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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board with Turkey

Thanksgiving charcuterie board with turkey - featured image

A festive and stress-free appetizer board featuring roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and a selection of cheeses, nuts, and accompaniments. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, it can be assembled in under 20 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound roasted turkey breast, sliced thin
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce (or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
  • 8 ounces brie cheese, at room temperature
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar, sliced
  • 4 ounces goat cheese log
  • 2 ounces blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1 cup mixed olives (kalamata and castelvetrano)
  • 1/2 cup cornichons or small pickles
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup dried figs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds (Marcona preferred)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1 small baguette, sliced and lightly toasted
  • 1 cup crackers (water crackers or rosemary-infused)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the turkey (day before or morning of): Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub turkey breast with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast for 45-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to assemble, slice thin against the grain (about 1/4-inch thick).
  2. Make the cranberry sauce (day before): In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and zest of one orange. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until berries burst and sauce thickens. Stir in a splash of bourbon if desired. Cool completely and refrigerate.
  3. Bring cheese to room temperature: About 30 minutes before assembling, take brie, cheddar, and goat cheese out of the fridge.
  4. Toast the nuts and bread: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds and pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds, brush lightly with olive oil, and toast for 5-6 minutes until golden. Cool.
  5. Assemble the board: Place small bowls on the board for cranberry sauce, olives, and cornichons. Place brie wheel whole on the board. Slice cheddar into thin triangles and fan them out. Crumble or slice goat cheese. Arrange turkey slices in a loose pile near the cranberry sauce. Add dried apricots and figs in small clusters. Sprinkle toasted almonds and pecans in gaps. Tuck baguette slices and crackers around the edges. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and thyme leaves.

Notes

Prep turkey and cranberry sauce a day ahead to save time. Bring all ingredients to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Leave space between items on the board to avoid overcrowding. Use a damp paper towel under the board to prevent sliding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving charcuterie board, turkey charcuterie, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, cheese board, easy appetizer