21 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards Too Good to Be a Side Dish in 2025
Thanksgiving charcuterie boards are more than just a pretty spread. They’ve become the new way to feast, mixing all the best parts of grazing, sharing and celebrating.
According to the Specialty Food Association, snacking is reshaping the way people eat. The rise of “Girl Dinner 2.0” — the next wave of snack-style meals that swap structure for creativity — has people turning everyday bites into full-on dining experiences. Think tinned seafood, artisanal cheeses and gourmet crackers replacing the traditional turkey and sides setup.
That same energy fits right into Thanksgiving. These Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas embrace the art of flexible eating and they're perfect for grazing between Thanksgiving appetizers and Thanksgiving desserts, or for making the board itself the main event.
From charcuterie board ideas to Friendsgiving ideas and Thanksgiving potluck ideas, there are plenty of ways to build your board around the people you’re celebrating with. Skip the restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving and make your table feel personal with the kind of setup that looks as good as it tastes.
Jump to Section
- What to Put on a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
- Easy Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
- DIY Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board DIY Recipes & Delivery
- Practice Thanksgiving Cooking With Top Chefs
What to Put on a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
1. Assorted Meats
Let's start with meats. From salami to duck breasts, meats add an earthy and savory element to any Thanksgiving charcuterie board. Given the occasion, however, you may want to steer clear of any roast, smoked or marinated turkey... for obvious reasons.
Instead, try thinly sliced prosciutto seasoned with rock salt, finely hashed mortadella flavored with pistachios or delicately dry-cured serrano ham.
Don't feel obligated to choose just one! Meats come in all different flavors and textures. Some may be chewier, and others may be gamier. Mix and match the meats, allowing guests to forge their own path to the perfect pairing of crackers and cheese. Serve a Thanksgiving salad on the side filled with juicy fruits of the season to balance the meaty oils.
2. Savory Cheeses
Grab the Lactaid pills if you have to, because no Thanksgiving charcuterie board is complete without cheese. Cheeses are versatile as they add both a world of flavor and a world of texture to the smorgasbord.
Balance out those rich, gamy flavors with soft, semi-soft or hard cheeses. Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, goat cheese and burrata are buttery, tangy and oh-so-gooey.
Semi-soft cheeses like Havarti, fontina, Munster and Gouda are smooth and mild. While hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan (or Parmigiano-Reggiano), Asiago, and Pecorino are sharp, salty, and perfect for shaving or crumbling.
3. Choose the Right Crackers
Forget what you know about crackers. They’re not just filler on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board. These crunchy little bites deserve more credit.
Crackers bring texture, balance and the all-important crunch, plus they’re the perfect way to carry dips, spreads and cheese from board to bite. Try flax, poppy or sesame-packed varieties for a nutty note that pairs beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses like brie. For something a little sweeter, whole wheat crackers match perfectly with the sharp edge of cheddar.
4. Fall-Colored Fruits
Balance those savory notes with the sweet, fresh bite of seasonal fruit. From fresh to dried, fruit adds color, flavor and texture to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board that doubles as a great Thanksgiving breakfast idea.
Fruits bring a natural tang without the need for added sweetness. Try showcasing the vibrant hue of persimmons, the chewy and pleasant texture of dried apples and the tropical touch of sliced kiwi.
5. Vibrant Vegetables
Now that we've covered the sweet, the crunchy, the creamy and the savory, let us move on to the nutritional. Vegetables bring color, balance and a little extra nutrition to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
Enjoy the crisp snap of bell peppers, the cool saltiness of cucumber and the subtle spice of radish. Whether roasted, grilled, raw or pickled, veggies deserve a spot on your Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
6. Seasonal Nuts and Seeds
Bring extra texture and depth to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board with a mix of nuts and seeds. Almonds, cashews and pecans add a rich crunch that pairs perfectly with cheeses and meats.
For a lighter contrast, sprinkle in pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Their subtle flavor and delicate bite balance the bolder elements on the board.
7. Sweet Treats
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a few sweet touches can go a long way, especially for the kids. Sweets bring balance to all the salty and savory flavors, making your Thanksgiving charcuterie board more inviting for everyone at the table.
Try adding chocolate squares, a drizzle of honey or a few jars of fruit preserves for a little contrast and color.
Easy Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
8. Barbecue Style
Now, use these classic charcuterie elements to assemble a creative charcuterie like a barbecue-themed board. Barbecue is a wonderful flavor no matter the holiday, so for this Thanksgiving season, try focusing on the grilled and smoky flavor.
Incorporate cornbread, a selection of barbecue sauces, pulled pork, roasted veggies and sliced brisket.
9. Dips and Spreads
What do you dip on a charcuterie board in the fall? Pumpkin hummus, cranberry relish, maple pecan goat cheese, caramelized onion dip, spiced apple butter, roasted red pepper spread — the sheer number of dips and spreads you can add to your list of Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas is never-ending.
Whether you're in the mood for something subtle, savory or sweet, dips and spreads are a simple way to add a festive touch to your presentation.
While most dips are easy to make, you can simplify this Thanksgiving charcuterie board element even further by selecting some from the grocery store.
