Get ready to create a Thanksgiving masterpiece with this Turkey Cheese Board guide. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or a cozy holiday meal, this cheese board is the perfect starter. Featuring a medley of gourmet cheeses, savory meats, and crisp fruits and veggies, it's a holiday appetizer that doubles as a table centerpiece.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword charcuterie, cheese board, thanksgiving
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 12
Calories 201kcal
Ingredients
Cheese Ball - Use your favorite recipe. I used my sun-dried tomato cheese ball recipe. If you want, you can choose one from this cheese ball recipe collection.
Meat - Add cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni.
Cheese - Sliced and cubed cheeses work best for this display. Use your favorites.
Fruits - Incorporate a variety of fruits like grapes, pomegranate seeds, etc. I didn’t use much on my board but add as many or as little as you like.
Vegetables - Since I used yellow and red bell peppers to create the turkey’s facial features. I decided to use peppers in the spread too. The colors are perfect for Thanksgiving. You’ll also need some carrots for the turkey legs.
Brined, pickled, and marinated Items - I just used olives on my turkey cheese board but feel free to include whatever you like.
Crackers, bread, or crostini - My go-to is La Panzanella Croccantini. Their crispiness is incredible, and their long shape works well for this design.
Whole clove or peppercorns - You’ll only need two of these to create the turkey’s eyes.
Instructions
Begin by preparing your selected cheese ball recipe. Set it in the refrigerator to chill and firm.
Select a large round serving platter to start assembling your Turkey Cheese Board. Begin by placing crackers around the edge of the platter, creating a semi-circle to resemble a turkey’s feathers. Leave spaces for cheese and other ingredients. This will frame your cheese board and set the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
Next, take your cheese ball and mold it into a pear shape for the turkey’s body. Place this cheese ball below the center towards the bottom of your platter. This will serve as the focal point of your board.
Proceed by arranging slices of meat around the cheese ball, mimicking the ruffled feathers of a turkey. The variety of meats will add both flavor and texture to your board.
Then, position different types of cheese slices around the edge of the meats. Use a mixture of different shapes and sizes of cheese to add visual appeal.
Now, fill in the empty spaces with small items like grapes, olives, and sliced vegetables. Distribute them evenly across the board to maintain a visually appealing and balanced arrangement.
For the turkey’s features, cut pieces of red and yellow bell peppers to create the beak and snood, and shape carrot sticks into legs and feet. Add two cloves or peppercorns to represent the eyes, giving your turkey character and a touch of whimsy.
Once you've placed all your ingredients, take a moment to look over the board. If you notice any sparse spots, add more of the smaller items to achieve a bountiful and inviting display.
If you're not serving the board right away, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the cheeses soften for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
Nutritional facts are provided below; however, they will vary greatly depending on the items used and the volume consumed.