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Nothing brings people together like a Thanksgiving cheese board! It’s the perfect appetizer for grazing while the turkey roasts, full of cozy fall flavors and easy bites everyone loves.
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I’ve been making a big cheese and appetizer board for Thanksgiving for years. It’s my favorite part of the day—family gathered around, watching the parade, cooking, sipping wine, and snacking before the big feast. This board is packed with all our favorite autumn flavors and makes hosting so much easier (and more delicious!).
Also check out my fruit and cheese platter, how to make a cheese board and how to make a fruit platter.
How to Assemble a Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Roast a Few Veggies:
Toss brussels sprouts and green beans with olive oil and sea salt, then roast at 350°F for about 15 minutes until tender and golden.
Lay Out the Cheese:
Grab a big round board or platter and space out three cheeses—a soft one (like brie), a medium (like cheddar), and a hard cheese (like aged gouda). Pre-slice a few pieces to make snacking easy.
Add Bowls for Extras:
Tuck in a few small bowls around the board for things like cranberry sauce, olives, or fig jam. A few tiny spoons or cheese knives are perfect for serving!
Arrange the Meats and Fruit:
Layer in slices of charcuterie, clusters of grapes, figs, apple slices, and pomegranate seeds. Think little piles or mini clusters to keep it casual but beautiful.
Fill in the Gaps:
Use crackers, bread, nuts, and roasted veggies to fill any empty spaces. The goal is to cover the board and make it feel abundant and festive.
Garnish for the Finishing Touch:
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and a cozy fall aroma!
Tips For Making this Cheese Board
Serve cheese at room temperature for the best flavor.
Mix colors, shapes, and textures to make the board pop.
Add little extras like cranberry sauce, fig jam, or apple butter for a sweet and savory balance.
Don’t forget crackers and bread — essential for building little bites!
Use a big board so you have room for everything (and it looks fuller and more abundant).
How to Store a Cheese Board
Wrap the board tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate if making ahead (up to 2 days).
Pro tip: Wait to add dry items like crackers and fresh fruits until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
More Thanksgiving Favorites
Pair this Thanksgiving cheese board with even more festive favorites:
- The Best Easy Stuffing Recipe
- How to Make Cranberry Sauce
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Crust
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- How to Cook a Turkey
And don’t miss my favorite Thanksgiving cocktails – Apple Pie Sangria, Wild Turkey and Spiced Apple Sparkling Punch.
I hope this board brings as much joy to your Thanksgiving as it does to ours!
Tag me if you make one — I’d love to see your beautiful spreads.
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Thanksgiving Appetizer and Cheese Platter
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- 1/2 pound Roasted Greenbeans
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
- 2 Pears, 1 sliced and 1 cut in half
- 2 Apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranates
- 1 pound grapes
- 8 figs , cut in half
- 1/2 cup marinated olives
- assorted charcuterie, cured sausage, soppressata, prosciutto
- 1 box crackers
- assorted cheese, goat cheese, cheddar cheese, brie, gouda
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 3 persimmons
Instructions
- Roast the green beans and brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt, in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes.
- Roast the green beans and brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt, in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes.
- Assembling the Charcutier on a large round board.
- Arrange the different cheeses on the board. Try to select a soft cheese like goat or brie, medium cheddar cheese and a harder cheese like aged gouda.
- Also, use different shapes of cheese too. You can also slice it differently so each variety stands out on the appetizer platter.
- Next, add small bowls of olives and cranberry sauce with small serving spoons.
- Place the brussels sprout and green beans on the board.
- Fill in the empty spaces with grapes, sliced fruit, and crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A charcuterie board is one of our family’s favorite treats, sometimes as a meal. Great appetizer for parties. Add good wine and a movie, and it’s the perfect date-night dinner!
This one is particularly lovely, and perfect for a fall evening!
I couldn’t agree more Rhonda! Thank you for the sweet comment!
This is so beautiful. I’ve always wanted to make one. Your step by step directions and ideas make it seem doable. I can’t wait to copy it exactly!!
This would be gone in minutes at our Thanksgiving!! It is so pretty & is full of deliciousness!!
Hahah!! SAME!
This is gorgeous and looks so good! I really love the figs on this to go along with the different types of cheeses too!
Thank you Beth!!
I love everything about this. I can’t wait to make this and impress my family this Thanksgiving. P.S. your pictures are beautiful.
That is so beautiful!! I wouldn’t want anyone to eat it..lol!! Love the variety!
Thank you Natalie!