Thanksgiving is all about the feast, but during the afternoon, I like to serve some appetizers to snack on. This Thanksgiving appetizer and cheese platter is perfect for guests to graze while cooking the traditional turkey feast!
Believe it or not, dinner isn’t my favorite part of Thanksgiving. I actually love gathering the family in the morning, watching the Thanksgiving parade, playing football outside, cooking, drinking wine, all while family members and guests graze on delicious Thanksgiving appetizers.
Our Thanksgiving cheese and appetizer board is full of our favorite fall flavors! If you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving appetizers, this is perfect to serve! It’s also great to bring for a Friendsgiving and requires just a small amount of roasting.
A Thanksgiving appetizer that has all of the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. So easy to make and even better to eat!
Pair this easy appetizer board with one of our signature Thanksgiving cocktails like Algonquin Bar Punch, Apple Pie Sangria, Easy Apple and Ginger Wine Spritzer, or Spiced Apple Sparkling Punch.
Also, check out our easy and helpful tips for serving wine and our modern, charming rustic Thanksgiving table setting to make your holiday even more charming!
How to Make a Thanksgiving Appetizer Platter
Supplies
- Large Round Cheese Board – We used this one!
- Small Marble Bowls – These are my go-to for all of my cheeseboards
- Small Serving Spoons
- Cheese Knives – We use these copper cheese knives.
Ingredients
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Roasted Greenbeans
- Cranberry Sauce (or jam)
- Pears
- Apples
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Figs
- Olives
- Charcutier
- Cheese (soft, medium and hard)
- Crackers
- Walnuts
- Persimmons
Choosing Cheese for your Board
When making a cheese platter it’s important to have different textures and flavors. Choose a soft cheese, medium cheese, and hard cheese to put on the board.
Soft Cheese
Types of soft cheese:
- Brie
- Mozzarella
- Gorgonzola
- Feta
- Goat
- Ricotta
- Blue Cheese
- Camembert
Medium Cheese
Types of semi-soft cheese:
- Gouda
- Edam
- Jarlsberg
- Cheddar
Hard Cheese
Types of hard cheese:
- Parmigiano
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Manchego
- Provolone
- Jack
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
Assembling
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.
Start 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you serve before Thanksgiving dinner?
We like to serve Thanksgiving appetizers, like this board! It’s a great way for people to snack a little without getting too full and it’s easy to make.
Thanksgiving Appetizers Make Ahead
You can assemble the board the day before Thanksgiving. It’s best to wait for the fruit since it can turn brown, so right before serving slice the pears and figs.
What do you call a cheese and meat board?
You can call it a cheese and charcuterie board or platter. It’s really the art of creating something not only gorgeous but full of different flavors and texture.
Assembling the perfect charcuterie board with fruits, meats and a variety of cheese is not always easy but when it’s done right it’s one of our favorite appetizers or even dinners!
Thanksgiving Recipes
Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Crust
Let us know if you make this Thanksgiving Appetizer Platter! Leave a review and comment below!
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.
That is so beautiful!! I wouldn’t want anyone to eat it..lol!! Love the variety!
Thank you Natalie!
I love everything about this. I can’t wait to make this and impress my family this Thanksgiving. P.S. your pictures are beautiful.
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!!
This would be gone in minutes at our Thanksgiving!! It is so pretty & is full of deliciousness!!
Hahah!! SAME!
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!!
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!