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Budget-Friendly Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board with Fall Fruit

budget-friendly friendsgiving charcuterie board with fall fruit - featured image

A stunning, budget-friendly charcuterie board perfect for Friendsgiving or any fall gathering. Featuring sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, seasonal fruit, and savory bites, this easy-to-assemble spread looks like a million bucks without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4–5 oz goat cheese log
  • 6 oz smoked gouda or havarti (optional)
  • 2 Honeycrisp or Fuji apples
  • 2 Bosc or Anjou pears
  • 1 large bunch red or green grapes
  • 1/2 cup dried figs or apricots
  • 8 oz Genoa salami or summer sausage
  • 1 cup mixed olives
  • 1 cup Marcona almonds or roasted salted almonds
  • 1 box good crackers (e.g., water crackers, whole wheat crackers)
  • 1/2 loaf bread or baguette
  • Honey for drizzling
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place small bowls or ramekins on the board first. Fill one with honey, one with mixed olives, and one with almonds.
  2. Place blocks of cheddar and goat cheese log on the board, spaced apart. Cut cheddar into cubes or thick slices. Leave goat cheese whole or pre-slice into rounds.
  3. Fold or roll salami slices and place in a pile or fan shape near one cheese block.
  4. Tuck grapes, apple slices, pear slices, and dried figs around the board, filling gaps between cheese and meat. Squeeze lemon juice on apple and pear slices to prevent browning.
  5. Arrange crackers and baguette slices in empty spaces, piling or fanning them out.
  6. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. Just before serving, drizzle honey over goat cheese log and a few apple slices.

Notes

Slice apples and pears as close to serving time as possible to prevent browning. If prepping ahead, toss sliced fruit in water with lemon juice, then drain and pat dry. The board can be assembled up to 2 hours in advance; cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove 30 minutes before serving to bring cheese to room temperature. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for several days.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, Friendsgiving, fall fruit, budget-friendly, cheese board, appetizer, party food