Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons—the cooler weather, the cozy gatherings, and all the rich, earthy flavors that come with it.

This Fall Harvest Board is my go-to appetizer when I want something seasonal, colorful, and inviting.

It celebrates everything I love about autumn: crisp apples, creamy cheeses, roasted nuts, cured meats, and warm, comforting dips.

It’s the kind of board that brings people together, sparks conversation, and sets the tone for a relaxed fall get-together.

What I enjoy most is how simple it is to assemble while still looking incredibly impressive. It feels rustic, abundant, and completely customizable—perfect for Thanksgiving, fall parties, tailgating, or even a quiet evening at home with family.

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Recipe Highlights

A Fall Harvest Board is the ultimate autumn-inspired grazing platter. It blends sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy, and salty flavors, creating a balanced and exciting spread.

The board is designed to be easy to nibble from, encouraging guests to mix and match ingredients to build their own perfect bites.

This board features seasonal fruits, hearty cheeses, cured meats, nuts, crackers, and a warm dip to make it feel cozy and satisfying.

It’s also incredibly flexible—swap, add, or remove anything you like based on preference or availability.

• Beautiful seasonal presentation

• Easy to customize with fall flavors and ingredients

• No cooking required (optional warm dip included)

• Feels cozy, rustic, and abundant

• Perfect for parties, gatherings, and holidays

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredient Notes

Apple slices – Crisp, sweet, and perfectly seasonal; pairs well with cheese and meats.

Pear slices – Adds a soft, juicy texture and mellow sweetness.

Red grapes – Provide freshness and color contrast.

Aged cheddar cheese – Sharp, rich flavor that complements sweet fall fruits.

Brie cheese – Creamy and mild, great for spreading on crackers.

Goat cheese – Tangy and earthy, ideal for pairing with nuts and honey.

Salami or prosciutto – Adds savory depth and a salty balance to sweet elements.

Roasted nuts (almonds or pecans) – Crunchy and warm, perfect for a fall theme.

Crackers and sliced baguette – Serves as a base to stack meats, cheeses, and fruits.

Honey or fig jam – Adds a touch of sweetness that elevates cheeses.

Pumpkin hummus or warm cheese dip – Adds cozy, seasonal flavor and richness.

How to Make My Fall Harvest Board

Step 1: Choose your board – Use a large wooden board or platter to achieve a rustic fall look.

Step 2: Place the cheeses – Add the cheddar, brie, and goat cheese as anchor points around the board.

Step 3: Layer in the meats – Fold or roll cured meats and place them near the cheeses.

Step 4: Add fruits – Arrange apples, pears, and grapes in clusters to add color and freshness.

Step 5: Fill in with crunch – Scatter roasted nuts and place crackers and baguette slices around the edges.

Step 6: Add dips and sweetness – Place honey, fig jam, or pumpkin hummus in small bowls.

Step 7: Garnish for fall vibe – Add rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks for aroma and autumn flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mulled cider, red wine, or sparkling water

• Serve alongside roasted vegetables

• Add a bowl of butternut squash soup

• Include sliced roasted turkey breast

• Offer dark chocolate squares for a sweet finish

Tips for the Best Fall Harvest Board

For a stunning board, focus on color, texture, and balance. Place contrasting ingredients next to each other to create visual interest, and cluster items rather than spreading them out too thinly.

Use seasonal flavors like honey, pumpkin, and spices to enhance the autumn theme. Slice fruits just before serving to prevent browning, and keep dips warm if possible to give the board a cozy, comforting feel.

Don’t overthink it—rustic and imperfect often looks best!

Cozy Fall Harvest Charcuterie Board

Recipe by JoanneCourse: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

people
Prep time

20

minutes
Calories per serving

325

kcal

This Fall Harvest Board is a cozy, colorful, and delicious autumn appetizer that highlights seasonal flavors and creates a warm gathering atmosphere.

Ingredients

  • Apple slices – 1 cup

  • Pear slices – 1 cup

  • Red grapes – 1 cup

  • Aged cheddar cheese – 1 cup cubed

  • Brie cheese – 1 small wheel

  • Goat cheese – ½ cup crumbled

  • Salami or prosciutto – ½ pound

  • Roasted almonds or pecans – ½ cup

  • Crackers – 2 cups assorted varieties

  • Sliced baguette – 1 cup

  • Honey – 2 tablespoons

  • Fig jam – 2 tablespoons

  • Pumpkin hummus or warm cheese dip – ½ cup

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs – 4 to 6 sprigs

Directions

  • Select a large wooden board or platter.
  • Place cheeses in three anchor spots around the board.
  • Add folded meats next to the cheeses.
  • Arrange fruits in colorful clusters.
  • Add crackers and baguette slices around the edges.
  • Fill gaps with nuts for texture and balance.
  • Place honey, jam, or dip into small bowls and add to the board.
  • Garnish with rosemary sprigs to enhance the fall theme.

Notes

  • Add dried apricots or figs for extra sweetness.
  • Use gluten-free crackers if needed.
  • Swap meats with roasted turkey slices for a fall twist.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg lightly over fruits for added warmth.

Storage of Leftovers

• Store leftover meats and cheeses in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

• Keep crackers separate to maintain crispness.

• Consume fruits within one day.

Cozy Fall Harvest Charcuterie Board