10. Tin Fish
Don’t knock it until you try it — tin fish is a great way to add a sophisticated touch to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board without having to spend all the money in your wallet.
They provide a salty, almost umami flavor that couples well with cheese, meats and fruit. Plus, tin fish tend to attract guests who appreciate an adventurous charcuterie board, so think of them as a good conversation starter.
Themed Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards
11. Herb It Up
Lean into all things aromatic and fresh with an herb-themed Thanksgiving charcuterie board. If you’re building a Thanksgiving turkey charcuterie board, this approach brings out rich, savory notes in every bite.
Include rosemary and oregano marinated turkey breast, dill-infused goat cheese and herb-spiced nuts to tie it all together.
12. Dried Ingredients
A dried-ingredient Thanksgiving charcuterie board brings together all the rich, concentrated flavors of the season. Think cured meats, dried fruit, kale chips and roasted chickpeas. It’s an easy Thanksgiving board idea that breaks from the usual cheese-and-cracker setup while still feeling festive and on-theme.
13. Autumn Delight
Build a classic Thanksgiving charcuterie board full of cozy fall flavors. Autumn brings out the best of cinnamon, apples and all things warm and spiced, so let those flavors guide your spread.
Combine smoked turkey, aged Gouda, peanut butter-dipped figs, roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and rye bread for a board that feels like mid-November. Don’t forget the apple butter. It'll look so good as a table centerpiece that looks the part amongst your Thanksgiving decoration ideas.
And unlike your Halloween charcuterie board, this one should look inviting, not terrifying.
14. Color Coordinated
A color-coordinated Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a dream for anyone who loves order and it's a surprisingly easy theme for everyone to get behind.
If you’re hosting and delegating charcuterie duty, pick a palette and keep it simple. Shades of gold, red and brown tie perfectly to the season and make the whole spread look effortlessly cohesive.
15. Around the World
Make it a tradition of exploring cultures outside of your own backyard with a country-themed Thanksgiving charcuterie board. Travel to France with pate, Roquefort cheese and, of course, a baguette.
Visit Germany with bratwurst, Limburger cheese and pickled vegetables. Stop by South America with Argentinian salami, queso de bola and plantain chips. Head to Mexico with Cotija cheese or Oaxaca cheese, tortilla chips and spicy salsas to round out your international spread.
16. Pair With Fondue
Up your cheese game with a warm and interactive element: a fondue pot. Guests can fill their plates with bite-size meats and breads to dip into a fountain of ooey, gooey goodness.
Whether you want to keep it savory with cheese fondue or sweet with chocolate fondue, this idea will add an entertaining aspect to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
17. Brunch Board
As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day... or night. Whether you want to start the Thanksgiving festivities off right or end it on a lighter note, a breakfast board is sure to impress.
Pile it with halved hard-boiled eggs topped with hollandaise, flaky honey croissants and a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice for a bright, refreshing start (or finish) to the holiday.
DIY Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board DIY Recipes & Delivery
18. Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Party
If you’ve been asking, how to assemble a charcuterie board for Thanksgiving? Try taking the pressure off and make it a group activity.
Pick up the essentials, set them out buffet-style, and let everyone create their own mini Thanksgiving charcuterie board. It’s a great way to keep guests entertained while they snack, especially if you’re after easy Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas, cheese board ideas or fun party food ideas.
19. Go Gourmet
If you’re after a Thanksgiving turkey charcuterie board that feels a little more refined, think artisanal rather than over-the-top.
This style celebrates craftsmanship — a balance of textures, flavors and care. Combine the best cured meats and bold cheeses with thoughtful pairings that honor indulgence. Try a traditional French saucisson sec alongside a creamy truffle Gouda for a spread that feels elegant without being excessive.
20. Farm to Table
Support local farmers and artisanal vendors by crafting your Thanksgiving charcuterie board using farm-to-table ingredients only. Visit your neighborhood grocer or weekend farmers market to find seasonal produce, small-batch cheeses and handcrafted meats. You might even discover the perfect locally raised turkey for your post-charcuterie Thanksgiving feast.
21. S'mores
When it comes to a Thanksgiving dessert charcuterie board, nothing impresses a crowd quite like a s'mores board. Filled with chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and other finger food ideas like special toppings like sprinkles and M&M's, a s'mores board is fun for the whole family.
Practice Thanksgiving Cooking With Top Chefs
Now that we’ve taken care of the Thanksgiving charcuterie board, there’s still a whole feast to prepare. But first, you must be prepared. Luckily, there’s a slew of top chefs out there who are waiting to help you make an unforgettable Thanksgiving menu.
Join cooking classes in Austin, Orlando, or Los Angeles, or explore online cooking classes and cooking classes near you to sharpen your skills. With a little expert guidance, you might just be the one everyone asks to cook again next year.
All that’s left to do is decide which Thanksgiving board you want to serve up this season. If you find yourself lacking an ingredient on Turkey Day, no worries, there are plenty of stores open on Thanksgiving. And don't forget to dress up your table with the very best Thanksgiving table decor ideas, because food also needs to look the part. Explore our top non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes if you're looking for something a little different.
For even more fun Thanksgiving food ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
