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This Halloween charcuterie board brings festive fun and flavor together in one gorgeous spread perfect for any spooky gathering. It combines a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and condiments arranged to delight both the eyes and the palate. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a seasonal snack, this board is sure to impress and satisfy.
I made this for a Halloween get together last year and it quickly became the centerpiece everyone kept coming back to. The playful touches like the pumpkin shaped brie filled with apricot jam make it fun and memorable for guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto di Parma: 6 ounces for rich and delicate cured pork flavor choose thinly sliced from a reputable deli
- Italian dry salami: 15 ounces to add savory and slightly spicy notes opt for a firm, well aged salami
- Green olives: half a cup provide a briny contrast look for ones packed in brine, pitted for ease
- Double cream brie: 12 ounces offers creamy and mellow richness pick a smooth, fresh wheel without cracks
- Green goddess gouda: 12 ounces delivers herbal and fresh flavors seek varieties with good fat content for smooth slicing
- Blueberry vanilla chèvre: 12 ounces combines tangy goat cheese with sweet berry notes a unique addition to surprise guests
- Merlot BellaVitano: 14 ounces brings a nutty and fruity cheese element find aged versions for deeper flavor
- Smoked gouda for the word Boo: adds a smoky touch and festive shape buy a good quality block for carving
- Pesto: quarter cup enhances with basil and garlic aroma homemade or store bought can be used depending on preference
- Apricot jam: quarter cup adds fruity sweetness and pairs beautifully with cheeses
- Honey: to drizzle for natural sweetness and sticky texture
- Strawberries: fresh and ripe for juicy bursts of flavor
- Black grapes: plump and sweet to complement savory components
- Blackberries: juicy and dark to add color and tartness
- Blueberries: small and sweet to mix with other fruits
- Dried apricots: chewy and sweet for texture contrast
- Pistachios: shelled for crunch and rich nutty taste
Instructions
- Slicing and Arranging the Cheese:
- Carefully slice and arrange 12 ounces of green goddess gouda, 12 ounces of blueberry vanilla chèvre, and 14 ounces of Merlot BellaVitano on your serving board. Cut a pumpkin shape out of the 12 ounces double cream brie using a small cookie cutter or knife and fill the center with a quarter cup of apricot jam. Use pieces of smoked gouda to spell out the word Boo on the board for a fun Halloween touch. This sets a festive and visually attractive base.
- Adding Condiments and Olives:
- Spoon in the quarter cup pesto in a small bowl or space on the board. Add half a cup of green olives and drizzle honey lightly around the cheeses. These elements provide savory, herby, and sweet notes which balance the richness of the cheese.
- Placing the Meats:
- Fold or roll 6 ounces of prosciutto di Parma and place it neatly on the board along with 15 ounces of Italian dry salami arranged in slices or small mounds. These cured meats add salty and slightly spicy flavors that complement the cheeses and fruits.
- Incorporating Fruits and Nuts:
- Artfully distribute strawberries, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and dried apricots around the board in clusters to create color and freshness. Sprinkle shelled pistachios throughout the nooks to introduce crunch and a nutty flavor that ties the board together.
- Filling in with Crackers:
- Finally, fill the remaining spaces on your board with an assortment of crackers to give guests a base for stacking the meats, cheese, and fruits. Choose a variety of textures such as crispy water crackers and whole grain crackers to enhance the tasting experience.
I always look forward to the Merlot BellaVitano cheese on this board because its wine infused flavor adds a unique elegance that guests love. One year my kids helped me arrange the pumpkins and spell out Boo, turning it into an activity that got everyone excited for the party.
Storage Tips
This board is best enjoyed fresh but any leftovers can be refrigerated tightly covered for up to two days. Wrap the cheeses separately in parchment to maintain texture and flavor. Nuts and crackers should be stored in airtight containers to stay crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can’t find blueberry vanilla chèvre try a plain goat cheese with a drizzle of honey on top for sweetness. For meats, prosciutto can be replaced with soppressata or gently spiced coppa. Any mild nut like almonds or walnuts can substitute pistachios.
Serving Suggestions
Add some sliced baguette or sturdy breadsticks for another texture option. Pair the board with a dry white wine or sparkling cider to balance the rich cheeses and savory meats. Small bowls of mustard and fig jam can provide additional flavor contrasts.
This Halloween charcuterie board is an effortless showstopper that feeds a crowd and sparks conversation. Customize it with your favorite seasonal ingredients for extra flair.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What types of cheeses are included in the platter?
The platter features double cream brie, green goddess gouda, blueberry vanilla chèvre, Merlot BellaVitano, and smoked gouda accents.
- → How do I create the pumpkin shape on the brie?
Use a small cookie cutter or knife to cut a pumpkin shape into the brie, then fill the cut-out with apricot jam for a festive look.
- → What fruits complement the savory meats and cheeses?
Black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and dried apricots add fresh and sweet notes enhancing the platter’s flavor profile.
- → Can the platter be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the board shortly before serving to maintain freshness, especially for the fruits and cheeses.
- → What nuts are included and how do they enhance the board?
Pistachios add a crunchy texture and subtle earthiness, balancing the creamy and savory components.
- → Are there any accompaniments suggested for this platter?
Adding crackers and drizzling honey or pesto elevates the tasting experience, providing varied textures and flavors.