As the weather finally cools down, it’s the perfect time to meet up with friends and family for cozy gatherings! What better way to celebrate the autumn season than with a stunning fall charcuterie board? I had boards just like this one saved on my Pinterest for years, and I FINALLY gathered the ingredients and put one together to snack on with some of our favorite J. Lohr wine on a cozy fall night in.
I couldn’t get over just how cute it turned out, and just how simple it was to put together. If you have been assigned the fall party appetizers and aren’t sure where to start, I am here to help you make a visually appealing AND delicious board that highlights the best of autumn.
How to Make a Fall Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are so versatile and customizable, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, Thanksgiving gathering, or simply enjoying a night in, a fall-themed charcuterie board is sure to wow.
Key Elements of a Fall Charcuterie Board
To create a visually stunning, aesthetically pleasing, and delicious fall charcuterie board, consider including a few ingredients from each of the following categories:
1. Seasonal Cheeses
Start with a variety of cheeses that complement fall flavors. Brie and aged cheddar are excellent choices. For a unique twist, consider adding a pumpkin spice cheese or a sage-infused cheese to evoke the essence of autumn. You can usually find some unique cheeses in the deli at your favorite grocery store.
I chose to make this super simple leaf Brie the star of the show by using a cheese cutter to slice off the top section (about a quarter inch) of the Brie and using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out from that piece. Next, I spread apricot jam all over the bottom section of the Brie, and then I placed the piece with the cutout leaf shape back on top of it for a quick jam-filled centerpiece. I used the smaller leaf piece elsewhere on the board.
Shop my favorite fall charcuterie board supplies:
2. Meats for Every Palate
Select a mix of cured meats including salami, pepperoni and prosciutto (my favorite!). The rich, savory flavors of these meats pair beautifully with the sweetness of fall fruits and creamy cheeses.
3. Fall Fruits and Nuts
While many people just stick with a standard seasonal cheese and meat platter, level up your charcuterie board by incorporating seasonal fruits such as dried apricots, apples, pears, figs, etc. These fruits not only add a little sweetness but also vibrant colors to your board. You can also include a variety of nuts like walnuts and pecans for some added crunch.
4. Festive Spreads and Dips
Enhance your board with seasonal spreads. Consider a jar of honey, fig jam, apricot spread, caramel, or even a savory pumpkin hummus. These additions will elevate the flavors and provide a delicious contrast when served in small bowls that fit onto the board.
5. Crackers, Bread or Cookies
Include an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or even sliced baguette. For my fall charcuterie board, I included some of my favorite fall Trader Joe’s products like their leaf-shaped tortilla chips and their famous maple leaf cookies!
Arranging Your Fall Charcuterie Board
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to assemble your board! Follow these tips for how to make a charcuterie board:
Choose the right board:
A wooden cutting board or a large platter works best! The natural elements enhance the rustic feel of fall. I used my favorite one of ours that is actually a lazy-Susan-style charcuterie board, allowing guests to spin it to reach whatever fall snacks caught their eye.
Start with the stars of the show:
In my case, this was the leaf cutout brie cheese, two mini pumpkins, and small bowl of caramel. Once you have those types of items spaced apart how you want them it will be easier to fill in the rest.
Incorporate Spreads:
Use small bowls for dips and spreads, placing them strategically throughout the board.
Add cheeses:
Place your cheese in different areas of the board to create focal points.
Add meats:
Fold or roll the meats and arrange them near the cheeses for easy access.
Fill in with fruits and nuts:
Scatter fruits and nuts around the cheeses and meats to create a colorful mosaic. Since I had some caramel on my fall charcuterie board, I made sure to include the apple slices around it.
Incorporate your spreads:
Use small bowls for dips, jams and spreads, placing them strategically throughout the board.
Finish with crackers, cookies or bread:
Lay these around the edges to allow for easy serving.
Pro tip: Before putting this together or even opening a single package, I took a flatlay photo of the charcuterie board empty and used my iPhone markup feature to quickly sketch a simple drawing of how I planned to lay everything out! This is obviously not necessary, but it was extremely helpful for me since I was filming the fall charcuterie board construction for a video, and it also helps you get an idea of how much you’ll need.
Fall Charcuterie Board Inspiration
If you’re looking for more autumn charcuterie ideas, consider mixing in some of these:
- Pumpkin-shaped cheese ball
- Leaf-shaped cheese or bread slices
- Mini pumpkins
Shop my favorite fall charcuterie board supplies:
Creating a fall charcuterie board is not only about the food and aesthetics but also about the experience of sharing and enjoying it with loved ones! With these tips, you can craft a board that celebrates the flavors of the season while making a major statement at any upcoming fall gathering.
Whether it’s a game day watch party, Friendsgiving, or even Thanksgiving this is sure to be the most eye-catching of cozy gathering food ideas. Don’t forget to snap a photo-I can’t wait to see what you create!
If you are interested in more inspiration to help plan your fall festivities, check out my other blog posts including my favorite Pumpkin Fluff Dip, and you can always follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity.
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