Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board (Turkey-Shaped!)

A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is more than just snacks on a platter. It’s a joyful, edible centerpiece that brings everyone together before the main feast. With no cooking involved and endless ways to personalize it, this turkey-shaped board is fun to make and even more fun to nibble on. Whether you’re hosting or visiting, this festive board will totally steal the show

Why You’ll Love This Fun and Festive Board

This board is all about making memories not stress. It’s completely no-cook, which means more time sipping cider and less time over the stove. Kids will love the turkey shape and adults will keep sneaking just one more slice of cheese

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can make your Thanksgiving charcuterie board gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-heavy or super light. No rules here just build what your crew will actually enjoy eating. It’s perfect as a pre-dinner snack, or even as the main attraction at a casual Friendsgiving

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe pear (for the turkey body)
• 2 candy eyes (or small dots of cream cheese + blueberries)
• 1 slice of cheddar or carrot (for the beak)
• Assorted deli meats: sliced turkey, ham, salami
• Cheese wedges: Colby, cheddar, gouda, or whatever you love
• Round crackers and pretzels
• Roasted almonds and pistachios
• Grapes, apple slices, dried apricots or cranberries
• Mini cookies or fall-shaped candy for a playful touch

You can make this Thanksgiving charcuterie board as simple or abundant as you’d like. Keep it small for a cozy crowd or go big with layers and loops

How to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Step 1 Prep Your Ingredients

Slice the cheeses into small triangles or rectangles. Roll or fold the deli meats into little ruffles. Wash and dry all fruits well so nothing gets soggy on your board

Step 2 Build Your Turkey Base

Place your pear upright in the center bottom of the board. This is your turkey’s body. Stick on two candy eyes and cut a tiny triangle for the beak. You can secure the eyes and beak with a dab of cream cheese

Step 3 Fan Out the Feathers

Start layering meats and cheeses around the pear in wide arcs, alternating colors and textures for that wow factor. Fan crackers behind those, followed by fruits and nuts

Step 4 Fill and Finish

Tuck small items like berries or nuts into gaps. Add cookies or festive chocolates if you like a sweet surprise. A few sprigs of rosemary or sage add that Thanksgiving aroma and a pop of green

Step 5 Serve or Chill

Serve your Thanksgiving charcuterie board right away or cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready. You can prep this up to 24 hours in advance if you separate the wet and dry items. Handy right?

Pair it with this creamy, dreamy cowboy corn dip for the ultimate appetizer duo

Swaps & Creative Variations

If you’re serving guests with dietary needs you’ve got options

• Use gluten-free crackers and pretzels
• Swap nuts for pumpkin seeds or olives
• Go veggie with cheese, hummus, and roasted veggies
• Try apple slices or mini bell peppers instead of crackers

Add this pumpkin fruit tray for a sweet and festive touch alongside your Thanksgiving charcuterie board

Let the board reflect your style and your guests tastes. There’s no wrong way to charcuterie

Tips for Assembling & Serving

• Use a large round wooden board or marble slab
• Keep everything chilled before serving especially meats and cheese
• Add cocktail picks or tongs for easy grabbing
• Set it out 30 minutes before guests arrive for best flavor
• If transporting cover tightly and keep cool with an ice pack underneath

Don’t forget to snap a photo before the crowd dives in

Storage Notes

This board is best enjoyed fresh. If needed you can wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage keep the meats, cheeses, and fruits in separate containers

Avoid freezing the assembled board fruits and cheese don’t thaw well

If you’re craving more fall fun try this brownie batter dip for a decadent dessert spread

FAQ

Give this festive board a try and let it become part of your holiday tradition. Don’t forget to tag us when you make it

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