As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, we encourage you to get together with friends and family for cozy get-togethers. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a beautiful fall-inspired charcuterie board? It’s the perfect blend of flavors, with something for everyone to enjoy. We make it easy by giving you our tips in our hosting guide
If you are making a savory board, start with a selection of your favorite crackers. We love using rosemary and sea salt crisps for a savory touch. Wheat crackers are a staple, and buttery, flaky water crackers pair well with almost anything. For a hint of sweetness, include some fig jam. Its rich, fruity flavor is the perfect complement to both cheeses and meats.
Now, for the cheese, we like to mix things up with a variety of flavors. Cambozola, with its creamy texture and subtle blue cheese notes, is always a hit. Sharp cheddar adds a nice contrast, and Dill Havarti brings a fresh, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the other elements. Arrange these cheeses in small wedges or slices for easy serving.
No charcuterie board is complete without some fresh fruit. Thinly sliced Honeycrisp, Ambrosia or Fuji apples add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. Add a few easy-to-grab smaller clusters of grapes around the board for a pop of color, and don’t forget a handful of dried apricots or cranberries for a chewy, tart contrast.
For the savory side, add some thinly sliced salami, fanned out in elegant layers or wrapped to form a rose pattern. Candied nuts—pecans or walnuts—work wonderfully and add a sweet, crunchy element that’s simply irresistible. This time of year, actually, any time of the year, we like to incorporate Shookhill Tailgate almonds on our boards.
If you’re feeling festive, tuck a small pumpkin in the center of the board and serve it with festive luncheon-size napkins. It’s a charming seasonal touch that makes the presentation feel extra special. This also translates to any holiday; you can always tie your board into the season we are in or the holiday you’re celebrating. If you’re serving a playful crowd this fall, sprinkle in a few pieces of candy corn or candy pumpkins for a whimsical, sweet surprise. It’s a fun way to add a bit of fall spirit to your spread. This savory fall charcuterie board is the perfect centerpiece for any autumn gathering. It’s easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
We also love our guest’s reactions and the source ahead simplicity of creating seasonal dessert boards that are sweet and just a little savory. To make a seasonal dessert snacking board, we recommend sourcing sweet treats like cookies, petit-four cakes, brownies, pretzels, nuts, seeds, chocolates (dried fruit, nuts, toffee, peanut butter cups, nonpareils or other bite-size options), and festive candy with a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Combine this with dried and fresh fruits, and you have created a delicious dessert board.