What should go on a fall charcuterie board?

A fall cheese and charcuterie board should include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses and meats that have a fall feel such as those made with herbs and wine, as well as accompaniments like pumpkin seeds, candied nuts, pumpkin or sweet potato hummus, and other ingredients that are unique to the fall season.

What is a good fall cheese?

A good fall cheese is a well-aged gouda, gruyere, or parmesan. Also, if you can find it, an apple cider washed cheese is perfect for a fall cheese board.

Fall Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Ingredients

3-6 cheese varieties such as: balsamic aged cheddar, smoked gouda, hard, aged gouda or parmesan, blue cheese, brie, Humboldt Fog,
8 ounces each of 2-3 meats such as prosciutto, serrano, salami, pepperoni, etc.
a variety of seasonal fall fruits: figs, grapes, apple, pears, plums, persimmons, etc.
4 ounces each of pumpkin seeds and candied walnuts
8 ounces sweet potato hummus
small block of honeycomb plus extra honey for drizzling
dried figs or other dried fruit
2-3 varieties of crackers and/or baguette slices
herbs and edible flowers for garnish
optional: jam or chutney

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Instructions

Arrange cheeses and ramekins/dishes first on large board or platter and then fill in the board with remaining ingredients. Add herbs and garnishes last to fill in any cracks. Provide a spoon, knife, serving utensil for cheeses, sauces, condiments, etc.
Allow cheese to come to room temperature for about an hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
Place your largest items first: I like to place round items first, including round cheeses and round ramekins/serving dishes. Then I place related items together. So for the hummus, I placed the hummus down first and then arranged the crackers, etc around the dish.
Make it easy to eat: Slice, cube, or crumble hard cheeses and provide a small knife or spoon for soft cheeses.
Group items together: For example, instead of sprinkling grapes around here and there, I like to do one or two big bunches. The board will be much more visually appealing as well as easier to navigate if you have clusters of items rather than a big mess of mixed up ingredients.
Fill in the cracks: I like to add crackers, herbs, and flowers at the very end once I'm happy with the way it looks. I just go around filling in any spaces and tucking herbs underneath items on the edge until it looks really abundant and very pretty.
Charcuterie board can be assembled 3 days ahead, covered well with plastic wrap and refrigerated. I suggest adding crackers, fruits, fresh herbs, and flowers just before serving to prevent wilting.

Notes

remember, these ingredients and amounts are just a general guide. Use what you love and what is in season.

Author: anita | wild thistle kitchen
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: n/a
Category: appetizer, fall, Thanksgiving
Method: cheese board
Cuisine: American