Description
A stunning, festive, no-cook charcuterie board filled with cozy fall flavors perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, potlucks, or intimate holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Centerpiece:
- 1 fresh pear (halved, for the turkey body)
- Edible candy eyes
- Small cheese triangle (for beak)
- Thin cheese strips (for legs)
Cheeses:
- Assorted cheese (cheddar, Colby, gouda, brie, pepper jack, etc.)
Meats:
- Sliced turkey
- Sliced ham
- Optional: salami or prosciutto
Crackers:
- Roasted almonds
- Roasted pistachios
- Optional add-ins: grapes, figs, dried cranberries, pretzels, olives
Instructions
- Create the Turkey Body: Place half of a pear flat-side down on a round board at the bottom center. Add candy eyes. Attach a cheese triangle for the beak and thin cheese strips for legs.
- Form the Feather Base: Fan a semicircle of crackers around the pear to begin the feather shape.
- Add Cheeses: Cut cheeses into cubes, slices, or triangles and arrange above the crackers in a colorful semicircle.
- Layer the Meats: Fold slices of ham and turkey into halves or quarters for a ruffled feather effect. Fan them out above the cheese layer.
- Fill with Nuts: Scatter almonds and pistachios around the edges. Fill gaps with grapes, figs, or dried cranberries for color.
- Garnish & Serve: Adjust spacing, add rosemary or thyme sprigs, and serve with small tongs or forks.
Notes
- Make it nut-free: replace nuts with pretzels, dried fruit, or olives.
- Vegetarian option: increase fruit and cheese; add roasted chickpeas.
- Use parchment under meats to protect wooden boards.
- Add crackers last if prepping ahead.