Pin A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board designed to resemble a wheat field and turkey, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts—perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
I love serving this board at Thanksgiving because it brings everyone together to enjoy a beautiful and delicious spread.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g sharp cheddar cheese, sliced, 150 g Swiss cheese, sliced, 150 g creamy brie, sliced or in wedges, 100 g gouda, cubed
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami, sliced, 100 g smoked turkey breast, sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 150 g whole wheat crackers, 150 g multigrain crackers, 1 small baguette, sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 small bunch of green grapes, 1 small bunch of red grapes, 1 pear, sliced, 1 apple, sliced, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Garnishes: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, Fresh rosemary sprigs, 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- For Decoration: 1 mini pumpkin or gourd (for the turkeys body), Pretzel sticks (for wheat stalks and turkey feathers), 2 black olives (for turkeys eyes), 1 small piece of red bell pepper (for wattle), 1 small triangle of yellow cheese (for beak)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the mini pumpkin or gourd at the bottom center of a large wooden board to represent the turkeys body.
- Step 2:
- Arrange sliced meats fan-like above the pumpkin to mimic the turkeys tail feathers. Alternate colors and textures for a vibrant effect.
- Step 3:
- Layer assorted cheeses in arcs radiating out from the turkey body, resembling a wheat fields rows.
- Step 4:
- Arrange crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to evoke wheat stalks.
- Step 5:
- Place clusters of grapes, apple and pear slices, and dried fruits artfully around the cheeses and meats.
- Step 6:
- Fill gaps with nuts, pumpkin seeds, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Step 7:
- Use pretzel sticks to create additional wheat stalk effects at the edges and among cheese and fruit.
- Step 8:
- Assemble the turkeys face: attach black olives (eyes), the red bell pepper (wattle), and yellow cheese (beak) to the front of the pumpkin/gourd using toothpicks if needed.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin This recipe created wonderful memories as my family gathered around to help assemble the turkey face together.
Required Tools
Large wooden or slate serving board, Small paring knife, Cheese knife, Toothpicks (for assembly), Small bowls (for nuts or dips)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese), Wheat (crackers, bread), Tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), Soy (possible in some cured meats). May contain Sulfites (dried fruits, cured meats). Double-check all labels for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories approx 310 per serving. Total Fat 17 g. Carbohydrates 23 g. Protein 14 g.
Pin This turkey board is sure to be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table bringing smiles and compliments.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I assemble the turkey board?
Place the mini pumpkin or gourd as the turkey body, arrange sliced meats as tail feathers, layer cheeses to mimic wheat rows, and add fruits, nuts, and crackers around for texture and decoration.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses and meats?
Yes, feel free to swap cheeses and cured meats based on availability or dietary needs, including vegetarian alternatives by removing meats and adding plant-based options.
- → What tools are recommended for assembly?
Use a large wooden or slate board, a small paring knife, a cheese knife, toothpicks for detail assembly, and small bowls to hold nuts or dips.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this board?
Include accompaniments like honey, fig jam, or whole-grain mustard for dipping to enhance the flavor profile.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling cider complement the variety of flavors and textures pleasantly.