Why Make This Recipe

Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Boards are not only a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season but also a great way to offer a variety of flavors and textures. They are perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to graze and enjoy themselves. Plus, who wouldn’t love a delicious turkey shape made out of cheese, meats, and fresh fruits? It adds a creative touch to your holiday table!

How to Make Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Boards

Ingredients:

Cheeses: Brie, sharp cheddar cubes, mozzarella balls, pepper jack slices
Meats: Salami, prosciutto, turkey slices, ham
Crackers & Bread: Crostini, Ritz crackers, pretzel crisps, sliced baguette
Fruits & Veggies: Grapes, apple slices, pears, carrots, cucumbers
Nuts & Extras: Almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, fig jam, mustard
Turkey Face: Small round cheese or bowl for head, candy eyes, carrot triangle for beak, red bell pepper strip for wattle, fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions:

Choose a large round board or platter as your base.
Create the turkey “head” by placing a small round cheese or bowl at the bottom center of the board. Add candy eyes, a carrot triangle, and a red pepper strip to form the face.
Fan sliced meats around the head to form feathers.
Add rows of cheese cubes, crackers, and fruits in a semicircle to complete the feather look.
Fill gaps with nuts, dried fruit, and small extras like mozzarella balls.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs to add freshness.
Serve as a festive centerpiece for Thanksgiving gatherings.

How to Serve Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Boards

Serve your Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Board on a large table or counter. Let your guests help themselves as they mingle. This style of serving creates a relaxed atmosphere and encourages everyone to try different combinations of flavors.

How to Store Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Boards

If you have leftovers, cover the board with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat it within two days to enjoy the flavors at their best. If possible, store ingredients separately before serving to keep everything fresh.

Tips to Make Turkey Shaped Charcuterie Boards

Use a variety of colors in your ingredients for visual appeal.
Ensure your meats and cheeses are of good quality for the best taste.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the layout of your board.
Include a mix of soft and hard cheeses to offer different textures.
Utilize seasonal fruits for added flavor and decoration.

Variation

You can create different themed boards by changing the shapes or ingredients based on holidays or seasons. For example, a pumpkin shape with orange cheeses and a mix of fall fruits like figs and pomegranates.

FAQs

1. Can I make this charcuterie board ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the board a few hours before your event. Just keep it covered in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

2. What if I can’t find candy eyes?
If candy eyes are not available, you can use small chocolate chips or blueberries for the eyes.

3. Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any meats, cheeses, or fruits based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.