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This Halloween charcuterie board turns entertaining into a festive celebration with its spooky and colorful array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts. It’s designed for easy assembly and delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will impress guests without stealing all your prep time.
I whipped this board together one Halloween when I was short on time but wanted something impressive. The kids loved the pumpkin-shaped brie filled with apricot jam and everyone kept reaching for the smoked gouda "Boo" piece.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto di Parma: six ounces thinly sliced for delicate salty richness choose well-marbled pieces for the best texture
- Italian dry salami: fifteen ounces adds bold cured meat flavor opt for a mildly spiced variety for wider appeal
- Green olives: half a cup bring briny notes and a pop of green freshness
- Double cream brie: twelve ounces creamy and mild perfect for shaping and filling seek out a smooth uncracked rind
- Green goddess gouda: twelve ounces herbaceous and creamy buy from a trusted cheese shop if possible
- Blueberry vanilla chèvre: twelve ounces offers a sweet and tangy profile balance with the other cheeses
- Merlot BellaVitano: fourteen ounces rich and wine-infused its deep flavor adds sophistication
- Smoked gouda: for the "Boo" lends a smoky punch and firm texture
- Pesto: quarter cup adds herbaceous brightness must be thick and fresh
- Apricot jam: quarter cup sweet and tangy fills the brie and contrasts savory elements
- Honey: for drizzling adds natural sweetness to balance salt
- Strawberries: fresh juicy berries brighten the board and add color
- Black grapes: cluster for bite-sized sweetness
- Blackberries: plump and slightly tart add richness
- Blueberries: small but packed with flavor and color
- Dried apricots: chewy texture and a caramel note complements nuts and meats
- Pistachios: a handful scattered for crunch and nutty flavor remove shells for easy snacking
Instructions
- Arrange cheeses:
- Start assembling your board by adding the green goddess gouda blueberry vanilla chèvre Merlot BellaVitano and smoked gouda arranged in small clusters or wedges for visual appeal.
- Shape the brie:
- Cut a pumpkin shape into the double cream brie and carefully fill it with apricot jam creating a festive centerpiece.
- Add accents:
- Drizzle honey and add green olives and dollops of pesto across the board.
- Arrange meats:
- Spread out the prosciutto di Parma and Italian dry salami forming loose rolls or folds for easy picking.
- Distribute fruit and dried items:
- Distribute the strawberries black grapes blackberries blueberries and dried apricots in groups to highlight their colors and shapes.
- Finish:
- Finally lightly fill gaps with crackers and pistachios to complete the texture variety and keep everything balanced for serving.
This board is one of my favorites because it balances indulgence with fresh fruit making it feel festive but not overwhelming. I remember one Halloween gathering when my niece declared the board the best she had ever seen and kept circling back for more apricot jambrie bites.
Storage tips
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to two days. To preserve textures avoid storing crackers with the moist items. Bring cured meats and cheeses to room temperature before serving again for best flavor.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap out the meats with turkey or chicken sausages if you prefer milder flavors. Use goat cheese or feta if chèvre is unavailable. Substitute dried apricots with dried cherries or figs for a similar sweet chewiness. Pistachios may be replaced with almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Serving suggestions
Serve alongside sparkling water or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement creamy cheeses and salty meats. Include a few mustard or fig chutney dips to add savory layers. Provide small plates and cheese knives for easy self-serving.
This festive Halloween charcuterie board is easy to assemble and perfect for sharing. Enjoy the playful pumpkin brie centerpiece and the mix of sweet savory and crunchy bites.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What cheeses are included in the board?
The board features green goddess gouda, blueberry vanilla chèvre, Merlot BellaVitano, double cream brie, and smoked gouda.
- → How are sweet flavors incorporated?
Sweetness comes from apricot jam filling the brie pumpkin shape, honey drizzled on the board, and a variety of fresh and dried fruits.
- → Which meats are used on the board?
Prosciutto di Parma and Italian dry salami add savory, cured meat elements to the spread.
- → What fruits complement the board?
Fresh strawberries, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and dried apricots provide color and flavor contrast.
- → Are there any nuts included?
Pistachios are added for crunch and texture variety.
- → How should the board be assembled for best presentation?
Start with cheeses arranged across the board, then add meats and olives, followed by fruits, nuts, crackers, and drizzled honey and pesto for a balanced look.