Easy Fall Charcuterie Board Recipe

This fall charcuterie board brings together the most beautiful autumn flavors in one stunning appetizer that requires zero cooking skills. I love how this seasonal spread transforms ordinary ingredients into a gorgeous centerpiece that celebrates everything cozy about fall gatherings.

Last weekend, I assembled this gorgeous fall charcuterie board for our Friendsgiving celebration, and watching everyone gather around to admire the autumn colors before diving in reminded me why these seasonal boards are pure magic. The combination of creamy seasonal cheeses, perfectly spiced cured meats, and fresh fall fruits creates a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of the season. This fall charcuterie board recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with whatever seasonal ingredients you find at your local market, making it perfect for any autumn gathering from cozy date nights to large holiday parties.

Essential Autumn Ingredients You’ll Need

I always recommend shopping your grocery store’s deli section first for the most unique seasonal cheese selections. Pro tip: ask the cheese counter staff about their current fall varieties – they often have limited-time pumpkin spice or sage-infused options that elevate any fall charcuterie board.

Seasonal Cheeses:

• 1 wheel Brie cheese (for decorative leaf cutout with apricot jam)
• 8 oz aged cheddar, cubed
• 6 oz pumpkin spice cheese (seasonal option)
• 6 oz sage-infused cheese (seasonal option)

Cured Meats:

• 4 oz salami, sliced
• 4 oz pepperoni, sliced
• 3 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced

Fall Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 2 fresh apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work best)
• 2 fresh pears, sliced
• 6-8 fresh figs, halved
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup pecans

Festive Spreads and Dips:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 oz fig jam
• 3 oz apricot spread
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup pumpkin hummus (seasonal option)

Crackers and Bread:

• 2 varieties assorted crackers
• 1 package breadsticks
• 1/2 sliced baguette
• 1 bag leaf-shaped tortilla chips (Trader Joe’s)
• 1 package maple leaf cookies (Trader Joe’s)

Decorative Elements:

• 3-4 mini pumpkins
• Leaf-shaped cookie cutters

Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions

I recommend taking a flatlay photo of your empty board first and sketching a quick layout plan – this makes assembly so much smoother and helps create the most balanced visual appeal.

Step 1: Choose your foundation by selecting a large wooden cutting board or platter, ideally 18 inches or larger. A lazy Susan-style board works beautifully for this fall charcuterie board because guests can easily rotate and access all the seasonal goodies.

Step 2: Create your stunning Brie centerpiece by carefully slicing off the top quarter inch of the Brie wheel using a sharp cheese knife. Use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a decorative leaf shape from this top piece, then spread a generous layer of apricot jam over the bottom section before placing the cutout piece back on top.

Step 3: Position your focal points by placing the decorated Brie, mini pumpkins, and a small bowl of caramel in a triangular pattern across the board, spacing them evenly to create visual balance and draw the eye around your fall charcuterie board.

Step 4: Arrange the remaining cheeses in different sections of the board, creating additional visual anchors. I like to cube the aged cheddar and place seasonal varieties like pumpkin spice cheese near complementary elements.

Step 5: Fold or gently roll your cured meats and arrange them near the cheeses, creating natural pairings. The prosciutto looks especially elegant when draped in loose folds near the Brie.

Step 6: Fill small bowls with your spreads and dips, then nestle them strategically throughout the board. Place the honey near the nuts and the fig jam close to the cheddar for intuitive pairings.

Step 7: Scatter your fall fruits and nuts around the cheeses and meats, creating a colorful autumn mosaic. Place apple slices near the caramel for an obvious pairing that guests will love.

Step 8: Complete your fall charcuterie board by laying crackers, maple leaf cookies, and sliced baguette around the edges, ensuring easy access for serving while maintaining the beautiful autumn aesthetic.

Perfect Fall Pairing Ideas

Start with complementary flavors that highlight the seasonal theme and create a well-rounded tasting experience.

Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices perfectly complement the aged cheddar and seasonal cheeses while echoing the autumn fruit selections.

Pinot Noir: This medium-bodied red wine pairs beautifully with both the cured meats and the rich Brie, while its earthy notes enhance the fall ambiance.

Harvest Salad: A mixed greens salad with candied pecans, dried cranberries, and apple vinaigrette creates a light contrast to the rich charcuterie elements.

Butternut Squash Soup: Serve small cups of this seasonal favorite alongside your fall charcuterie board for the ultimate autumn appetizer spread.

Maple Glazed Acorn Squash: The sweetness complements the savory meats while reinforcing the seasonal theme with beautiful fall colors.

Smart Storage and Serving Tips

Store your fall charcuterie board components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembly, keeping cheeses wrapped and fruits in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Assemble your board no more than 2 hours before serving for optimal appearance and food safety. If you need to prepare earlier, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until 30 minutes before guests arrive.

Pro tip: I always set out small plates and cocktail napkins around the board, and provide separate knives for different cheeses to prevent flavor mixing. Any leftovers should be broken down and stored in individual airtight containers within 2 hours of serving.

Explore More Charcuterie Board Creations

Build your charcuterie skills with our foundational gorgeous charcuterie board guide that teaches essential assembly techniques for any gathering. For a simpler autumn approach, try our classic fall charcuterie board with traditional seasonal ingredients and easy assembly steps. When Christmas arrives, create magic with our Christmas charcuterie board recipe featuring festive tree-shaped variations and holiday pairings. Don’t forget our Thanksgiving charcuterie board for the ultimate holiday appetizer that keeps guests happy while you prep the main meal.

Common Questions About Fall Charcuterie Boards

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