Ready to ruffle some feathers with your Thanksgiving spread for a holiday charcuterie board favorite? Learn how to make a whimsical turkey-shaped charcuterie board that’s as amusing to create as it is to eat!
This Thanksgiving, let’s skip the bird and go straight for the board. Follow this guide to build a festive, delicious, and downright fun centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Why a Turkey-Shaped Charcuterie Board is the Talk of the Town?
Let’s face it – a traditional turkey is great, but a charcuterie board shaped like one? Now that’s something to gobble about!
Not only does it bring an extra layer of fun to your Thanksgiving celebration, but it’s also a surefire way to impress your peckish guests.
What Are The Ingredients for a Charcuterie Feast That’ll Make You the Thanksgiving Hero?
- A Platter Big Enough for a Turkey… Sort of: A large piece of parchment paper that you can use to draw the outline of your bird.
- Cheeses That’ll Make You Say ‘Cheese!’: Think cheddar, brie, and maybe something unexpected like a tangy manchego.
- Meats That’ll Have You Meating Expectations: Pepperoni, salami, you name it!
- Crackers and Bread with a Crunch: Because what is Thanksgiving without carbs?
- Nuts and Dried Fruits for That Sweet and Savory High-Five: Almonds, apricots, and maybe some cheeky chocolate-covered raisins?
- Fresh Fruits to Keep Things Berry Interesting: Add a pop of color and freshness, plus we’ll be using half of a brown pear for the Turkey’s head and torso.
- Veggies That Veg Out: Carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes – oh my!
- Garnishes to Garnish Applause: A sprig of rosemary or thyme for that extra flair.
- Dips That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Flip: Choose your favorites!
How to Design a holiday charcuterie board – Step-by-Step: Let’s Talk Turkey (Board)
- Sketch Your Gobbler: Draw a turkey shape as your blueprint and cut out the shape.
- Build the Foundation of Your Feathers with Cheese and Meats: Arrange them in a fan-like shape.
- Wings and Tail Feathers That’ll Make ’Em Clap: Layer in cheese slices and crackers, alternating colors and textures.
- A Head That’s Ahead of the Game: Cheese slice beak, cranberry waddle and rosemary sprig legs.
- Detailing to Brag About: Fill in the details of your feathers with fruits, veggies, dried fruit, get creative!
- Dips on the Side for That Extra Pizzazz: Place them strategically for dipping delight.
- Invite the Flock to Feast: Unleash your guests on this masterpiece.
Sustainable and Local Sourcing for the best tasting charcuterie board
In today’s world, where sustainability is increasingly important, choosing locally sourced and environmentally friendly ingredients for your charcuterie board can make a significant difference.
Opt for local artisan cheeses, organic fruits, and ethically produced meats. Not only does this support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint, but it also often results in fresher, more flavorful ingredients.
What Drinks to Pair With your Charcuterie Board?
What Drinks to Pair With your Charcuterie Board?Pairing beverages with a charcuterie board is an art form that can elevate the entire dining experience. The right wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drink can complement and enhance the flavors of the board.
A robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with the hard, aged cheeses, while a lighter white wine or a sparkling variety like Prosecco can complement softer, creamier cheeses.
For beer enthusiasts, a crisp lager or a fruity ale can be a delightful accompaniment. For non-alcoholic options, consider artisanal sodas, sparkling waters, or even a fruity mocktail.
So there you have it, folks – your roadmap to becoming the ultimate Thanksgiving charcuterie artist. This turkey-shaped charcuterie board isn’t just a feast for the stomach; it’s a feast for the eyes too!
Here is the full recipe and instructions for the perfect holiday charcuterie below!
Crafting a Turkey-Shaped Charcuterie Board for Thanksgiving
Ingredients
- 1 large piece of parchment or butcher paper
- 1 package dry salami
- 1 package pepperoni
- 2 2 sliced hard cheeses like sharp cheddar or manchego
- 2 2 types of crackers try some flavored with rosemary or cranberries
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 8 dried blood orange slices
- 1/2 cup green grapes, halved
- 4 peeled and separated mandarin oranges
- 1 package tricolored carrots with stems, halved
- 1 bundle of rosemary
- 1/2 brown pear
- 1 jar pepper jelly
Instructions
- Draw a turkey shape on a piece of parchment paper as your blueprint and cut out the shape.
- Place the paper on the surface you plan to serve the board at. You will not be able to move the board once built.
- Place the pear half at the bottom of your Turkey paper, this will serve as the head/Turkey torso
- Start with your salami and place at the top of your feathers, arranging them in a fan-like shape.
- Place a dried orange slice behind every other salami slice
- Layer pepperoni on top, but slightly below the salami, across each feather.
- Add a square shaped slice of cheddar below each pepperoni.
- Layer a square or rectangle shaped cracker on the cheddar.
- Add a triangle shaped piece of Manchego on each cracker.
- Put a carrot half between each Manchego slice, alternating colors.
- Place mandarin orange slices in a semi circle shape at the base of the carrots
- Use the pecans, rosemary, grape halves, and dried cranberries to add detailing to your Turkey feathers, in alternating patterns
- Cut a small corner from one cheddar slice and place on narrow top of pear slice, as the Turkey beak.
- Cut a cranberry in half and use as Turkey waddle, just below and to the right of the beak.
- Serve with the pepper jelly on the side.
