Save 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.
This board has become a tradition in my family for Thanksgiving as it combines artistry with delicious easy-to-serve bites.
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.
Save Gathering around this board has always brought smiles and shared stories during our family celebrations.
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 approximately 310, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 14 g per serving.
Save This board combines festive charm with culinary delight making it perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I assemble the wheat field turkey design?
Start by placing a mini pumpkin as the body center. Fan cured meats above it for tail feathers, radiate cheeses in arcs, add crackers as stalks, then scatter fruits and nuts. Use pretzels for extra wheat effects and attach olives and peppers for facial features.
- → What types of cheeses work best for this board?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda provide a mix of flavors and textures that complement the meats and fruits while visually resembling wheat rows.
- → Can I customize the meat selections?
Yes, prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast are ideal choices, but you can substitute based on preference or dietary needs.
- → How do pretzel sticks enhance the presentation?
Pretzel sticks mimic wheat stalks and turkey feathers, adding rustic texture and a fun visual element that ties the design together.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling cider complement the rich cheeses and cured meats nicely.