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Perfect Harvest Charcuterie Board

Perfect Harvest Charcuterie Board - featured image

A simple, seasonal charcuterie board featuring a balanced mix of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and roasted fruits, nuts, and breads, perfect for easy autumn entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz sharp aged cheddar cheese (e.g., Cabot)
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese log, room temperature
  • 2 oz blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 3 oz soppressata or spicy salami
  • 2 medium pears, ripe but firm, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup red grapes, washed and halved
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup Marcona almonds
  • 2 tablespoons fig jam or honey
  • ½ cup mixed olives
  • 1 small rustic sourdough loaf, sliced and toasted
  • 1 box whole grain crackers

Instructions

  1. Rinse grapes and slice them in half. Thinly slice pears just before assembling to prevent browning.
  2. Roast butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  3. Lightly toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
  4. Slice the sourdough into ½-inch thick pieces. Toast in a toaster or under the broiler until golden and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the sharp cheddar in one corner of the board, slicing a few pieces for presentation.
  6. Crumble the blue cheese nearby, and position the goat cheese log with a spreader knife on a small plate or directly on the board.
  7. Fold prosciutto slices loosely and fan them out next to the cheeses. Do the same with soppressata or salami.
  8. Scatter grapes and pear slices around the board, integrating roasted squash cubes for a warm touch.
  9. Sprinkle toasted nuts in small clusters, adding texture and visual interest.
  10. Place mixed olives and fig jam or honey in small bowls or ramekins on the board.
  11. Stack crackers on one side and arrange toasted sourdough slices on the opposite edge for balance.
  12. Drizzle a little honey over the goat cheese or pears if desired, and tuck small fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs between items for color and aroma.

Notes

Assemble the board just before guests arrive to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Keep sliced fruits covered if prepping early. Use warm knives for slicing soft cheeses to avoid sticking. Avoid overcrowding the board for a balanced presentation. Substitute fruits and nuts seasonally or for dietary needs. Toast bread shortly before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, harvest, autumn, seasonal entertaining, cheese platter, easy appetizer, nuts, fruits, cured meats