Fall Charcuterie Rustic Harvest

This fall charcuterie board brings together the best of the season with a rustic and colorful spread that is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for entertaining during crisp autumn evenings or enhancing a holiday gathering with an effortless touch of charm and flavor.

I first put this board together for a family get-together and everyone loved the mix of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Now it’s my go-to for any autumn occasion because it feels like a mini celebration on a plate

Ingredients

• Italian Dry Salami: offers a rich, savory kick with a firm texture, choose thinly sliced pieces for easy snacking
• Peppered Salami: adds a peppery bite that contrasts nicely with mild cheeses, look for salami with visible pepper flakes for extra flavor
• Prosciutto: thin and delicate with a melt-in-your-mouth quality, buy fresh-looking slices that are not too dry
• Cranberry Goat Cheese: brings tang and a touch of sweetness, perfect for pairing with fruit
• Dutch Spicy Kaas: a festive red green and white square cheese adding a hint of spice and vibrant color, seek good quality aged cheese for best taste
• Creamy Toscano Cheese: smooth and buttery, this balances spicier elements on the board
• Beemster Cheese: rich and savory with a nutty profile, choosing a well-aged variety enhances flavor complexity
• Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps from Trader Joe’s: crispy and slightly sweet, these crackers are sturdy enough for spreading cheese or dips
• Pumpkin Flavored Sandwich Cookies: add a fun seasonal sweet note to balance the savory items
• Pumpkin Spice Batons: provide a crunchy, spiced sweetness that complements the meats and cheeses
• Strawberries: bright and juicy, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color
• Red Globe Grapes: firm and sweet, great for popping between bites
• Green Apples: crisp and tart, select firm apples to prevent sogginess on the board
• Blueberries and Blackberries: small bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with creamy cheeses
• Pumpkin dip: creamy and flavorful, pairs perfectly with crisps and cut fruit

Instructions

Arrange the Cheeses:

Start by placing the various cheeses evenly spaced on your serving board. Cut some into cubes or slices, leaving some whole, so guests can pick from different textures and shapes. This sets a flavorful foundation that will attract the eye and the appetite.

Add the Meats:

Next, incorporate the Italian dry salami, peppered salami, and prosciutto around the cheeses. Fold the prosciutto into elegant ribbons for visual appeal and easy grabbing. Spacing out the meats enhances the rustic look while ensuring every bite has ample options.

Include the Fruit:

Scatter the strawberries, grapes, apples, blueberries, and blackberries creatively around the meats and cheeses. Mixing colors and shapes makes the board lively and inviting. Choose fresh, ripe fruit without blemishes for the best appearance and taste.

Fill with Crackers and Cookies:

Finally, fill empty areas with the pumpkin cranberry crisps, pumpkin-flavored sandwich cookies, and pumpkin spice batons. Position the pumpkin dip in a small bowl on the side to keep the board neat and make dipping easy. Balancing sweet and savory treats will keep guests coming back for more.

This board holds a special place in my heart because the cranberry goat cheese always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen during fall. It’s a small touch but it brings warmth and nostalgia every time I prepare it.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store each component separately for maximum freshness. Wrap meats tightly in plastic wrap and keep cheeses in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fruits like apples can be sliced just before serving to prevent browning. Keep crackers and cookies in their original packaging or airtight tins to maintain crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out any cheeses for your favorites such as aged cheddar or brie for creaminess. If you don’t have pumpkin-flavored crackers, you can use any sturdy buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices. Fresh or dried figs, pears, or persimmons are excellent seasonal fruit additions if you want to mix it up.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this board with a glass of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Pinot Noir. Offer small plates and cheese knives or spreaders so guests can build their own bites. Adding a handful of nuts like spiced pecans or walnuts will add crunch and richness if you want to expand the spread.

Enjoy assembling this harvest board with friends and family. It’s simple to make and always makes gatherings feel festive.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What types of meats are used on the board?

Italian dry salami, peppered salami, and prosciutto provide a variety of savory, cured flavors that complement the cheeses and fruits.

→ Which cheeses work best for the fall charcuterie?

A mix including cranberry goat cheese, Dutch spicy Kaas, creamy Toscano, and Beemster cheeses offers diverse textures and seasonal taste notes.

→ What fruits are ideal for this spread?

Strawberries, red globe grapes, green apples, blueberries, and blackberries bring freshness and bright seasonal sweetness.

→ How do the pumpkin snacks enhance the board?

Pumpkin cranberry crisps, pumpkin-flavored sandwich cookies, and pumpkin spice batons add a warm, autumnal flavor that balances the salty and savory elements.

→ Is this board suitable for quick preparation?

Yes, the assembly involves layering cheeses first, then meats, fruits, followed by crackers and cookies, making it quick and simple to prepare.