How to Make a Halloween Charcuterie Board
I recently put together a fun Halloween Charcuterie board to take to our friend’s house for dinner.
She immediately sent a pic of it to another friend and said, “See! THIS is why I can’t have Erica Fox over!”
It made me laugh.
But honestly, it’s super simple and I got most of the decor for cheap online and the food at Aldi so it was even budget-friendly.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want to enjoy some ghoulish goodies while watching your favorite Halloween movies, a themed charcuterie board can be a fun addition.
Let’s dive into the essentials for crafting the perfect Halloween charcuterie board!
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Planning Your Halloween Charcuterie Board
- A charcuterie board is an appealing spread put on a serving board or platter, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Charcuterie boards usually feature a variety of ingredients, including cured meats, cheeses, crackers, breads, fruits, nuts, veggies, and condiments.
- Consider the theme and color scheme for your board, such as Valentine’s Day, a charcuterie board for a Kentucky Derby Party, or in this case- a Halloween-inspired theme.
- Plan the layout and arrangement of your board to create a visually appealing display.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
- Charcuterie is the art of creating and assembling a variety of meats and cheese.
- Charcuterie is pronounced [shahr-koo-tuh–ree]. I only add it because some people struggle with it.
- Explore different types of cheese and meats to create the perfect charcuterie board.
Choosing the Perfect Board
- Choose a tray or board that fits the size of your gathering and sets the tone for a spooky vibe.
- Consider using a black or dark metal tray, a dark wood cutting board, or a large black or gray ceramic platter.
- I found a tray that’s in the shape of a coffin which is fitting. I like the one pictured above because it has edges so the excess cheese and other items don’t fall out.
- Use a medium-sized board or get creative with different types of boards.
- Consider using a cutting board, wooden pizza board, or serving platter.
Selecting Meats and Cheeses for Your Halloween Cheese Board
- Choose meats your people like best, such as deli turkey or prosciutto.
- Consider using capicola, a cured meat similar to prosciutto, for a unique flavor.
- Choose cheeses that your crowd will prefer, or pick unique and spooky options with different textures and flavors.
- I usually like to serve mine with a combination of fresh brie, white cheddar, delicious mozzarella, and even goat cheese. I just like to have a variety.
Adding Fresh and Dried Fruits
Fresh Fruits
- Use fruit to add a pop of color this Halloween season.
- Fruit and figs pair well with salty and savory flavors on the board.
- Consider using apples, pears, and grapes for a festive touch.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
- Use dried fruits like cranberries, dried apricots, and raisins to add natural sweetness.
- If you wanted to add a dried orange, dried apricots or tangerine the orange color addition would be perfect for the boards.
- The sweetness pairs well with cheeses and meats on the board.
- I used peanuts for mine because it’s what I already had but you can add any kind of nuts you like to your boards. Consider almonds, pecans, marcona almonds or even the seeds of pumpkins.
Adding Crackers and Breads
- Use an assortment of crackers to add variety and options.
- Try different sizes and shapes of crackers.
- Display crackers around the cheeses or fan them out.
- Consider using olive crisps or other savory crackers for a unique flavor.
- I put olives in small bowls – the green color is cool. I also like to add a small bowl of honey.
Creating a Festive Halloween Charcuterie Board
- Add skulls, and a skeleton or skeleton hands making it instantly more Halloween-like.
- Use knife cupcake toppers, and candy eyeballs, and decorate the board with seasonal flowers.
- Consider throwing a few plastic spiders in there – great fillers.
Assembling the Board
- Start by adding a centerpiece, such as a skeleton or bowl.
- Fill in the rest of the board with a variety of items.
- Don’t be afraid to move things around until you’re happy with the layout.
- Assembling the board should be fun, not stressful!
- You can fill in any gaps with things you have. I sometimes like to add fresh basil as a garnish because I often have a ton of it in my garden.
Tips and Tricks for Charcuterie Boards
- Consider the colors and shapes of the items you’re using.
- Slice cheese into different shapes to add visual interest.
- Use a small cookie cutter to cut out cheese into different shapes.
- Pro-tip – I didn’t have any cookie cutters small enough to cut out the round eyes of my cheese skeleton head. Plus I find sometimes the cookie cutters aren’t deep enough. I grabbed a mini bottle of booze we were gifted when we went to Mexica recently (AMAZING trip by the way) and the bottom off of it. I then used the round top of it to cut out my eyes. I was able to pop the cheese out of the bottle with a small knife.
- I then filled the eyes and mouth with strawberry jelly. I meant to do the mouth with jelly and the eyes with honey but I forgot about the honey.
- Another Pro-tip – put the soft cheese (like brie) in the freezer for about 20 minutes before trying to cut it. It makes it easier to work with.
- Keep the board balanced and visually appealing by varying the colors and shapes.
Making it Ahead of Time
- Yes, you can prepare your delicious charcuterie board in advance and save it in the fridge, but add fruit like apples and pears just before serving so they don’t get mushy.
- If you use a fun container like the light-up Boo tray above, turn the lights off until you present it.
- Leave the bread and crackers off until serving time, assemble the board then cover it with plastic wrap.
- Store the board in the fridge for up to 4 hours or at room temperature for up to an hour before serving.
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Charcuterie Board FAQs
What should I include on my Halloween charcuterie board?
Include a mix of meats (like salami and prosciutto), cheeses (cheddar, brie), seasonal fruits (like grapes and apple slices), nuts, crackers, and some fun Halloween-themed treats like gummy worms, candy corn, or ghost-shaped cheeses!
How do I arrange the items on the board?
Start with larger items like cheese and meats, arranging them in clusters.
Fill in the gaps with smaller items like nuts and fruit.
Get creative by using different heights and colors for a visually appealing layout!
Can I make a charcuterie board ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare most of the items a few hours in advance.
Just keep the board covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Add any fresh items, like herbs or garnishes, just before serving.
What size board should I use?
The size of your board will depend on the number of guests.
For small gatherings, a 16-inch board works well, while larger parties might require a 24-inch or bigger board.
Just make sure it has enough space for all your goodies!
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for a charcuterie board?
Yes! Replace meats with a variety of plant-based options like hummus, olives, roasted vegetables, and a selection of cheeses made from nuts.
You can also include fruits, nuts, and crackers for a delicious vegetarian or vegan spread!
Conclusion
There you have it—a fun Halloween charcuterie board that’s sure to be the highlight of your festivities!
🎃 Whether you’re going for creepy, cute, or a little bit of both, the key is to have fun and get creative with your ingredients.
Don’t forget to snap some pics before your guests dig in; your Instagram will thank you!
So gather your favorite treats, invite some friends over, and let the Halloween munching begin!
Happy snacking!
Bonus picture! Speaking of cool charcuterie boards, this was my friend’s from her daughter’s 5th birthday party but it would also be perfect for the holidays. I love the addition of mini pickles, and veggies and the cheddar cheese is in a bowl made of cheese!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
