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Best Halloween Charcuterie Board (Easy Pumpkin Shaped Recipe)

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A stunning pumpkin-shaped charcuterie board that takes about 20 minutes to assemble with no carving skills needed. Perfect for Halloween parties, this crowd-pleasing appetizer uses simple ingredients like cheese, crackers, and meats arranged in a festive pumpkin shape.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round wooden board or platter (12–16 inches diameter)
  • 8–10 slices prosciutto or salami
  • 8–10 slices cheddar cheese, cut into triangles or cubes
  • 4–6 slices Gouda or Colby Jack, cubed
  • 1 small wheel brie or camembert (optional)
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices or salami rounds
  • 1 small cucumber or green bell pepper, cut into a stem shape
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
  • 1 small handful fresh parsley or basil leaves
  • 1 cup assorted crackers
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black, pitted)
  • 1/2 cup pickles or cornichons
  • 1/4 cup nuts (almonds or walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or figs
  • 1/2 cup grapes or apple slices (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or fig jam (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your board and ingredients: Wash and dry your round board. Cut cheddar cheese into triangles or cubes about 1-inch thick. Cut Gouda into similar-sized cubes. If using brie, leave it whole or cut into wedges. Slice cucumber into a 2-inch piece that resembles a pumpkin stem. Set out small bowls for olives, nuts, and jam.
  2. Create the pumpkin outline: Place slices of prosciutto or salami in a circle around the edge of the board, slightly overlapping them. Add a second layer of prosciutto about 2 inches inside the first, creating a ring. Place pepperoni slices or salami rounds in between the prosciutto rings.
  3. Add the cheese: Arrange cheddar cheese triangles or cubes in a ring between the prosciutto layers. Place Gouda cubes in the center of the board. If using brie, place it in the very center. Fill any gaps with extra cheese cubes or pepperoni slices.
  4. Add the stem and details: Place the cucumber stem piece at the top center of the board, pointing upward. Arrange fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs around the stem to look like pumpkin vines. Scatter fresh parsley or basil leaves around the edges for green accents.
  5. Fill in the board: Place small bowls of olives, nuts, and jam in any empty spaces around the edges. Arrange crackers in a fan pattern around the outer edge of the board, pointing inward. Scatter pickles, dried cranberries, and grapes in the remaining gaps. If using pumpkin seeds, sprinkle them lightly over the cheese. Drizzle honey or fig jam over the brie if using.
  6. Final touches and serving: Step back and look at your board. Fill any obvious gaps with extra crackers or cheese cubes. Serve immediately or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

The board should look abundant and slightly messy—don’t worry about perfect symmetry. The pumpkin shape will still read clearly. If you’re short on time, skip the prosciutto layering and just arrange everything in a rough pumpkin outline. Assemble no more than 2 hours before serving. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, pumpkin shaped cheese board, easy Halloween appetizer, no carve pumpkin board, festive snack, party platter

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/best-halloween-charcuterie-board-easy-pumpkin-shaped-recipe/