
- 1 cup candy
- 2 cups cookies
- fresh herbs and edible flowers {for garnish}
Instructions
- Add the large items {meats & cheeses} to the board. Then place the crackers around the board.
- Next, arrange fruits and vegetables around the meat and cheese. Add bowls of dip, olives and pickles {or whatever you prefer}.
- Fill in any empty areas with candy and cookies. Finally, go back and fill in any areas and add fresh herbs and edible flowers. Serve or cover for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Get creative with what you use for the base. A wooden board is traditional but there are so many items you can use. Lay brown paper on the counter, use a baking sheet or wood crate for other options.
- Have a combination of fresh and shelf stable items. During the fall months, fresh items are a must but require that you only purchase them a day or two in advance. Foods like crackers and nuts can be bought ahead of time and will last long after.
- Use small bowls to contain items you don’t want rolling around the board. Using bowls for smaller items like olives, pickles and fruit can keep everything in place and help with pulling it all together. You could also hollow out a pumpkin or apple to use as the bowl for a super festive touch.
- Go back and add in smaller foods like nuts and candies to fill in any empty spaces. To get a lush and gorgeous fall-themed charcuterie board it should be bountiful and every inch should be covered.
- Always add serving utensils to make grabbing items easier. Small spoons, cheese knives and tongs are all great additions.
