Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

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A Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board is the ultimate way to add a festive, eye-catching, and crowd-pleasing sweet touch to your holiday celebration. Unlike traditional desserts, this board offers variety and fun: from cheeses to chocolates, fruits to jams, every bite is a surprise. It effortlessly brings people together, encouraging conversation and grazing.

This board is ideal for entertaining guests of all ages. It pairs the cozy essence of fall with indulgent treats, fresh produce, and elegant presentation. Whether served before dinner as a sweet appetizer or after as a light dessert, it offers something for everyone without the stress of baking a dozen pies.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

• It’s no-bake and fully customizable.
• Appeals to a wide range of tastes—salty, sweet, fruity, creamy.
• Visually stunning and centerpiece-worthy.
• Perfect for mingling events or family gatherings.
• No two boards ever look the same, so it’s always a creative experience.

What Should I Include on a Dessert Charcuterie Board?

The beauty of a dessert board is in its versatility. Think beyond cookies and pies. Use textures and colors. Incorporate creamy cheeses, vibrant fruits, nuts, crunchy crackers, and seasonal elements like cranberry sauce or candied pecans. Even edible garnishes like rosemary or cinnamon sticks can add festive flair.

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Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

• Brie Cheese Wheel – A soft, creamy cheese that pairs beautifully with fruit and jam.
• White Cheddar Cheese Cubes – A sharper option that balances sweet elements.
• Cranberry Jam or Fig Spread – Adds richness and a touch of tart sweetness.
• Salted Pecans – Offer crunch and savory balance to the sweet bites.
• Dried Apricots – Chewy and bright, perfect for contrasting creamy cheeses.
• Fresh Grapes – Juicy and refreshing between bites.
• Cranberries or Pomegranate Seeds – Adds tartness and a seasonal pop.
• Assorted Crackers – A mix of plain and seeded crackers for variety and texture.
• Honey with Dipper – Drizzle over cheese or fruit for extra indulgence.
• Seasonal Cookies – Think pumpkin spice or shortbread.
• Mini Pumpkins or Edible Garnishes – Decorative but also thematic.

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How To Make the Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

Step 1: Choose Your Board

Select a large wooden or marble board. A lazy Susan or serving tray works, too. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all ingredients with a bit of breathing room.

Step 2: Place Anchor Items

Add larger items first, such as the Brie wheel, small bowls of jam or honey, and groups of cookies. These will serve as focal points for your board layout.

Step 3: Add Cheeses and Meats (Optional)

Arrange your white cheddar cubes and Brie slices. If you want a sweet-savory balance, thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto or salami work great.

Step 4: Fill in With Fruits and Nuts

Scatter fresh grapes, cranberries, and dried apricots around the board. Add clusters of salted pecans and pomegranate seeds for a seasonal pop.

Step 5: Layer in Crackers and Cookies

Fan out assorted crackers and cookies around the edges and between the other items. Vary texture and shape for visual appeal.

Step 6: Garnish and Final Touches

Tuck in sprigs of rosemary or thyme, place a few edible flowers or mini pumpkins, and drizzle honey just before serving.

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How to Serve This Festive Dessert Board

This board feeds 10 to 12 people comfortably, making it perfect for a mid-sized Thanksgiving gathering. Place it in a central location and serve with small plates and cheese knives. Pair it with hot cider, coffee, or dessert wine for an elevated finish.

Storing the Leftovers

To store leftovers, wrap any soft cheeses in wax paper, then plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Dried fruits and nuts can be returned to airtight containers. Crackers and cookies should be stored separately to maintain crunch. Leftovers can be enjoyed for up to 3 days post-event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this board ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add crackers and cookies right before serving to keep them crisp.

2. What if I’m serving a larger crowd?
Double the ingredients or create two separate boards to place in different areas for easy guest access.

3. Can I make this board kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and animal crackers for a sweet twist kids will love.

4. Do I need to include cheese?
Not necessarily. You can focus solely on sweets like fudge, cookies, and candies. However, cheese adds variety and pairs well with sweet toppings.

5. How long can the board sit out?
Up to 2 hours is ideal. After that, fresh fruit and soft cheeses may begin to spoil.

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Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving this sweet take on charcuterie, here are more festive treats worth trying:

• Mini Pecan Pies for bite-sized fall flavor.
• Pumpkin Bread that’s moist, spiced, and freezer-friendly.
• Apple Pie Egg Rolls with a crispy twist.
• Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles for chewy cookie perfection.
• No Bake Pecan Pie Balls as an easy prep-ahead option.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all-sweet or mix in savory too? Try a chocolate drizzle or candied bacon?

I love hearing how you personalize these boards. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other for the holidays.

For more daily holiday recipes and sweet boards, check out my Pinterest at Life With Livia.

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