Thanksgiving Cheese Board: Creative Holiday Platter

Here at Chomps we love our charcuterie boards but we love them even more during the holidays. If you're not one for cooking a side dish to bring to Thanksgiving, we have the perfect option for you - bring this Thanksgiving Day Cheese Board to wow all of your friends and family. 

A Thanksgiving cheese platter is an excellent way to kick off your holiday gathering because it offers guests a chance to mingle and sample various flavors while the main dishes are still being prepared. It's versatile, visually appealing, and can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, which makes it ideal for diverse groups of family and friends.

Creating a Thanksgiving cheese board allows you to showcase seasonal ingredients and introduce unique flavor combinations. You can incorporate traditional Thanksgiving elements like cranberries or pumpkin-spiced nuts alongside classic cheeses and cured meats. This balance of familiar and surprising elements is sure to intrigue and delight your guests.

P.s. this cheese board for Thanksgiving is a great way to sneak some Chomps into your holiday celebration and get your friends and family hooked on them.
 

Why a Thanksgiving Cheese Board Is a Must-Have Appetizer

A Thanksgiving cheese board is the perfect addition to your holiday spread. It offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will please all your guests. This versatile platter can ultimately serve as a collection of Thanksgiving snacks that sets the tone for your festive gathering. 

Not only is a Thanksgiving cheese platter visually stunning, but it's also incredibly convenient for hosts. You can prepare it in advance and free up valuable time on the big day to focus on other dishes or spend time with loved ones.

One of the greatest advantages of a Thanksgiving cheese board is its ability to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. By including a range of cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and gluten-free crackers, you ensure that everyone can find something they enjoy. 

This versatility makes it an ideal choice for accommodating guests with different tastes or dietary restrictions.

Choosing Cheeses for Your Thanksgiving Cheese Board

When selecting cheeses for your Thanksgiving cheese platter, aim for a diverse array of flavors, textures, and milk types. A well-rounded board might include:

1. A soft, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert
2. A sharp, aged Cheddar for a classic flavor
3. A tangy Goat Cheese for brightness
4. A bold Blue Cheese for those who enjoy stronger flavors

Mix soft and hard cheeses to provide textural variety. Consider including both mild and strong-flavored options to cater to different palates. 

Remember, the goal of your Thanksgiving cheese board is to offer a range of holiday snacks that appeal to everyone.

Thanksgiving Cheese Board Pairings

To elevate your Thanksgiving cheese platter, pair your dairy choices with complementary accompaniments:

• Fruits: Fresh grapes, sliced apples and pears, and dried apricots add sweetness and freshness.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans provide crunch and earthiness.
• Crackers & Breads: Offer a variety of artisan crackers, baguette slices, and multigrain crisps. Include gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
• Condiments: Honey, fig or cranberry jam, and gourmet mustards enhance cheese flavors.
• Charcuterie: Thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, or other cured meats add savory depth.

These pairings not only complement your cheeses but also offer a balance of flavors and textures on your Thanksgiving cheese board. The combination of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and savory meats creates a harmonious blend of snacks that will delight your guests' palates and keep them coming back for more.

Seasonal Additions

Elevate your Thanksgiving cheese board with these autumnal ingredients:

• Cranberries (fresh and dried): Add tartness and vibrant red color
• Roasted pumpkin seeds: Provide crunch and nutty flavor
• Fresh or dried figs: Bring sweet, sophisticated touch
• Pomegranate arils: Offer juicy brightness and jewel-toned appeal

Try pairing cranberries with brie or figs with cheddar. They also add textural contrast and create a visually stunning display with fall colors, celebrating the season's bounty.

By incorporating these ingredients, your Thanksgiving cheese platter becomes more festive and offers a delicious way to showcase fall flavors. It's perfect for those creating a low-carb grocery list for Thanksgiving that doesn’t sacrifice on indulgence.

Your thoughtfully arranged Thanksgiving cheese board will impress guests with its visual appeal, provide a range of flavors and textures, and serve as a standout feature of your holiday spread. It truly becomes a celebration of fall, offering a perfect start to your holiday meal.

How to Make a Thanksgiving Cheese Board

Ingredients for Your Thanksgiving Cheese Tray 

• 2-3 sliced persimmons
• 1 fresh pomegranate 
• Brie 
• White cheddar
• Bleu cheese 
• A spreadable cheese (think unexpected cheddar spread from Trader Joe’s)
• Fig crackers (Trader Joe's has a great option or we like Mary's Gone Crackers) 
• Small pickles 
• Fake white and orange mini pumpkins
• A handful of white/green grapes  
• 6-8oz blackberries
• Original Beef Chomps (2 to 3 sticks on board) 
• Salami 
• Prosciutto
• Fresh figs (if you can’t find at your local store you can always substitute for dried apples, dried figs or fresh honeycrisp apple slices) 
• Your favorite mixed berry or cherry preserves or jam 
  
  

5 Steps for Arranging an Attractive Thanksgiving Cheese Platter

1. Choose your board and place the small bowls for condiments: Select a large, flat surface like a wooden board or slate. Position small bowls for jams and preserves.
2. Arrange the cheese first: Place your cheeses (Brie, white cheddar, blue cheese, and spreadable cheese) evenly spaced on the board. Cut some into cubes or slices for easy serving.
3. Add charcuterie and crackers: Arrange salami, prosciutto, and Chomps meat sticks near the cheeses. Place crackers in a fan pattern or stack them vertically.
4. Fill in with fruits and nuts: Add persimmon slices, pomegranate arils, grapes, blackberries, and figs around the cheeses and meats. Sprinkle nuts in empty spaces.
5. Fill in the condiments and add the seasonal holiday touch: Fill bowls with jams and preserves. Place pickles and mini pumpkins for a festive Thanksgiving touch.

Additional Directions

1. Decorate the Thanksgiving cheese board similar to the photo above or however you see best fit. Making a charcuterie and/or cheese board is unique to you and that's what makes them so fun around the holidays!
2. We used a cookie cutter on top of the brie cheese to top with jam to get the effect of a leaf stencil on top of the cheese. 
3. If traveling, we recommend bringing all of your ingredients in reusable bags or tupperware and organizing your board once you get to your destination! This also makes for a fun activity while Thanksgiving dinner is being prepped! :) 
   
   

Creative Thanksgiving Cheese Board Ideas

For inspiration, consider these innovative ideas for Thanksgiving cheese platters:

1. Half Baked Harvest's "Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board": This whimsical design uses a pear for the turkey's body and arranges meats and cheeses as "feathers", creating a fun, holiday-specific conversation starter.
2. Life As A Strawberry's “Traditional Thanksgiving Cheese Platter”: Featuring a cranberry goat cheese log, this board balances flavors and textures while emphasizing visual appeal in its arrangement.

Both ideas demonstrate the versatility of Thanksgiving cheese platters. Whether you opt for a themed design or a classic arrangement, your board should include a variety of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments while incorporating seasonal elements.

Remember, the goal is to create a Thanksgiving cheese board that brings joy to your gathering and sets a festive tone for your holiday meal. Mix flavors, textures, and colors to reflect the autumn theme and enhance the festive atmosphere.