This pumpkin-shaped cheese board is perfect for fall celebrations. It uses simple ingredients, it’s quick to assemble and makes a festive centerpiece.
Use any orange foods or produce you would like on a charcuterie board while keeping the cheddar as the main "ingredient".
This is perfect for 2 or 3 people, but its size can be increased by adding more foods or doubling the recipe.
How to make a pumpkin cheese board for Thanksgiving
Ingredients:
Cheese, mandarins, crackers, orange bell peppers, pretzels and dried apricots are all you need to make it!
Process:
Assemble the boars. Start with mandarin oranges on one side and crackers on the other side. Fill the “hole” with cheese, apricots and sliced peppers. Finally, make the stem with pretzels.
Recipe Q&A
Dried mango is a good alternative. If you want to keep it simple, use carrots. Then, just serve a dip of your choice to go with it. Smoked salmon dip or pumpkin hummus are great options.
The cheese board can be of any size. The minimum is about 10 inches (25 centimeters) and that is what I used. If you use a large tray/plate/platter, you will need more food though.
Use blackberries, blueberries or olives to add eyes and a mouth and turn it into a jack-o-lantern.
Make ahead
This pumpkin appetizer can be made in advance. However, if you live in a humid climate or keep the assembled board in the refrigerator for an extended period, the crackers will become soft.
To avoid this, add them right before serving. Another great option is to prepare all the foods in advance and store them in an airtight container, then assemble them shortly before serving.
Serving board
I used a round wooden chopping board. If you don’t have one, use a round flat plate or a serving platter. If you are using a tray that is not made for carrying food, use baking parchment as well.
More Thanksgiving appetizers for you to try
- Turkey Charcuterie Board – An easy yet impressive snack board, so you have something to nibble on.
- Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls – If you are looking for more pumpkin-themed foods, add this to your Thanksgiving Menu.
- Pear Pomegranate Salsa – A different but delicious salsa, just the perfect food to try for this special Holiday gathering.
Easy Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Board
Ingredients
- 2 mandarins (peeled)
- 14 orange crackers (of your choice, see note 1)
- 8 ounces orange cheddar (240 grams, diced, see note 2)
- 3.5 ounces dried apricots
- 4 baby orange bell peppers (see note 3)
- 10 pretzels (see note 4)
Instructions
- Place a round cutting board or a round platter (at least 10-inch/25 centimeters wide) on your work surface.
- Arrange the mandarins on the left side and crackers on the opposite side, to form the shape of a pumpkin.
- Fill the center in the middle with cheese cubes, dried apricots and sliced bell peppers.
- Finally, arrange the pretzels at the top to resemble a pumpkin stem.
- Serve as is, or with pumpkin hummus or your favorite dip on the side.
Notes
- Use any orange-colored crackers. Depending on their thickness, you might need to adjust their quantity.
- I used a combination of Cheddar and French Mimolette cheese. You can use any orange-colored cheese you like or find in your local store.
- Both orange and yellow peppers look good on the charcuterie board. They can be substituted with carrot sticks.
- If you prefer chocolate-covered pretzels, feel free to use them instead. Use as many as you like to make the stem.
- This recipe serves 2 to 3 people.
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